As we progress through 2025, these issues continue to evolve, prompting our institute to broaden its focus on youth and their global contexts. To foster constructive dialogue on these topics, the Youth Research Institute is organizing the second annual "Emerging Voices: Perspectives from the Next Generation of Scholars in Youth Research" conference in Budapest on May 14, 2025. ​This year, we have invited aspiring PhD candidates and young professionals from around the world to share their research, findings, and perspectives on the state of youth and generational dynamics, focusing on the following themes:

  • The characteristics of today’s youth social relationships – exploring family, friendship, and community dynamics.
  • The dark side of being young in the 21st century – examining new dependencies, fetishes, and fears.
  • The plans and future visions of young people in an era of uncertainty – analyzing aspirations and future trajectories amidst global challenges.

Program:

10:00 – 10:05: Welcome Address

  • Zoltán Szalai; Director General, MCC

10:05 – 11:05: Opening Lectures

  • Dr. Isabel Rodríguez de Dios; University of Salamanca
  • Dr. Georgina Kiss-Kozma; Youth Research Institute
  • Dr. Milson Veloso; Corvinus University of Budapest

11:05 – 11:25: Coffee Break

11:25 – 12:05: Characteristics of Youth Social Relationships Today – Family, Friends, and Community

  • Ilona Dabney-Fekete and Ágnes Réka Dusa; University of Debrecen
  • Fatemeh Faroughi; University of Debrecen

12:05 – 13:05: Lunch Break

13:05 – 14:05: The Darker Sides of Youth in the 21st Century – New Addictions, Fetishes, and Anxieties

  • Amanda Fortuna-Sobczak; Adam Mickiewicz University
  • Dr. Nomatter Sande; University of Glasgow
  • Ignacia Sierra; University of Sussex

14:05 – 14:25: Coffee Break

14:25 – 15:25: Youth Aspirations and Visions for the Future in an Age of Uncertainty – Analyzing Ambitions and Career Paths Amid Global Challenges

  • Meyly Kheng; University of Debrecen
  • Liam Miles; University of Northampton
  • Epsilandri Septyarini; Sarjanawiyata Tamansiswa University

15:25 – 15:30: Closing Remarks

  • Levente Székely; Director, Youth Research Institute