Historical Conference – The Role of Universities in Small Scale Societies
First NUSCT conference held in the Faroe Islands in june 2025: “The Role of Universities in Small Scale Societies”
The University of the Faroe Islands will would like to welcome you to the NUSCT Historical Conference which will be held on 2-3 June 2025 at the Faculty of History and Social Sciences, J. Broncksgøta 25, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.
The universities in the NUSCT co-operation are all part of small-scale societies, and the theme of the conference is which role universities have in such societies.
Universities in small scale societies have a different role to play in their communities, whether it is local or national, compared to universities in large countries. Many universities in these societies are established with a certain purpose, e.g. to stop out-migration or to preserve local culture and language. Universities can also play a vital role in modernising local communities, and in this effort, universities often have a close connection to political institutions. These purposes can give universities in small scale societies certain challenges. A consequence can be, that there is more focus on education and applied science than in universities in larger societies.
In line with this theme, we welcome presentations on the following topics:
The role of the university in democracy and political institutions
The prioritisation of research fields in small scale societies – e.g. society, culture, language, health, basic research or applied research
Demographic challenges – societal role of universities in terms of migration and gender
Universities as identity bearers – local, national, and regional
Transformation of societies – and the universities role in it
Organisers

Fróðskaparsetur Føroya, the national university of the Faroe Islands, is an independent public institution for higher education, research, and innovation. Founded on May 20, 1965, as Academia Færoensis, it originated from the Faroese Academy of Sciences (1952). Teaching began in 1970 with philosophy courses, expanding to full-degree programs in 1972.
The university aims to support Faroese society’s sustainable development through knowledge, critical thinking, and innovation. It fosters academic excellence while preserving and advancing Faroese language, culture, and identity in a global context.
Address: J.C. Svabos gøta 14, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
Phone: +298 352500
E-mail: setur@setur.fo
Website: www.setur.fo

On March 2, 2018, representatives from the University of Malta, the University of Greenland, the University of Liechtenstein, the University of San Marino, the University of Gibraltar and the Universitat d’Andorra met in the Principality of Andorra to formalise the creation of the Network of Universities of Small Countries and Territories, NUSCT.
The constitutive meeting was hosted by the Universitat d’Andorra, as leader of this initiative. rmer NUSCT President Dr. Miquel Nicolau described the Network as a response to the unique challenges of small higher education institutions. NUSCT facilitates benchmarking, partnerships, and knowledge exchange on governance, funding, and internationalization. It also promotes research collaboration, academic exchanges, and joint funding opportunities.
Address: c/o University of Akureyri, Solborg, v/Nordurslod, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
Phone: +354 460 8035
E-mail:
Website: www.nusct.net
Practical Organiser
62°N takes care of every practical detail involved in the conference planning and organization.
Established in 1963, 62°N is the leading and most experienced travel agency and operator in the Faroe Islands. With a team of dedicated and innovative specialists, the agency provides exceptional travel experiences and unforgettable events.
For any inquiries about the conference or the Faroe Islands, please reach out to 62°N at: