ENLIGHT invites doctoral researchers to a workshop in Estonia to explore the intersection of humour, conflict and democracy
Humour Matters: Laughter and Democracy is an international, interdisciplinary workshop bringing together doctoral researchers in Tallinn, Estonia, on 23-24 April 2026. The workshop explores humour as both a democratic resource and a site of conflict.
Humour can enable critique, solidarity, and resistance, however, it can also foster exclusion, polarisation, and harm. The workshop examines these tensions through humour theory, legal perspectives, political satire, platform governance, and civic education. Its central aim is to identify key research questions at the intersection of humour and democracy and to equip doctoral researchers with conceptual tools and methodological approaches relevant for future research projects.
The programme combines lectures by leading international scholars, hands-on workshops (including drawing political cartoons), panel discussions with major international research projects, and informal networking events.
Doctoral researchers working on humour, democracy, media, law, political communication, cultural studies, education, or related fields are encouraged to participate.
Participation and priority
Participation is open to doctoral researchers. Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the following order of priority:
- Doctoral researchers of Estonian universities (accommodation and travel costs will be covered by DELIAH project).
- Doctoral researchers who are members of DELIAH, Larpocracy, and Democracy in Action and doctoral researchers from ENLIGHT partner universities (whose expenses must be covered by their home institution).
Applicants outside these categories may be considered subject to availability.
Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be awarded 3 ECTS credits.
The registration form is open until 22 February 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact 