42nd International Human Science Research Conference
Theme: Grasping Lived Experiences – What, Why, and How
Join us for the 42nd International Human Science Research Conference, where we will explore the rich significance embedded within the lived experiences of individuals. How do we understand the deeper meanings of people's subjective experiences? What scientific value do these experiences hold, and how can we best explore them through phenomenological and hermeneutic approaches?
📅 Dates: August 11 -15, 2025
📍 Location: Roskilde, Denmark
Grasping lived experiences involves the attempt to grasp at the deeper meaning embedded within the personal, subjective experiences of individuals as they navigate their world. These experiences are rich with significance, offering insight into how people perceive, interpret, and interact with their surroundings. However, questions arise: What exactly are these lived experiences, what scientific value do they hold, and how can they be explored in a way that aligns with phenomenological and hermeneutic ontology?
Grasping at meaning, in this context, becomes an essential task for those studying lived experiences, as it requires engaging with the nuanced layers of human perception and interpretation. This effort is at the heart of a tradition that values deep reflection over quick conclusions, even in a world increasingly demanding immediate answers and concrete actions.
The 42nd International Human Science Research Conference focuses on these very questions, seeking to bridge the gap between ancient philosophical wisdom and the future of human science. By addressing how we grasp and interpret lived experiences, the conference emphasizes the importance of maintaining a connection between human experiences and the evolving challenges of tomorrow’s scientific inquiry.
We invite researchers to submit abstracts that delve into topics such as:
- Methodological reflections regarding the use of lived experience descriptions in research
- Ethical issues regarding lived experiences in research
- Lived experiences and power issues – whose voices are heard
- Examples on studies using lived experiences as empirical departure
- How to give voice to vulnerable people
- The use of narratives in research
- Aesthetic dimensions of lived experiences – Investigating the interplay between art, aesthetics, and the lived experiences of individuals
- Other topics
We look forward to seeing you there!

Pre-Conference Workshop
Monday, August 11, 2025 2:00pm-5:00pm
Finn Thorbjørn Hansen
Keynotes

Alfred Sköld
Keynote
Existential Perspectives on Love

Esben Bala Skouboe
Keynote
Existential Spaces for Birth & Death
Pia Dreyer
Keynote
Phenomenological Hermeneutics and the Human Sciences Underscore the Significance of Narratives: Acknowledging that Human Lives Deserve to Be Told
The organizing committee
Vibeke Østergaard Steenfeldt, Chairman
Associate Lecturer, Center for Nursing, University College Absalon & Associate Professor, Faculty of People and Technology, Roskilde University, Denmark
Bente Martinsen
Associate Professor, Head of Studies, Faculty of People and Technology, Roskilde University, Denmark
Camilla Holm Jacobsen
Management and Research Consultant, Center for Nursing, University College Absalon, Denmark
Malene Beck
Head of Research, Children and Adolescent Department, Research Unit #WeDoCare
Associate Professor, Zealand University Hospital, Region Zealand & Faculty of Health, Institute of Regional Health, University of Southern Denmark & Faculty of People and Technology, Roskilde University, Denmark.
Sine Maria Herholdt-Lomholdt
Professor, Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Norway
Stine Gundtoft Roikjær
Assistant Lecturer, Center for Nursing, University College Absalon, Denmark & Postdoc, The Research and Implementation Unit PROgrez, Næstved-Slagelse-Ringsted Hospitals, Region Zealand, Denmark.
Conference venue
The conference is hosted by University College Absalon. With thirteen different professional bachelor degree programmes, University College Absalon is the cornerstone for education in our region of Zealand.

Molloy University's Organizing Committee and The International Human Science Research Conference would like to acknowledge Dr. Hwa Young Caruso, Professor of Art at Molloy University, and her student, Ms. Willow Chamblin, Visual Arts Education Major at Molloy University, for the creation of the 2024 IHSRC conference logo.