The International Society of Cultural-historical Activity Research
About ISCAR
ISCAR is a global organization that brings together scholars and practitioners across disciplines and walks of life, engaged in just transitions to sustain life on the planet.
It fosters the century-old tradition of cultural-historical and activity-theoretical research in educational settings, work and communities.
It operates at three levels of governance with country representatives, regional coordinators and an executive board.
Members meet in national events as well as in regional conferences and a triennial international conference.
Welcome!
ISCAR Section Events
Osaka, Japan, 27-28 February 2027
1st ISCAR East Asia Conference
The first conference of the newly established East Asia Regional Section aims to create a forum for scholarly exchange across countries, regions, institutions, research traditions, and theoretical perspectives. It is grounded in cultural-historical activity research and seeks to foster dialogue across diverse theoretical, methodological, and interdisciplinary perspectives concerned with activity, learning, agency, and social transformation.
Contributions are particularly welcome on themes including activity, learning, agency, educational and organizational change, formative intervention, expansive learning, Change Laboratory, community and societal transformation, language, identity, culture, power, inclusion, equity, and related areas.
Membership
Individuals and institutions can join ISCAR as via Ordinary Membership or Institutional Membership with a regular or reduced (student) fee.
The fees are instrumental to generate grants for members who could otherwise not join ISCAR International and Regional Conferences to present their work.
Latest Updates
News
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SW-ISCAR Network meeting, Gothenburg
On 28–29 October, we gathered at the University of Gothenburg for a meeting of the Swedish branch of ISCAR (SWISCAR). Two truly inspiring, intellectually stimulating and productive days, with a...
SW-ISCAR Network meeting, Gothenburg
On 28–29 October, we gathered at the University of Gothenburg for a meeting of the Swedish branch of ISCAR (SWISCAR). Two truly inspiring, intellectually stimulating and productive days, with a...
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Research Prize for Inger Eriksson
Professor Inger Eriksson, a prominent CHAT scholar and long-time activist in ISCAR, has received a major prize for her life work, largely building on the legacy of V. V. Davydov’s...
Research Prize for Inger Eriksson
Professor Inger Eriksson, a prominent CHAT scholar and long-time activist in ISCAR, has received a major prize for her life work, largely building on the legacy of V. V. Davydov’s...
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Professor Harry Daniels
In MemoriamProfessor Harry Daniels 6/6/1951- 22/8/2026 Obituary and call for testimonies It is with deep sadness that the International Society for Cultural-historical Activity Research announces the passing of Oxford Emeritus Professor...
Professor Harry Daniels
In MemoriamProfessor Harry Daniels 6/6/1951- 22/8/2026 Obituary and call for testimonies It is with deep sadness that the International Society for Cultural-historical Activity Research announces the passing of Oxford Emeritus Professor...
Events
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1st ISCAR East Asia Conference
Call for Papers: The 1st ISCAR East Asia Conference Cultural-Historical Activity Research in East Asia: Activity, Learning, Agency, and Social Transformation Across Boundaries February 27–28, 2027Kansai University, Umeda Campus, Osaka,...
1st ISCAR East Asia Conference
Call for Papers: The 1st ISCAR East Asia Conference Cultural-Historical Activity Research in East Asia: Activity, Learning, Agency, and Social Transformation Across Boundaries February 27–28, 2027Kansai University, Umeda Campus, Osaka,...
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Members' General Assembly
A Members’ General Assembly is scheduled on November 10 in two parts: 09:00-11:00 and 15:00-17:00 (local times in Finland). The two time slots are arranged to accommodate as much as...
Members' General Assembly
A Members’ General Assembly is scheduled on November 10 in two parts: 09:00-11:00 and 15:00-17:00 (local times in Finland). The two time slots are arranged to accommodate as much as...
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Postdoc Member Series: Residents' Agency and Le...
Welcome to the 2026 ISCAR Postdoc Member Series on Monday November 16 14:00-15:00 (Local time in Finland) Dr Virpi Lund will present her research titled “Residents’ agency and learning: An...
Postdoc Member Series: Residents' Agency and Le...
Welcome to the 2026 ISCAR Postdoc Member Series on Monday November 16 14:00-15:00 (Local time in Finland) Dr Virpi Lund will present her research titled “Residents’ agency and learning: An...
Newsletters
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ISCAR Newsletter July 2026
We are pleased to present the latest ISCAR Newsletter. Please download the PDF version. ISCAR SEWA (Southern Europe and West Asia) meeting, June 2026 The latest newsletter contains: A summary...
ISCAR Newsletter July 2026
We are pleased to present the latest ISCAR Newsletter. Please download the PDF version. ISCAR SEWA (Southern Europe and West Asia) meeting, June 2026 The latest newsletter contains: A summary...
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ISCAR Newsletter December 2025
We are pleased to present the latest ISCAR Newsletter. Please download the PDF version. Southern Europe and West Asia Regional Conference, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona The latest newsletter contains:...
ISCAR Newsletter December 2025
We are pleased to present the latest ISCAR Newsletter. Please download the PDF version. Southern Europe and West Asia Regional Conference, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona The latest newsletter contains:...
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ISCAR Newsletter June 2025
We are pleased to present the latest ISCAR Newsletter. Please download the PDF version. The latest newsletter contains: A summary of recent ISCAR Executive Committee work Webpage updates Reports from...
ISCAR Newsletter June 2025
We are pleased to present the latest ISCAR Newsletter. Please download the PDF version. The latest newsletter contains: A summary of recent ISCAR Executive Committee work Webpage updates Reports from...
Messages from ISCAR
ISCAR, its President and members of its executive committee will never contact members directly asking for money. Please be aware that fake messages claiming to be from ISCAR have been circulated. We strongly advise all our members and partners to stay vigilant. Always double check the validity of any communication that appears suspicious. Please only use the contact channels listed on our website.