The DOKOR 2026 Conference is organised with the support of the Nanovic Institute for European Studies at the University of Notre Dame, within the framework of the project “Strategic Research Initiatives, Particularly in the Field of Doctoral Studies” (NI-12-05KU), which aims to advance doctoral education, scholarly communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and internationalisation at the Catholic University in Ružomberok.

 

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of the DOKOR 2026 Interdisciplinary Doctoral Conference is to provide an inclusive and intellectually stimulating academic forum in which doctoral researchers can present and discuss their research findings, receive constructive scholarly feedback, and further develop their research, presentation, and academic competencies. The conference combines presentations of doctoral research with expert lectures and educational sessions addressing current issues and emerging challenges in research and academic practice.

A particular emphasis is placed on fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, building connections across academic disciplines, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experience among doctoral researchers, academic staff, and professionals from various fields. DOKOR 2026 also offers opportunities for academic networking, the development of collaborative partnerships, and the promotion of high-quality, ethically responsible, and socially relevant research.

 

CONFERENCE VISION AND SCOPE

The DOKOR 2026 Conference seeks not only to support doctoral researchers in disseminating their research findings but also to strengthen the competencies essential for their future research and academic careers. Through invited lectures, thematic sessions, scholarly discussions, and collective reflection, the conference provides an environment conducive to the exchange of research questions, methodological approaches, academic experiences, and scientific findings.

The conference places particular emphasis on interdisciplinarity, research quality and integrity, the responsible use of emerging technologies, research data security, project development and grant-related competencies, and the effective communication of research findings within broader academic and societal contexts. These priorities are directly reflected in the topics addressed by the invited speakers.

In the longer term, the conference aims to establish DOKOR as a recurring interdisciplinary platform for doctoral education and scholarly communication at the Catholic University in Ružomberok. Its purpose is to foster the academic and professional development of doctoral researchers, encourage collaboration across disciplines, and contribute to building a vibrant academic community of early-career researchers.

 

INVITED LECTURES

12 November 2026 | 10:00 a.m.

Assoc. Prof. Martin Fronc, CSc.

Educational Reforms: Lessons from the Past and Challenges for the Future

Institute of Christian Social Policy

 

12 November 2026 | 11:00 a.m.

Dušana Babicová, PhD.

The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Doctoral Studies: From Working with Scholarly Sources to Presenting Research Findings

Faculty of Education, Catholic University in Ružomberok

 

13 November 2026 | 10:00 a.m.

Prof. Róbert Lapko, Th.D. et PhD.

Migration in the Ancient Near East and the Bible

Ján Stanislav Institute of Slavistics, Slovak Academy of Sciences; Centre for the Study of the Biblical and Near Eastern World; Faculty of Theology, Catholic University in Ružomberok

 

13 November 2026 | 11:00 a.m.

Pavla Bicianová, BeL.

The Geography of Assisted Dying: How the Media Reflect the Global Rise in Euthanasia

Faculty of Arts and Letters, Catholic University in Ružomberok

 

Key Topics of the Invited Lectures

The invited lectures address contemporary issues in doctoral education, academic research, and broader societal challenges, with particular emphasis on:

• Grant funding and research project activities involving doctoral researchers
• Current developments and future perspectives in higher education
• The use of artificial intelligence in doctoral research, from working with scholarly literature to presenting research findings
• Research data security
• Selected interdisciplinary research topics and contemporary societal issues

 

PROPOSED THEMATIC AREAS

• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Philosophy, Theology, and Spirituality
• Education, Psychology, Arts, and Educational Sciences
• Natural Sciences, Engineering, and Environmental Sciences
• Applied Research, Research Methodology, and Research Ethics
• Interdisciplinary Approaches to Research and Scholarship
• Other thematic areas, depending on participants' research interests

 

INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS

Participants are required to submit their registration, including the title and abstract of their proposed conference paper, by completing the online registration form no later than 23 October 2026.

The Programme Committee reserves the right to determine the acceptance and inclusion of submitted contributions in the conference programme by 31 October 2026. Applicants will subsequently be notified of the outcome by the Conference Organising Committee.

All presentations will be delivered in person.

 

Each presentation will be allocated 20 minutes, consisting of:

• 15 minutes for the oral presentation
• 5 minutes for questions and discussion

 

REGISTRATION

Conference registration form:

Register for DOKOR 2026

 

GUIDELINES FOR PAPER SUBMISSION AND PUBLICATION

Download the Conference Paper Template

Full papers must be submitted electronically to dokor2@ku.sk by 30 November 2026.

Papers may be submitted in Slovak, Czech, or English.

 

CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

A peer-reviewed conference proceedings volume will be published following the conference.

 

REGISTRATION FEES AND PARTICIPATION COSTS

As part of its commitment to supporting doctoral education and research, the Catholic University in Ružomberok does not charge a conference registration fee.

Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own accommodation, meals, and travel expenses.