Prof. PhDr. Milan FERENČÍK, PhD., is a Professor at the University of Prešov's Faculty of Arts, affiliated with the Institute of British and American Studies. He specializes in linguistics, sociolinguistics, and applied linguistics, focusing on topics like multilingualism, politeness theory, and linguistic landscapes. His research often intersects with cultural studies and globalization, examining language use in urban environments, tourism, and globalized contexts. Contact him via milan.ferencik@unipo.sk. His work spans academic writing styles, regulatory discourse practices, and the sociolinguistics of conflict, as seen in studies on Slovakia’s social movements and Ukraine’s crisis signage. He contributes to blended learning methodologies and has explored linguistic aspects of ELF interactions and spatial semiotics in urban spaces.
Marina Vazanova is an Associate Professor at the Department of Romance and Slavic Languages, Faculty of Applied Languages, University of Economics in Bratislava, where she has worked since February 2021. Her career spans multiple institutions, including Comenius University in Bratislava (2016–2020), Chuvash State Pedagogical University in Russia (2006–2016), and Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz (research internship in 2014). Current Position: Associate Professor (University of Economics in Bratislava) Past Roles: Lecturer, Head of Program, Department Chair Her research focuses on linguistic and cultural aspects of Russian language teaching , including componential analysis , political discourse , and cross-cultural communication . She has published extensively on topics such as address forms in political contexts , propaganda in media , and corpus-based linguistic expertise . Key trends in her recent publications (2019–2023) emphasize media linguistics , political communication , and language pedagogy . She has participated in international collaborations and organized conferences on Russian language education and bi/polylingualism. Vazanova has delivered 4 invited lectures at international/national levels and contributed to the Web of Science/Scopus database with 1 registered research output. Her organizational experience includes leadership roles in academic conferences and examination commissions.
Doc. PhDr. Martina Kášová, PhD. is an Assistant Professor at the Department of German Studies within the Faculty of Arts at the University of Prešov. Her research focuses on locutionary acts, German subjunctive and Slovak conditional structures, advertising communication, and corpus linguistics. She holds degrees from the University of Pavol Jozef Šafárik in Prešov and conducted studies abroad at Friedrich Schiller University in Jena and the University of Bayreuth. Key publications include monographs on political advertising linguistics (2011) and comparative German/Slovak grammatical analysis (2007), as well as a German grammar textbook (2011). Her work bridges theoretical linguistics with applied communication studies, emphasizing cross-linguistic comparisons and sociocultural dimensions of language use.
Ján Gavura is affiliated with the Institute of Slovak and Media Studies at the Faculty of Arts, University of Prešov . His research focuses on Slovak literature, poetry analysis, translation studies, and literary criticism, with a particular emphasis on post-1989 Slovak literary culture and philosophical themes in poetry. Research Interests: His work explores the intersection of Slovak literature, poetic form, and cultural symbolism. He investigates how themes like mythology, spirituality, and political influence shape contemporary poetry, particularly through introspective and subversive narratives. Publications: His recent articles span topics such as the evolution of Slovak poetry, translation practices, and the role of animals and technology in literary works. These contributions reflect his engagement with both historical and avant-garde literary movements in Slovakia. Scientific Awards: No specific awards mentioned in the provided text.
Juraj Hamar is an Associate Professor at the Department of Aesthetics, Faculty of Arts, Comenius University in Bratislava. He also teaches at the Faculty of Film and Television of the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava since 2018. His academic career spans roles as a researcher, dramaturg, and coordinator of the Erasmus+ international exchange program. First-cycle education in Aesthetics and Literary Science at Comenius University (1991). Third-level education in Ethnography at the Slovak Academy of Sciences (1998). Habilitation (associate professor title) at Comenius University (2001). His research focuses on 20th-century continental aesthetics , film theory and ontology , ontology of image and movement , and the interpretation of cultural heritage . He has contributed extensively to studies of Slovak and Russian puppet theater, film history, and the philosophical intersections of art and aesthetics, particularly in postmodern and post-communist contexts. Key projects include the Film Cabinet (2012–present), dedicated to global film history, and VEGA grants like The Relationship Between Aesthetics and Art in the 21st Century (2007–2009). He actively participates in film festivals such as Cinematik IFF and has authored significant works on aesthetic theory and cultural identity. Hamal's pedagogical contributions include coordinating the Aesthetics study program and teaching courses like Introduction to Aesthetics and Aesthetics of JM Lotman's Film . He has supervised 4 doctoral theses and over 70 bachelor's and master's theses.
Vladimír Mikeš is a researcher at the Philosophical Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, specializing in Stoicism, Ancient Philosophy, and Classical Rhetoric. He has held visiting positions at the University of Cambridge (2007) and the Sorbonne Paris (2005-2006) and earned his PhD from Charles University's Faculty of Philosophy in 2009. Current role: Deputy Head of Department for Ancient and Medieval Thought Research Previous roles: Researcher at Palacky University's Patristic/Medieval Text Center (2004-2011), part-time Editor for Hospice Association 'Cesta domů' (2009) Research Focus : Stoic action theory, philosophical rhetoric, determinism/compatibilism, and the intersection of ethics and language in antiquity. His work explores Stoic paradoxes, blending of substances, and comparative analyses between Plato and Stoics. Scientific Awards : Marie Sklodowska Curie Action Individual Fellowship (2018-2020) Academic Leadership : Co-editor of Brill's Ancient Philosophy Series (since 2018), guest editor for Dialogoi journal (2024), and organizer of international conferences on Stoic philosophy and classical rhetoric.
Erika Lalíková is an Associate Professor at the Department of Philosophy and History of Philosophy , Faculty of Arts, Comenius University in Bratislava. Her academic career spans over three decades, including roles as assistant (1988–1998), Assistant Professor (1998–2011), and Associate Professor since 2012. Education: Graduated from Banská Štiavnica grammar school (1983) and Comenius University's Department of Philosophy (1988), earning her PhD in 1999. Her research focuses on history of modern philosophy , Slovak and Czech philosophical traditions , and intersections between literature and philosophy . She has published extensively on naturalism , existentialism , and national identity in Central European contexts. Key publication trends include: 1) Czechoslovak Enlightenment thought (Kant, Voltaire, Štúr), 2) 20th-century Slovak philosophy (Vámoš, Tatarka, Masaryk), 3) memory and identity in interdisciplinary frameworks, and 4) naturalism vs. constructivism debates. She contributes to editorial boards of Philosophical Journal (Prague) and Studia Philosophica (Brno). Current research involves international collaboration through grants like VEGA 2/0166/24 (Concepts of culture/nation in Slovak thought) and APVV-22-0397 (Naturalism vs. Constructivism). Previous projects include studies on rationality-emotionality (VEGA 1/0429/15) and Polish-Slovak philosophical dialogue (APVV 2010–2011).
Mgr. Tomáš Strážay, PhD., is an Associate Professor at the Department of Public International Law and International Relations within the Faculty of Law at Paneuropean University, Bratislava. His academic work centers on Central European regional dynamics, EU integration, and post-communist political transitions. Foreign policy of the Slovak Republic Bilateral relations with Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Austria, and Germany Regional cooperation in Central Europe European Union enlargement processes Interregional cooperation between Central Europe and Western Balkans His publications analyze the Visegrad Group’s evolving role, EU institutional challenges, and nationalist populism in post-communist states, reflecting both continuity and adaptation in regional political frameworks. Strážay actively contributes to the Slovak Foreign Policy Association (SFPA) and teaches core courses on International Relations at the university level.
Eva Stradiotová is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Applied Languages of the University of Economics in Bratislava , where she has worked since 2000. Her academic focus spans applied linguistics , foreign language pedagogy , and digital education , with secondary expertise in political linguistics and language didactics . Education: Master’s in English Language and Literature (1991, Comenius University in Bratislava) Doctoral in Theory of Language and Literature Education (2009, Faculty of Education TU in Trnava) Her research integrates digital tools (e.g., podcasts, weblogs) into language teaching methodologies and explores political discourse in right-wing extremism. She has led projects like the Erasmus+ CORALL initiative and contributed to international conferences on language education. Recent publications highlight online vs. on-site testing (2021), business English pedagogy (2021), and political rhetoric analysis (2021), reflecting her interdisciplinary approach. She has also collaborated on pandemic-era educational studies (2022). Professional activities include international mobilities at institutions such as Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera (2022), Corvinus University of Budapest (2022), and HWR Berlin (2023). She has organized the conference series Foreign Languages in the Changes of Time (2010–2021).
Ondrej Kaščák is a Professor of Pedagogy at the Faculty of Education, University of Trnava, with affiliations to the Slovak Academy of Sciences (Institute of Social Communication Research) and Charles University in Prague. He specializes in comparative pedagogy, sociology of education, and analysis of educational policies, focusing on power relations in education reforms and qualitative research methodologies. Current Roles: Associate Professor at Department of School Pedagogy, University of Trnava; Independent Researcher at Slovak Academy of Sciences; Former affiliation with Charles University in Prague Editorial Role: Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Pedagogy His research examines neoliberal educational reforms, institutional power dynamics, and the discursive transformation of schooling through frameworks like discourse analysis and qualitative field research. He has authored nearly two hundred publications, including monographs like School of Golden Collars: Education in the Era of Neoliberalism (2012) and School as a Ritual Space (2010). His work often bridges educational theories with sociological perspectives, particularly in post-socialist contexts. His Google Scholar articles reveal a focus on: Neoliberal influences on education policy (Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary) Home-based education and pandemic impacts Sociological analysis of school rituals and hidden curricula Power structures in preschool sectors using Bourdieu’s field theory International comparative studies in early childhood education He teaches courses in comparative pedagogy, sociology of education, and international educational perspectives at the University of Trnava. As a leader in the field, he drives initiatives like the Teaching Foundation program and maintains active consultation hours for students.
Prof. Anton Pokrivčák is a Professor at the Department of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Arts, Trnava University. He holds multiple administrative roles including member of the program board for Philology and Didactics, coordinator for doctoral programs in Theory of Language and Literary Education, and e-learning coordinator. His expertise spans literary theory, digital humanities, American literature, and comparative studies. Pokrivčák actively contributes to interdisciplinary research, focusing on digital pedagogy, world literature, and the intersection between technology and literary interpretation. Education details are documented in his provided PDF, though specific academic milestones are not elaborated here. His research emphasizes modern and contemporary literary analysis, with a particular interest in Romanticism, intercultural studies, and the future of literary education in the digital age. He coordinates e-learning initiatives using platforms like MS Teams and Moodle. Consultation hours are held online Mondays 18:00–20:00, requiring prior email arrangement. His work bridges traditional literary scholarship with innovative digital methodologies, advocating for global literary perspectives and critical pedagogical practices.
Tomáš Hrustič, PhD, is a prominent researcher at the Institute of Ethnology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences in Bratislava, specializing in Roma studies, ethnic and national minorities, political participation of Roma, religiosity of Roma, and social mobility. With over 14 years of experience since joining the institute in 2009, he has established himself as a leading expert in Roma studies in Slovakia and internationally. Dr. Hrustič completed his university education at Comenius University, Faculty of Arts, Department of Ethnology - Religious Studies in Bratislava in 2002, earning his Mgr. degree. He later obtained his PhD in 2008. His international academic experience includes research stays at Charles University in Prague (1999-2000), University College London's Department of Anthropology (2004-2005) with a SYLFF scholarship, and the University of Szeged's Department of Study of Religions (2005) with a CEEPUS scholarship. Dr. Hrustič's research focuses on the complex dynamics of Roma communities in Slovakia and Europe. His work examines political participation, religious conversion patterns, social mobility, and economic structures within Roma communities. He has pioneered research on how religious pathways can facilitate social inclusion of Roma, challenging conventional approaches to minority integration. His extensive ethnographic fieldwork, primarily conducted in marginalized Roma communities in Eastern Slovakia, provides nuanced insights into everyday life, identity formation, and resistance strategies among Roma populations. His methodological approach combines participant observation with qualitative interviews and document analysis. His publication record shows a clear evolution from early work on religious conversion among Roma to more recent analyses of Roma political participation, responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, and welfare policy support for marginalized groups. His research bridges anthropology, sociology, political science, and religious studies, with consistent attention to the intersection of ethnicity, religion, politics, and social mobility in Central and Eastern Europe. Cena prezidenta Slovenskej republiky udeľovaná mladým vedeckým pracovníkom (2010) Cena Jána Komorovského za najlepšiu vedeckú publikáciu z oblasti vedeckého štúdia náboženstiev (2011) Cena Predsedníctva SAV za 3. miesto v súťaži Mladých vedeckých pracovníkov do 35 rokov (2013) Cena Národopisnej spoločnosti Slovenska za najlepšiu akademickú publikáciu (2016) Dr. Hrustič has supervised doctoral students through seminars on research methodology and has led numerous significant research projects funded by VEGA, APVV, and international bodies. His most notable projects include 'Patterns of social mobility of Roma in the light of empirical research' (2019-2022) as principal investigator, and 'Analysis of barriers to access to job opportunities for marginalized population groups' (2018-2022) as co-investigator. He has also provided expert evaluation for government agencies, including the Implementation Agency of the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Social Development. As a member of the Advisory Committee for the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities of the Council of Europe (2014-2018) and a permanent invited member of the Committee for National Minorities and Ethnic Groups (since 2018), Dr. Hrustič actively contributes to policy development at national and international levels. He is also a member of the Gypsy Lore Society since 2010 and the European Academic Network on Romani Studies since 2011.
Zdenko Dobrík is an Associate Professor at the Department of German Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Matej Bel University. His research focuses on comparative linguistics, specifically Slovak and German language interactions, with expertise in Anglicisms, loanwords, word formation, and intercultural communication. PhD in Linguistics (Comenius University, 2005) Associate Professor title (Comenius University, field: general linguistics) Key research trends include: Analysis of Anglicisms and foreign loanwords in German and Slovak Comparative semantics and morphology in both languages Prescriptive and applied linguistics Intercultural and contrastive communication His publications emphasize language adaptation, sociolinguistic theory, and cross-linguistic influences. He has reviewed works on hybrid substantives, lexical structures, and medical terminology. Projects led by Dobrík include: VEGA: German-Slovak linguistic contrasts (2005-2007) VEGA: German language-cultural image in Slovak reception (2008-2010) APVV-18-0115: Language in the City (2019-2023) [co-PI] Current VEGA: Inclusion/exclusion in Slovak/German/French communiqués (2025-2028) He has served as an opponent for doctoral theses at Comenius University and participated in international projects like Socrates Grundtvig 2 (2004-2006). A guest lecture at the University of Vienna (2007) highlighted his work on Anglicisms.
Prof. PhDr. Vasil Gluchman, CSc. is a distinguished academic serving as a Professor at the University of Prešov’s Faculty of Arts, heading the Institute of Philosophy and Ethics. He holds the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics and serves as Chief Editor of Ethics & Bioethics (in Central Europe) . His academic career spans roles including editor of Bioethics in Central Europe and author of influential books like Etika na Slovensku – minulosť a prítomnosť (Ethics in Slovakia – Past and Present). His research focuses on bioethics, consequentialist ethics, and the history of ethics in Slovakia. Key interests include Slovak Lutheran ethics, applied ethics, and moral philosophy. Gluchman’s work bridges historical and contemporary ethical inquiries, often addressing Slovak and Central European contexts. Recent publications highlight themes like Marxist labor theory, Slovak national movements, and African philosophical perspectives. His articles frequently intersect ethics with historical, political, and cultural studies, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach. Awarded the UNESCO Bioethics Chair, he has contributed to global bioethics discourse through editorial leadership and academic outreach. His research also explores ethics in education, medical practices, and public administration, emphasizing the common good and moral reasoning.
Mgr. Elena Smoleňová, PhD., is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Applied Languages, University of Economics in Bratislava, specializing in the Department of Romance and Slavic Languages. Since 1998, she has combined pedagogical, linguistic, and psychological research while contributing to digital and intercultural education. PhD in Linguistics (Romance Studies), University of Comenius, Bratislava M.A. in Non-Slavic Philology (Italian Language & Culture, Translation & Interpreting), University of Comenius Research Interests: Applied linguistics, legal linguistics, psycholinguistics, and color terminology. Her work explores: Semantic and morphosyntactic peculiarities in legal language Emotional factors in language acquisition Intercultural comparisons of color symbolism Terminology in business and finance Modern language teaching methodologies Recent Publications: Focus on contrastive analysis of Italian-Slovak legal lexicon, emotional dynamics in language education, and chromatic terminology (2017-2024). Awards: Principal investigator for VEGA 1/0107/18 grant on language teaching Professional Activities: Active in academic publishing, conference organization (e.g., international conferences in Bratislava, Sládkovičovo), and collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute in Bratislava.
