Maarten Coëgnarts is an Assistant Professor in Film Studies at the University of Antwerp and a Fellow of the Society of the Cognitive Studies of the Moving Image (SCSMI) . His research focuses on embodied cognition , conceptual metaphor theory , and non-verbal meaning-making in cinema , with a particular emphasis on Stanley Kubrick’s work. University of Antwerp, Film Studies, Faculty Member Research Interests Coëgnarts explores how embodied mental schemas shape cinematic perception and creation. His work bridges cognitive linguistics, neuroscience, and film theory to analyze abstract concepts in films through visual, auditory, and editing techniques . Key areas include sensory-motor grounding of emotions , spatio-temporal dynamics in art cinema , and subjectivity in narrative . Recent Publications His 2023–2022 articles examine sound analysis via container schemas , motion vectors , and temporal logic in films , while 2016–2020 works address emotional causality and metaphorical perception . He co-edited the 2023 Baltic Screen Media Review special issue on "Cinematic Minds in the Making" . Scientific Recognition Fellow, SCSMI Books He authored Film as Embodied Art: Bodily Meaning in the Cinema of Stanley Kubrick (2019) and co-edited Embodied Cognition and Cinema (2015). His work highlights filmmakers as "conceptual artists" who leverage non-verbal cinematic tools to convey abstract ideas.
Anna Michálková is an Associate Professor at the Department of Tourism, Faculty of Commerce, Bratislava University of Economics and Business. Her expertise spans regional tourism, destination management, and tourism economics, with a focus on sustainable development and innovation. Education: Study stays at University of St. Gallen (Switzerland), University of Economics in Vienna (Austria), and University Lüneburg (Germany). Her research investigates institutional frameworks for destination management, tourism cluster dynamics, and economic impacts of tourism, particularly in crisis periods. She emphasizes stakeholder cooperation, societal value metrics, and sustainable growth strategies. Key trends in her publications include regional policy integration, gazelle enterprises in tourism, and cross-border collaboration. She has led projects like KEGA 034EU-4/2020 on innovative teaching methods and VEGA grants on competitiveness and innovation. Anna supervises bachelor and master programs in tourism management, teaches case studies in German, and collaborates with institutions across Europe. Her work bridges academia and practice through projects with local governments and tourism organizations.
Katarína Labudová serves as an Associate Professor at the Department of English Language and Literature within the Faculty of Arts and Letters at Catholic University in Ružomberok, Slovakia. She holds the additional role of Erasmus+ Department Coordinator, facilitating international academic exchanges. Dr. Labudová earned her PhD in Comparative Literatures in 2011 and maintains regular office hours for student consultations on Tuesdays from 10:30-12:00 by appointment. Her research interests center on Margaret Atwood's literary works, particularly examining food motifs within speculative fiction across Atwood's major dystopian narratives. Labudová has extended her scholarly focus to include Angela Carter's writings, fairy tale adaptations, biblical myth reconstructions, and the intersection of narrative theory with cultural studies. Her methodological approach combines feminist criticism, comparative literature analysis, and cultural anthropology perspectives to explore how literature reflects and critiques social power structures. Labudová's publication record reveals a consistent trajectory of scholarly engagement with Atwood's works from 2010-2022, culminating in her 2022 monograph Food in Margaret Atwood's Speculative Fiction and textbook Studying Margaret Atwood: Shifting the Boundaries of Genres . Her articles demonstrate increasing specialization in food symbolism within dystopian literature, with particular attention to how dietary restrictions function as mechanisms of patriarchal control. Recent work has expanded to analyze Slovak and Romani folk narrative traditions alongside contemporary literary adaptations. As an educator, Dr. Labudová teaches courses on British and Canadian literature, bringing her research expertise directly into the classroom. Her academic work bridges literary analysis with cultural critique, examining how narrative forms both reflect and challenge societal norms regarding gender, power, and environmental sustainability. Her contributions to Margaret Atwood scholarship have established her as a significant voice in contemporary Canadian literary studies within Central European academia.
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.
Petr Hájek is a distinguished Czech architect and professor at the Faculty of Architecture of the Czech Technical University in Prague. He is also the head of a studio at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava. Founder of Petr Hájek Architekti studio established in 2009 after the dissolution of HŠH architekti partnership. His educational background includes: 1988-1995: Faculty of Architecture, Czech Technical University in Prague 1995-1998: School of Architecture, Academy of Fine Arts in Prague Hájek's research and practice focus on the intersection of traditional architectural values with innovative design approaches. His work demonstrates a strong commitment to contextual sensitivity while pushing the boundaries of architectural experimentation. The architect is particularly known for his ability to integrate buildings harmoniously into historic settings while maintaining a distinct contemporary identity. His research explores the principles of optics, acoustics, and spatial transformation, resulting in projects that challenge conventional architectural typologies. Hájek's work often addresses the relationship between public space and architecture, with an emphasis on creating spaces that foster community interaction and cultural engagement. An analysis of his recent projects reveals a consistent exploration of transformable spaces, contextual integration, and sustainable approaches to architectural intervention. His work spans various scales from urban planning projects to intimate interior spaces, with a particular strength in the adaptive reuse of historic structures. The Krkonoše Center for Environmental Education (KCEV) and the DOX+ Center for Contemporary Art expansion exemplify his ability to create contemporary interventions that respect and enhance their historical context. Hájek has received numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to architecture: Architect of the Year 2018 (Czech Republic) OD Award for school design studio (2010, 2011, 2012) Rector's Award from Czech Technical University for research work (2012) Mies van der Rohe Award nominations (2006, 2010) Piranesi Award Honorable Mention for the KCEV building (2014) As an educator, Hájek has mentored numerous students through his studios at CTU and the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava. His teaching emphasizes experimental approaches to architecture while maintaining respect for historical context. He founded the Laboratory of Experimental Architecture (LEA) in 2010, which serves as a platform for research and student collaboration. His academic research project "anastomosis" received recognition from the Rector of CTU for its practical application. Hájek has also inspired literary work, notably inspiring Miloš Urban's novel "Urbo Kune" (2015), which is set in a utopian city designed by his students. Hájek leads the Laboratory of Experimental Architecture (LEA), which serves as a hub for innovative architectural research and collaboration. His studio, Petr Hájek Architekti, maintains a strong focus on the relationship between architecture and its context, with projects that span urban planning, public space design, and building interventions. The studio is known for its rigorous design process that combines theoretical research with practical implementation, resulting in projects that are both conceptually strong and technically sophisticated.
Kvetoslava Matlovičová is an Associate Professor in the Department of Tourism at Bratislava University of Economics and Business. Her work bridges Tourism Geography , Territorial Marketing , and Sustainable Development with a focus on Roma communities , cultural heritage , and urban resilience . Her research explores the intersection of semiotic place branding , Anthropocene challenges , and postdisciplinary geographical frameworks . She pioneered studies on medical tourism in Hungary and pro-poor tourism in marginalized Roma settlements, emphasizing community-based solutions. Key projects include the 15-minute city sustainable urban model and metamodern shifts in geographical epistemology. Her 2025 article on AI adoption in EU tourism highlights data-driven spatial analysis. Scientific Awards: Rector's Award 2015 (Social Sciences and Humanities) Rector's Award 2016 She has led grants like Game-based learning innovation (KEGA 020EU-4/2024) and Sociological dialogue support (project 312031V749). Her advisory roles focus on territorial development and geographic education reform .
Vladimír Siládi, PhD, serves as Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Computer Science at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia, where he has held academic positions since 1995. His current roles include Project Coordinator for the Virtual University initiative and Registration Authority for SlovakGrid, with prior experience as a part-time Assistant Professor at Slovak University of Technology. Educational Background: PhD in Computer Science, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (1997-2007) Master's in Theology, Comenius University in Bratislava (2003-2008) Master's in Secondary Education and Teaching (cum laude) and PaedDr. (EdD), Matej Bel University (1988-1993, 2005) High School Diploma, GMN Banská Štiavnica (1984-1988) His research centers on Grid Computing architectures , parallel processing techniques , and security frameworks for distributed systems . Specialized expertise includes GPU-accelerated algorithms for NP-hard problems, trust models in ad hoc grid environments, and cloud-based educational platforms. His interdisciplinary work bridges computer science with environmental modeling and psychological applications through virtual reality systems. Publication analysis reveals a consistent focus on computational optimization across 12 major works (2006-2014), with recent contributions emphasizing trust intersection models for decentralized grids (2012-2013) and cloud-based educational infrastructure (2013). Earlier works established foundations in GPU-accelerated network topology optimization and genetic algorithms for irregular systems (2006-2010). Scientific Awards: No awards documented in source materials Project leadership includes the Virtual University of Matej Bel University (ITMS 26110230077) coordinating 85 team members across 280 courses, plus TEMPUS-FLACE distance learning development (1998-2000). His registration authority role for SlovakGrid since 2009 supports national research infrastructure. Departmental leadership involves managing the Computer Science team while teaching core courses in algorithms, grid technologies, and GPU programming, maintaining consultation hours for student engagement.
Martin Nitsche is an Associate Professor specializing in Phenomenology , Philosophy of Art , and Philosophy of Religious Experience . He currently teaches at the Faculty of Art and Design, University of Jan Evangelista Purkyně (UJEP) in Ústí nad Labem and leads the Department of Contemporary Continental Philosophy at the Institute of Philosophy of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic . His work bridges phenomenological theory with interdisciplinary applications in sound studies, spatial analysis, and resilience. His research focuses on Phenomenological Topology and Applied Phenomenology , notably through his Transitive-Topological Model and publications on sonic environments. Key trends in his work include: Exploring the philosophy of place and space through Heidegger and Husserl. Investigating sound environments as frameworks for phenomenological inquiry. Integrating resilience theory and religious experience into philosophical systems. Nitsche has received the Fulbright Foundation Research Fellowship (2016/17) and serves as co-editor of the Phenomenologies of Religious Experience book series.
Prof. Peter Adamišin is a Professor and Vice-Rector for Strategy and Marketing at the University of Prešov's Faculty of Management and Business. He holds a Ph.D. in Management and has been a full Professor since 2022. His academic career includes roles as an Associate Professor (2009) and Engineer (1998). He specializes in Environmental Economy and Management, focusing on sustainable development, environmental projects, and regional policy. Education: He earned his engineering degree from the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (1998) and completed pedagogical qualifications there in 2001. His research spans environmental project management, sustainable development metrics, and the economic implications of environmental policies. Research Interests: Adamišin's work centers on environmental management, sustainable development strategies, and the integration of environmental policies with economic frameworks. He has led over 6 domestic and 14 international research grants, emphasizing environmental project funding and regional disparities. Awards: He has received prestigious medals from the University of Prešov (Gold, 2021; Silver, 2016; Bronze, 2015) and Rector's Awards (2012, 1998). His research addresses environmental infrastructure, climate change mitigation, and the economic viability of green energy. Grants and Advising: He has coordinated major grants focusing on environmental project financing, sustainable agriculture, and regional economic analysis. His advising focuses on environmental economics and management practices. Labs/Teams: While no specific labs are named, he collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in environmental policy, sustainable development, and economic modeling across the Faculty of Management and Business.
Martin Lábaj is a Professor and Head of the Department of Economic Policy at the Faculty of Economics and Finance, University of Economics in Bratislava. His work focuses on economic development, industrial organization, and the labor market impacts of automation. He leads the department and teaches courses like Development Economics (Bachelor), Applied Econometrics (Master), and Advanced Topics in Econometrics (PhD). His research emphasizes deindustrialization trends, global value chains, and policy analysis. He has led projects like the MIT Slovakia Seed Fund initiative on automation's labor market effects and the APVV-funded study on pharmacy market competition. Notable collaborations include work with Daron Acemoglu (MIT) and institutions like the Slovak Academy of Sciences. Key projects include analyzing Slovakia's automotive industry's global value chain role and evaluating CETA trade agreement impacts. His work bridges empirical economics with policy relevance, often addressing structural changes in transition economies.
Dale Bradley is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film at Brock University. He holds a Ph.D. in Social & Political Thought from York University, an M.A. in Sociology from Queen’s University at Kingston, and a B.A.H. in Film Studies from Queen’s University. His research focuses on cyberculture representation, the impact of ICT on office environments, and political discourse surrounding open source software. Bradley teaches courses on technology and culture, and the social history of information technology. Education: Ph.D. Social & Political Thought, York University M.A. Sociology, Queen’s University B.A.H. Film Studies, Queen’s University His research interrogates how technology shapes cultural narratives and workplace structures. Key themes include the visual mechanisms of power in office spaces, cybersubjectivity in media, and anarcho-utopian ideals in open source software. Bradley’s work bridges cultural studies, sociology, and media analysis to explore technology’s societal imprint. Publications span journals like Journal of Cultural Research and Canadian Journal of Communication , examining topics from 20th-century office evolution to MP3 file-sharing subcultures. His writing critiques technological determinism while highlighting grassroots innovation movements. No scientific awards are listed. Bradley’s teaching emphasizes critical engagement with technology’s cultural and historical dimensions.
Roderick B. Salisbury serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology at Comenius University in Bratislava's Faculty of Arts since 2022. He concurrently holds an Affiliated Researcher position at the University of Vienna's Human Evolution and Archaeological Sciences group and serves as Editorial Board Vice-Chair for IANSA - Interdisciplinaria Archaeologica. His career spans multiple European and North American institutions with a focus on prehistoric archaeological science. Salisbury's academic foundation includes: B.A. in Anthropology (Summa cum Laude with Honors) and Minor in Religious Studies from Buffalo State College (1999) M.A. in Anthropology from University at Buffalo (2004) Ph.D. in Anthropology from University at Buffalo (2010) His research centers on human-environmental interactions and cultural ecology through the lens of archaeological soil chemistry and geoarchaeology . He investigates settlement patterns and social organization in Neolithic, Copper Age, and Bronze Age Europe alongside Late Archaic and Woodland North American contexts. His methodological innovations in spatial analysis and micro-refuse studies bridge theoretical frameworks with material evidence to reconstruct community identity and built environments. Recent publications (2020-2024) reveal three dominant trajectories: (1) Advanced soil science applications in archaeological prospection, (2) Groundbreaking analyses of burial practices using proteomics and chemistry, particularly regarding children and gender, and (3) Theoretical contributions to settlement nucleation studies. His collaborative work often integrates multi-method approaches across international teams, with significant impact in high-impact journals like Nature . Salisbury's recognition includes prestigious fellowships: Marie Curie Experienced Researcher (2012-2014) Fulbright Fellowship (2007-2008) He currently supervises 2 Bachelor's and 1 Master's theses while leading major research initiatives: VEGA 1/0746/24: Radiocarbon chronologies and Neolithic settlement history (2024-2027, Principal Investigator) Neolithic Archaeology and Soilscapes Körös Area (NASKA) since 2011 (Principal Investigator) Prehistoric Interactions on the Plain Project (PIPP) since 2019 (Senior Scientist) Körös Regional Archaeological Project (KRAP) since 2010 (Senior Scientist) Salisbury directs the NASKA project team conducting fieldwork in Hungary and Austria, integrating soil chemistry specialists, geophysicists, and excavation experts. His laboratory network spans Comenius University, University of Vienna, and Hungarian institutions, focusing on methodological innovation in archaeological soil analysis and spatial patterning.
Ľuboš Kotlar is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Photography and New Media at the Academy of Fine Arts Bratislava. Operating between Bratislava and Prague, he is a visual artist, photographer, curator, and educator whose work spans commercial photography, free artistic creation, and collaborative practices. He graduated from VŠVU Bratislava and has participated in international exchanges at Aalto School of Arts in Helsinki and Bezalel Academy in Jerusalem. His research interests focus on queer theory, particularly queer temporality and spatial relations, collaborative art practices, representation of non-normative bodies, and Roma queer identity. His work challenges normative categories through performative approaches and genre-blurring techniques. His notable project 'nowlessness' (2017-present) consists of three interconnected events exploring alternative relationships to time and space. Kotlar's recent artistic output demonstrates a strong engagement with social and political issues, particularly through his 2022 installation 'mould mix melt stir break pinch SUGAR repeat *receipt against racism' at the Biennale Matter of Art in Prague, created with Robert Gabris as part of the i pack* collective. His work examines the intersection of Roma identity, queer experience, and institutional critique. His artistic practice emphasizes collaboration as a survival strategy in times of crisis, drawing on queer theory to understand interdependence rather than celebrating individual genius. He co-founded the art collective dsk. in 2012 and has been actively engaged in creating alternative narratives around marginalized bodies within art institutions.
Jana Kapelová is an Associate Professor and Studio Manager at the Department of Intermedia, Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava. Her practice bridges intermedia art, institutional critique, and civic activism. Academy of Fine Arts and Design, Bratislava (2009-2013, ArtD.) Faculty of Fine Arts, Banská Bystrica (2004-2006, MFA) University of Trnava (2000-2004, MA in Slovak Language & Art Education) Her research interrogates: Social resistance strategies through performance and participatory projects Temporal dynamics of labor and leisure in bureaucratic systems Institutional critique of Slovak cultural policy Oral history and polyphonic narratives in art practice Urban space alienation and reclamation Intergenerational identity transmission through art Major works include the Kunsthalle documentary project (2011-2012), which compiled 18 expert testimonies about Slovakia's failed contemporary art institution campaign, and Free Working Time (2011), analyzing creative acts during labor hours through Michel de Certeau's 'tactics' theory. She employs video installations, mail art, and public interventions as primary mediums. Scientific recognition includes: 2014 Oskár Čepan Award for emerging Slovak artists 2014 Tatra Tiger Award for innovative art projects 2013 Essl Art Award CEE Finalist 2005 Egoart Award Finalist She has completed international residencies at ICPA New York (2015) and Oberliht Moldova (2013), while co-founding Artyčok TV (2009-2015) – Slovakia's first art-focused online television platform.
Ján Triaška is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts , Academy of Arts, Architecture & Design in Prague, where he serves as Head of the Department of Painting and STARTUP studio manager. His academic career focuses on visual arts, painting, and interdisciplinary art education. His research interests span theoretical and historical foundations of fine arts innovative pedagogical approaches in painting intermedia and digital media integration contemporary artistic practices with a particular emphasis on symbolic and narrative representation. The exhibited works demonstrate a strong focus on temporal and spatial art anatomical and bio-art themes polish cultural heritage documentation digital media narratives across various formats including installations, paintings, and mixed reality projects. Contact: jan.triaska@gmail.com
