Doctoral Symposium 2026
The University of Maribor Faculty of Health Sciences is organizing a Doctoral Symposium on March 17th, 2026, titled A Decade of Doctoral Education in Nursing: Advancing Science for the Needs of Patients, Society, and the Healthcare System.
The doctoral symposium represents a significant step in the development of nursing science, as it effectively bridges academic education, research, and its direct application in clinical practice. In doing so, it promotes progress in the profession, strengthens the quality of doctoral studies, and fosters closer dialogue between theory and everyday nursing care.
The year 2026 is particularly celebratory for us since we are marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Institute for Nursing and 10 years since the first enrollment of doctoral students at the University of Maribor Faculty of Health Sciences. This dual jubilee lends the symposium additional symbolic significance, encouraging us to reflect retrospectively on our achievements while simultaneously directing our vision toward the future of the discipline.
Internationally recognized professors, experienced researchers, and doctoral students will present their latest innovative research and valuable insights from doctoral education, thereby enriching the core body of knowledge in the field of nursing. At the same time, the symposium strengthens a collaborative international environment in which researchers, educators, and students from various countries exchange ideas, philosophical approaches, methodologies, and practical experiences. Such an environment not only deepens educational experiences but also lays solid foundations for reflective practice, critical thinking, and innovative responses to the challenges of the future global healthcare system.
Through the synthesis of research, high-quality education, and international networking, the doctoral symposium solidifies the foundations for the further international development of nursing education and ensures the dynamic, sustainable advancement of the discipline in line with the current and future needs of healthcare worldwide.
Doctoral Symposium
Maribor, March 17th 2026
A Decade of Doctoral Education in Nursing: Advancing Science for the Needs of Patients, Society, and the Healthcare System
Programme
|
9.00 - 9.30 |
A Welcome President of the Doctoral School Council of the University of Maribor, Prof Zoran Ren. PhD Head of the study program, Prof Dr Majda Pajnkihar Dean, Assoc Prof Mateja Lorber, PhD Vice Dean for Research, Prof Gregor Štiglic, PhD |
|
9.30 - 11.15 |
From Research Problem to Scientific Contribution: Presentation of Completed Doctoral Dissertations |
|
11.15 - 11.45 |
Coffee Break |
|
11.45 - 12.30 |
The Doctoral Journey: Experiences Across Different Stages |
|
12.30 - 14.15 |
EU Projects in Support of the Health System |
|
14.15 - 14.45 |
Coffee Break |
|
14.45 - 16.00 |
Publication and Promotion of Scientific Research Results |
|
16.00 |
Closure of the Programme |
30 years of Institute of Nursing Care UM FHS
