Conference programme
24 June 2026, Wednesday
08:30–09:00 Registration
09:00–10:00 Official Opening and Welcome Speeches
10:00–11:00 The Fifth Freedom: Towards a Europe of Knowledge (Keynote Speech)
11:00–11:15 Coffee Break
11:15–12:30 Mobility as the Human Infrastructure of the Fifth Freedom (Panel Discussion)
12:30–13:30 Lunch
13:30–14:30 Academic Freedom as the Foundation of Research and Democracy (Keynote Speech)
14:30–15:00 Coffee Break
15:00–16:15 From Consultation to Co-Governance: ECRs in Academic Governance and the ERA (Panel Discussion)
16:15–17:00 Closing of the Day
19:00– Conference Dinner (Invitation Only)
25 June 2026, Thursday
08:30–09:00 Registration
09:00–10:00 Challenges of International Research Communities (Presentations)
10:00–10:45 ECRs in Academic Governance I.: ECRs and Society (Presentations)
10:45–11:15 Coffee Break
11:15–12:30 ECRs in Academic Governance II.: From Policy to Practice (Presentations)
12:30–13:15 Lunch
13:15–14:15 Building Strong ECR Communities I.: Building Connections and Trainings (Presentations)
14:15–15:15 Building Strong ECR Communities II.: Building Networks and Programmes (Panel Discussion)
15:15–15:30 Closing of the Conference
15:30–16:00 Closing Coffee
16:00–17:45 Workshops (Open only for Eurodoc delegates)
19:00–20:30 Buda Castle Guided Tour
20:00– Standing Reception at the Buda Castle
The organizers reserve the right to change the program. The list of lecturers and speakers will be published at a later date.
Venue
About Semmelweis University
Semmelweis University is a leading institution of higher education in Hungary and the Central European region within the area of medicine and health sciences. Its main commitment is the integrity of education, research and healing, which makes the more than 250-year-old Semmelweis University an internationally recognized center of knowledge. As a specialist university, it holds a unique place within the country.
Semmelweis University - More than 250 years in the service of health
The brochure is available in PDF format.
Inspiring educational environment, future-proof technologies
A truly international community, programs are offered in three languages (Hungarian, English, German). The number of our students is almost 16,000 and is constantly growing. A third of our students come from 5 continents of the world with the aim of continuing their studies with us at the University’s six faculties. Semmelweis University is an employer of more than 14,000 employees and is involved in higher education vocational training, specialist postgraduate training, higher education vocational training, the cultivation of the next generation of scientists, and nurturing talent.
Patient care at the highest level
In addition to teaching, Semmelweis University is the largest provider of health care services in Hungary. Even though practical teaching takes place at the university’s clinics and hospitals, they provide the highest quality patient care services at the same time. Most of the departments cater for the most serious cases and patients requiring complex treatment, thus making the university a national health care provider.
Research focusing on knowledge and innovation
Research, development, and innovation comprise an important part of the University’s three-fold mission. The target of research at the university are early diagnostics and therapy, disease prevention and active ageing. Many of its professors are members of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, with close collaboration between the two institutions in numerous areas. The University organises international conferences and is represented on numerous international scientific boards. Its academic reputation is well-regarded around the world.
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The conference aims at providing sufficient opportunity for insights by stakeholders and for discussions with them, while also making room for contributions by early-career researchers. This year, we do so by exploring the powerful role of ECRs as ambassadors for science and society, emphasizing their influence within academic governance and their potential to reshape dialogue between science and the public. For this reason, the conference will consist of a mix of plenary presentations and panel discussions, short talks, and workshops.
The conference programme will be available soon.