Dzemal Bijedic University of Mostar organised the “SUNRISE PhD Boost Event” to introduce doctoral candidates to opportunities for international collaboration, research networking, academic mobility, and professional development within the SUNRISE Alliance.

The SUNRISE Alliance offers numerous opportunities for networking, collaboration, and the personal and institutional development of its partner institutions. Recognising doctoral education as an important component of higher education, Dzemal Bijedic University of Mostar dedicated its event, entitled “SUNRISE PhD Boost Event,” to doctoral candidates. The event was organised with the aim of presenting opportunities for doctoral candidates at Dzemal Bijedic University of Mostar to engage in activities carried out under the auspices of the SUNRISE project.

Supporting Research and Internationalisation

The event was opened by Prof. Amela Piralić, PhD, Vice-Rector for Science and Research, who emphasised the importance of the SUNRISE Alliance for the development of the University. Subsequently, Professor Emeritus Sead Pašić and Prof. Marko Ćećez, PhD, highlighted the importance of internationalisation in research and its role in shaping researchers’ personal and professional development pathways.

Opportunities for Doctoral Candidates

Specific opportunities for doctoral candidates to participate in the activities of the SUNRISE Alliance were presented by Prof. Emir Nezirić, PhD. His presentation covered short-term study visits, Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs), opportunities to connect with researchers from diverse academic disciplines, competitions, and other initiatives. Upcoming SUNRISE project activities in which doctoral candidates can participate directly were also announced.

Sharing Experiences from SUNRISE Activities

The event continued with presentations sharing experiences from previous activities in which doctoral candidates from Dzemal Bijedic University of Mostar had participated. Mr Mohamed El-Zayat, MSc, shared his experiences at TU Ilmenau in Germany, while Ms Merima Ćupina, MSc, and Ms Amila Dedić, MSc, presented their experiences participating in a Blended Intensive Programme hosted by European University Cyprus.

Networking and Future Collaboration

The event concluded with an informal networking session, providing participants with an opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas and discuss potential initiatives to further engage doctoral candidates in SUNRISE project activities.