Mental Health in Academia: The Hot Potato #2 (Zadar Edition)

📅 May 16–17, 2025
📍 Venue: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zadar, Obala Kralja Petra Krešimira IV, no. 2, ceremonial hall, 2nd floor.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED PLEASE FILL THE FORM

Also please fill the short survey FORM (anonymous)

May 6

🎓 Online Talk by Nikša Tarabić: Mobbing in Academia (Registration required)

Facebook event LINK

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Organized by:

• Association “Empower-Advance-Integrate for Development (OUI)”
• Student Counseling Center, University of Zadar
• Association “Penkala”

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Conference Aim:

To address and raise awareness about mental health challenges in academia and to provide participants with tools to enhance both personal well-being and academic career development. The focus is particularly on students, PhD candidates, teaching assistantspostdoctoral researchers.

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Overview:

This conference brings together academic staff, PhD candidates, and early career researchers to highlight the importance of mental health in academic settings. Over two days, participants will engage with current scientific research, interactive lectures, and hands-on workshops on stress management, career development, and academic motivation.

Key Topics:

• Stigmatization of mental health
• Institutional pressures (e.g., mobbing)
• Work-life balance during PhD studies
• Empowerment, resources, and resilience in the face of academic stress
• International scholarships and career crafting tools

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Participation is Free of Charge

Voluntary donations to support the conference are welcome.

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Conference Program

🗓️ Day 1 – May 16, 2025

09:00 – 09:30 Registration
09:30 – 10:30 Conference Opening and Organizer Presentations

• Welcome from Vice-Rector of University of Zadar
• Rozana Petani, University Counseling Center
• Dr. Mia Čović, Association OUI
• Luka Savić, Association Penkala

10:30 – 11:00 Dr. Stefan Mol (video presentation): “Staircase Study Results”, SciLink Foundation
11:00 – 11:30 Dr. Maja Tadić Vujčić: “Challenges and Resilience of Young Researchers in Croatia”, Ivo Pilar Institute
11:30 – 12:00 Break
12:00 – 12:30 Marina Nekić: Interactive Lecture, “Sexual Boundaries in the Mentor–PhD Relationship”
12:30 – 13:00 Emina Zoletić, “PhD Applications for EU & US Fellowships: A Fulbright Case Study”
13:00 – 13:30 Kristijan Žibrat: Informal Panel, “Myths and Realities of Academic Self-Efficacy”
13:30 – 15:00 Lunch Break / “Buddy System” Registration
15:00 – 16:30 Panel Discussion: Mental Health in Academia
Topics:

• Mental health stigma
• Navigating institutional pressures
• Work-life balance
• Resilience and empowerment
  Panelists:
  Luka Savić, Dr. Maja Tadić Vujčić, Prof. Rozana Petani, Kristijan Žibrat, Emina Zoletić, Dr. Mia Čović

16:30 – 17:00 Day 1 Wrap-Up and Networking
19:00 – 22:00 Evening Networking at Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun

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🗓️ Day 2 – May 17, 2025

09:00 – 09:30 Arrival and Registration
09:30 – 09:50 Ivana Sučić Šantek: “Inclusion of Students with Disabilities – Counseling Perspective”
09:50 – 10:10 Marina Nekić: Interactive Talk on Stress in PhD and Early Career Researchers
10:10 – 11:30 Emina Zoletić Workshop (Part 1 & 2):
“Applications and Simulations for Fulbright and Guggenheim Grants”
11:30 – 11:45 Break
11:45 – 12:30 Kristijan Žibrat & Dr. Mia Čović:
“Sharing Experiences from Summer Schools – How, Where, and Why to Apply”
12:30 – 14:00 Dr. Maja Tadić Vujčić: Pilot Workshop for PhDs “Job Crafting”
https://scilink.eu / https://www.pattern-openresearch.eu/news/ / https://www.ecrwell.com/
14:00 – 14:15 Closing Remarks
14:30 – 15:30 Gong Bath
17:30 Guided Walking Tour of Zadar
18:00 Evening Networking

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Pre-Conference & Additional Activities

May 6
🎓 Online Talk by Nikša Tarabić: Mobbing in Academia (Registration required)

Throughout the Conference
☀️ Morning Gong, networking by the sea, guided Zadar walks, and more!

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Registration & Contact Info

Registration link: FORM , also please fill the short survey (3 mins) FORM (anonymous)
Social media & event page: Facebook Event

Organizers:

• OUI: www.oui.hr | oui@oui.hr
• Penkala: Facebook | luka.savic@udruga-penkala.hr
• Student Counseling Center UNIZD: Facebook | rpetani@unizd.hr