Spring School of Social Work for Master′s and PhD Students in Europe 2026
At the end of April, the Faculty of Social Studies at the University of Ostrava hosted the 19th annual International Spring School of Social Work. The event was organized in cooperation with the European Research Institute for Social Work (ERIS). This three-day international gathering provided a platform for sharing research, engaging in expert discussions, and building new international partnerships among Master′s and doctoral social work students.
This year′s edition welcomed nearly 80 participants from universities across Europe and beyond – including France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, and India. Within 12 thematic sessions, young researchers presented their projects focusing on current challenges in social work. Discussions addressed topics such as the impact of artificial intelligence and digital transformation on social work, support for people with disabilities, and the experiences of Ukrainian refugees.
The programme also featured keynote lectures by prominent European experts. Prof. Dr. Eberhard Raithelhuber from Austria opened the conference with a presentation on engaged research in social work, while Prof. Dr. Rudi Roose from Belgium focused on the political dimension of social science research. Students also attended a practical workshop dedicated to publishing in international peer-reviewed journals.
However, the Spring School was more than just an academic event. The organizers placed great emphasis on building relationships and creating a space for open dialogue across countries, experiences, and generations.
"We live in a time when the field of social work is facing growing pressures and uncertainties. That is precisely why I consider it extremely important to create and strengthen connections among us – across countries, experiences, and generations. We are proud that in Ostrava we can create an environment of open dialogue where different cultures and approaches to helping people meet," stated Zuzana Stanková (Faculty of Social Studies, University of Ostrava), Director of ERIS, and Anita Gulczyńska (University of Lodz, Poland), Director of the Spring School, during the opening ceremony.
The atmosphere of the international gathering was further enhanced by a social programme, which included a guided tour of Ostrava in English and informal student meetups where new ideas for future collaboration and joint projects were born.
The 19th annual Spring School has once again confirmed that it is not merely a conference, but a vibrant community of young people who share a commitment to social justice, solidarity, and the development of high-quality social work in Europe and worldwide.
Updated: 20. 05. 2026
