Highlights from the 2025 International Online Conference

On June 19, 2025, the Bárczi Gusztáv Faculty of Special Needs Education at Eötvös Loránd University hosted a vibrant international online PhD conference showcasing the latest doctoral research in the fields of special education, inclusion, and accessibility. The event brought together young researchers from across Europe and South America, offering an inspiring platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and knowledge sharing.

The conference was officially opened by Ms habil. Dr. Andrea Perlusz, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, and Mr Attila Erdős, Head of the International Office. Both emphasized the importance of international collaboration and the role of young researchers in advancing inclusive education practices and policies globally.

I. part: Diverse Contexts, Shared Commitments

The first block of presentations reflected the global scope of inclusive research and the commitment to bridging accessibility gaps across multiple domains:

• Tommaso Santilli (University of Macerata, Italy) opened the academic program with his research on participatory approaches in XR technology in museums, aiming to enhance accessibility for all.
• From Argentina, Leticia Vázquez (Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Argentina) introduced a university program aimed at labor training for individuals with intellectual disabilities, highlighting practical models for social and professional integration.
• Emilia Pylarinou (University of Thessaly, Greece) presented a comparative study on visually impaired individuals in European work environments, identifying systemic barriers and strategies for better inclusion.
• Mona-Lisa Möller (University of Helsinki, Finland) discussed the long-term effects of office-based vision therapy for patients with persistent visual impairments after traumatic brain injury.
• In another perspective on visual disability, Anna Theodori (University of Thessaly) explored self-determination and travel motivation among blind and visually impaired individuals.

A short Q&A session and a coffee break followed, allowing participants to reflect on these thought-provoking insights.

II. part: Technology, Therapy, and Transformation

The second part of the conference focused on innovation in practice, technology, and policy reform:

• Aleksandra Jakovchevska (University of Skopje, North Macedonia) examined how 3D printed models can enhance knowledge acquisition for visually impaired students in a quasi-experimental study.
• Ágnes Somorjai (Eszterházy Károly Catholic University) concluded the morning session with a compelling narrative on the transformation of the School for the Blind in Budapest, framed as “life beyond data.”
• Ivana Vasilevska Petrovska (UKIM, North Macedonia) applied a critical realist framework to examine inclusive education reforms, highlighting challenges and structural issues.
• Lucia Borsini (University of Campania, Italy) emphasized the empowering potential of special pedagogy focused on life planning and self-determination.
• The final paper, presented by Eszter Lisztes (Eötvös Loránd University), delved into the inclusion of autistic adults in Hungarian Christian communities, an underexplored area bridging faith and disability studies.

After another insightful Q&A session, the conference was officially closed with a summary that reflected the depth, quality, and relevance of the research shared.

The 2025 International Online PhD Conference stood as a testament to the innovative and inclusive spirit of doctoral students worldwide. The event not only provided academic inspiration but also strengthened international networks that support future cooperation in special needs education, accessibility, and inclusive policy-making.

We are proud of our role in facilitating such vital dialogue and look forward to welcoming many of these young researchers again in future events. Also, we would like to thank all the presenters and participants, as well as the organizing committee.