Doctoral studies at Alma Mater Europaea University are individualized, modeled on elite global schools, and focused on research work and concrete research projects. I wish you successful work, with a clear vision and obedience in faith, that through science we will strengthen peace and prosperity in the world. In doing so, we follow the principles of European culture, ethics, and aesthetics, were the words with which the rector of Alma Mater Europaea University prof. dr. Ludvik Toplak addressed the doctoral students.
The introductory meeting was held online. The Vice-Rector for Education, prof. dr. Sebastjan Kristovi0d, particularly emphasized the importance of intrinsic motivation and research passion: Every true researcher must carry within themselves will, curiosity, and passionthat inner fire that drives a person to ask questions, to discover, and to transcend what is known. Passion for science is not a single spark, but a flame that must be sustained with reading, writing, research, and dialogue.
Prof. Dr. Jurij Toplak, head of Alma Mater's Vienna campus, emphasized the importance of critical thinking: Doctoral study in the sciences is intended to develop critical thinking and a readiness to investigate questions for which the answers are not yet known and perhaps have never even been asked. The emphasis is on learning from mistakes and understanding the processes of publishing and sharing knowledge. A research topic must arise from scientific foundations, be grounded in research questions and existing publications. It may be connected to the work environment if it is grounded in scientific principles. Reading scientific articles provides insight into the current interests of the research community and represents a starting point for further research. The research question should be important both to the researcher and to the scientific community. Its formulation is a process that gradually shapes from a broad area into a clearly defined topic.
Research is creative and systematic work aimed at increasing the stock of knowledge.
We do not solve problems as practitioners do. Our mission is to discover new insights and expand the boundaries of science. We do not merely use existing knowledge, but upgrade and deepen it. The essence of research lies in an original contribution to the scientific field and in understanding the world that surrounds us, was how prof. dr. Mladen Radujkovi07, Chair of the Commission for Scientific Research Work, conveyed the essence of the scientific mission to the doctoral students.
We wish all Alma Mater doctoral students courage, curiosity, and perseverance on the path of scientific research. May you be guided by a desire for knowledge that connects people and strengthens peace in the world.
Alma Mater Europaea University offers doctoral studies in seven modern, research-oriented programs: archival science, physiotherapy, the humanities, project management, social gerontology, strategic communication management, and applied artificial intelligence. The study is designed to enable the inclusion of students from around the world, as it takes place in a hybrid and internationally connected format, with an emphasis on individual research work and collaboration with the global academic community. The university's main locations are in Maribor, Ljubljana, Koper, Celje, Murska Sobota, and Vienna, which ensures a strong European presence and a rich interdisciplinary environment for research.
