Call for PhD Presentations in Artistic Research
WIRE by FilmEU warmly invites PhD candidates to present their research at the upcoming PhD Seminar in Artistic Research, taking place as an in-person event during the WIRE Summit on April 15, 2026, hosted by Lusófona University in Lisbon, Portugal.
The seminar provides a dynamic platform for PhD researchers to share their ongoing work, engage in critical dialogue, and receive constructive feedback from peers and experts in the field. It aims to foster an open, collaborative academic environment that supports the development and refinement of artistic research practices. It offers a valuable opportunity to advance individual research projects while contributing to the broader discourse shaping PhD trajectories and research support within the FilmEU European University alliance.
The PhD Seminar is open to doctoral candidates within the FilmEU Alliance at all stages of their studies, from early-stage researchers to those nearing completion. Participants are invited to give approximately 20-minute presentation in a flexible format. We encourage presenters to focus on a specific research question, challenge, or issue – whether theoretical, methodological, or related to artistic practice – that they wish to discuss in depth and receive feedback on.
The seminar is open to all WIRE Summit participants, and the presentations will be shared with an audience consisting of fellow PhD researchers, external experts, and members of the academic and artistic research community.
Each presentation will be followed by a moderated discussion and audience feedback, creating a supportive and focused space for critical exchange. The dialogue initiated during the seminar is intended to continue informally throughout the day, encouraging further conversations and exchanges within the broader summit context.
The PhD Seminar in Artistic Research will be conducted in English.
PhD candidates are invited to enhance their WIRE Summit experience by taking part in a dedicated programme of networking, training, writing, and exhibition opportunities designed specifically for doctoral researchers and detailed below.
Applicants are required to submit the following:
1. Short motivation letter
Please briefly describe your motivation for attending the PhD seminar, how participation could benefit your research and professional development, and the outcomes you hope to achieve, such as feedback, new perspectives, or networking opportunities.
2. Abstract of your PhD project (max. 300 words)
Please include:
- The topic and focus of your research
- Research methods and approach
- Research questions or areas you plan to address in your presentation
- Progress of your PhD work to date and plans for future research
3. Describe the preferred format of your presentation (max. 150 words)
Deadline for submission: 6.2.2026
Notification of acceptance: 12.2.2026
To apply, please complete the application form.
Selection criteria:
Applications will be evaluated based on the quality of the abstract, with a focus on presenting research questions, methods, and objectives clearly; the potential for discussion, meaning the likelihood of generating meaningful feedback and exchange with peers and experts; the strength and clarity of the motivation letter, including the expected outcomes from participation.
Selection committee:
Aleksandra Ianchenko – Tallinn University, Estonia
Hristo Bonev — NATFA, Bulgaria
Katarína Mišíková — VŠMU, Slovakia
Lies Van de Vijver — LUCA School of Arts, Belgium
Lina Kaminskaitė-Jančorienė — LMTA, Lithuania
Martina Mullaney — IADT, Ireland
Rikke Korgaard — VIA University College, Denmark
Rita Grácio — Lusófona University, Portugal
PhD candidates are warmly invited to make the most of the WIRE Summit by joining a range of events tailored specifically for doctoral researchers throughout the week.
Don’t miss these opportunities (please note that separate registration may be required):
PhD Café (13 April) – connect with peers in an informal setting
DOCTUS Training (13–14 April) – develop key research and professional skills
Want to showcase your work further? Apply for the ARE26 Exhibition.
All participants selected for the PhD Presentations in Artistic Research will also be offered the opportunity to take part in the DOCTUS Training as an additional benefit.
For funding opportunities, please contact your home institution.
For further questions, contact Žofia Ščuroková (VŠMU) at zofia.scurokova@filmeu.eu.
We look forward to your participation and to the exchange of ideas the seminar will foster!