ENLIGHT: A smoother path to a joint PhD
Bratislava, 23 June 2026:Doctoral candidates at Comenius University Bratislava will have easier access to international collaboration, joint supervision of doctoral theses, and the opportunity to obtain a double PhD degree in the future. This will be made possible by the new Joint PhD Framework Agreement, which was signed by the rectors of the ten partner universities of the ENLIGHT European University alliance in early June.
The agreement represents a significant milestone in the development of doctoral education in Europe. It establishes a common framework for the supervision, examination, and defence of doctoral theses among partner universities while substantially reducing the administrative burden associated with creating joint doctoral programmes. As a result, it will be easier to establish joint doctoral study programmes across ENLIGHT universities, providing doctoral candidates with access to international research environments, mobility opportunities, and the possibility of earning a double PhD degree.
On behalf of Comenius University, the development of the agreement was actively supported by Vice-Rector for Research and Doctoral Studies Jozef Masarik, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences Marianna Kováčová, and Head of the Comenius University Doctoral School Janka Kotullová. Together with colleagues from partner universities, they contributed to the creation of a common framework that respects national legislative requirements while facilitating the establishment of international doctoral study programmes.
“Joint doctoral programmes provide a unique opportunity to connect talented young researchers across Europe. I am pleased that Comenius University actively contributed to the creation of a framework that will significantly facilitate such collaboration,” said Jozef Masarik, Vice-Rector for Research and Doctoral Studies at Comenius University Bratislava.
The Joint PhD Framework Agreement is the result of collaboration among all ten universities within the ENLIGHT alliance and was developed through its Doctoral Network. Its adoption marks an important step towards strengthening European cooperation in research and higher education. At the same time, it aligns with European Union initiatives aimed at promoting mobility, developing joint study programmes, and strengthening the European Education and Research Areas.
The benefits of joint doctoral studies are also reflected in the experience of Veronika Valkovičová, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Education of Comenius University Bratislava, who completed her PhD through an international joint doctoral programme in cooperation with partner universities abroad. Her experience illustrates the opportunities that similar forms of collaboration can offer future doctoral candidates at Comenius University.
“Thanks to the joint doctoral programme, I gained an opportunity that very few doctoral students in Slovakia have – having two supervisors who guided me throughout my research journey. I published my research in international peer-reviewed journals and took part in workshops and seminars in Antwerp, as well as at Radboud University and Vrije Universiteit Brussel. I also built connections with many early-career and established researchers, with whom I continue to collaborate to this day.I wrote my dissertation in English and defended it in Bratislava. This type of study certainly comes with challenges, such as frequent travel and spending time abroad, but it also offers invaluable new academic perspectives, experiences, and professional connections. The opportunities and relationships I gained through the programme continue to shape and support my academic career in Slovakia to this day,” says Valkovičová.
ENLIGHT brings together ten research-intensive European universities, including Comenius University Bratislava. The alliance aims to strengthen cooperation in education, research, and societal engagement, contributing to the further development of the European Higher Education and Research Areas.