Open Call of the Academy | Graduate Conference 2026

At the graduate conference, advanced doctoral/PhD candidates will give a public presentation about their dissertation/PhD project or an aspect of it. Every presenter has a 20-25 minute time slot for the talk (incl. presentation, videos, etc.) and the same amount of time available for a discussion. A colleague of the Academy, who is not supervising the respective PhD student, will moderate the discussion and start the discussion with a first question. Each talk will be accompanied by a discussant (doctoral-level colleague), who continues the discussion with their comments. The presentations can be held in German or English. The conference will take place all day.

The Graduate Conference aims at a stronger visibility and integration of doctoral and PhD candidates and seeks to increase exchange and networking possibilities among doctoral and other researchers and artists at the Academy of fine Arts Vienna. Furthermore, the Graduate Conference is essential in enhancing the discussion of dissertations and PhD projects. Debates between disciplines, which are not part of everyday life, are also welcomed.

The presentation should provide an insight into the current work on the dissertation/the PhD project. Thus, please focus on issues relevant to the development of your dissertation/PhD project. These could be questions regarding your methodological considerations as well as a specific way of posing a problem within one part or chapter of your thesis/project.

To apply, please submit:

• Completed online application form, incl.
  • Paper title and abstract (max. 500 characters, incl. blanks)
  • Short CV

The following documents need to be uploaded:

• Table of Contents and/or short description of chapters 
• Exposé of your dissertation or PhD project
• Short recommendation of your supervisor
• Current Record of Studies (“Studienblatt”)
• Approved dissertation agreement (Dr. techn.: signed supervision agreement)

We are looking forward to your application until 17 March 2026, 11h via the Academy's submission system.

For further information please contact doktoratszentrum@akbild.ac.at