Representatives of the Faculty of Philosophy presented their research at the prestigious ICDALESH 2025 conference in Manila

Published: 15.12.2025

Associate Professor Mariana Sirotová and Dr. Veronika Michvocíková spoke mainly about the activities of the APVV project entitled Manipulative Representations in Times of Crisis. It focuses on the linguistic strategies of conspiracy narratives in the Slovak and German environments.

Colleagues from the Faculty of Philosophy presented their research studies twice. The first was on Manipulative Techniques as a Factor Influencing the Implementation of Inclusive Education in Slovak Schools, and the second dealt with the issue of Eliminating Manipulative Strategies as Part of Creating a Safe University Environment. "Both presentations were given in the poster section, and it has already been confirmed that the studies will be published in professional journals. The abstracts of the papers are part of the official conference abstract book," says Associate Professor Sirotová.

The ICDALESH conference is one of the prestigious platforms that connect experts from various social science fields and create space for dialogue on current social issues. The event focuses on the convergence of disciplines in art, linguistics, education, social sciences, and humanities.

They also developed international relations

After the conference, Associate Professor Mariana Sirotová and Dr. Veronika Michvocíková attended a working meeting with representatives of the renowned University of Santo Tomas, the oldest Catholic university in Asia, and with a representative of Central Philippines State University.

In addition, our researchers met with the assistant to the vice-rector for academic affairs, Ch. S. Ponay, and Lycel Pacheco. "We discussed the content focus of their study programs, as well as the ways in which universities deal with the topic of conspiracy theories and media manipulation. We also talked about the possibilities of incorporating this content into teaching at FF UCM and future cooperation between FF UCM and Central Philippines State University," explains Associate Professor Sirotová.

Our colleagues even managed to attend a workshop focused on developing teachers' communication skills in the area of conspiracy theory awareness. "Here we focused on the importance of clear and inclusive communication in the educational process, the need to promote critical thinking among students, the role of the university in identifying manipulative strategies in the media, and new approaches suitable for teaching and popularizing science," lists Associate Professor Sirotová.

The knowledge gained will be reflected in ongoing research and teaching activities at the Faculty of Arts, UCM. The business trip took place in the second half of October.