1.30 - 3.00 pm

“Advantages and disadvantages of metal based drugs application in cancer treatment”

Danijela Maksimovi?-Ivani? (University of Belgrade, Serbia)

Venue: HS 5

Cancer refers to a broad group of complex diseases that can develop in almost any organ or tissue of the body and are often influenced by a combination of genetic, epigenetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. It occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, invade surrounding tissue and can spread to other parts of the body. Early diagnosis and various treatment methods have improved survival rates for many types of cancer. However, disparities in treatment outcomes remain, highlighting the urgent need for new therapeutic strategies. Since the discovery and clinical use of cisplatin, metal-based compounds have been increasingly explored as potential antitumor agents. A variety of metallo-drugs, including those containing ruthenium, palladium, tin, iron, copper and iridium, have been shown to be effective against various cancer cell lines. While the efficacy and safety of metal-based drugs appear promising in laboratory settings, few have been shown to be effective in vivo. Even when they show promise for cancer treatment, they can pose a significant toxicity risk. These compounds often accumulate in healthy tissue, leading to side effects such as organ damage, suppression of the immune system and gastrointestinal disturbances. Therefore, targeted delivery systems are currently being developed that can minimize toxicity and increase therapeutic efficacy. This lecture will address the fundamental mechanisms underlying the antitumor effects of metal-based drugs and the benefits and challenges associated with their biomedical applications. In addition, the growing concerns regarding the environmental impact of metal-based drugs will be also discussed, particularly in light of their increasing use in cancer treatment.

3.15 - 4.45 pm

“Nanotechnology in cancer treatment: pros and cons”

Sanja Mijatovi? (University of Belgrade, Serbia)

Venue: HS 5

Cancer often arise from persistent disruptions in homeostasis, leading to a gradual depletion of the body's repair and regulatory systems, which ultimately fail when the disease becomes clinically evident. This lecture will address these challenges by analyzing the phenomenon of malignant transformation and the behavior of cancer cells, both individually and within the structure of a multicellular entity recognized as a tumor mass that evades the host’s regulatory mechanisms and gradually transforms from a treatable to an incurable state. Particular attention will be paid to identifying specific properties acquired during this route that could serve as a basis for the development of new therapies that are more specific, more successful and safer for normal tissue (3S). Promising strategies being explored include nanotechnology-based delivery systems, which offer significant potential for precisely targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. However, despite their advantages, the clinical application of nanoparticles faces significant obstacles, most notably concerns about their toxicity, biodistribution and long-term biocompatibility in the human body. In addition, there is growing evidence of the environmental risks associated with the widespread use of nanoparticles, including their persistence in ecosystems, their bioaccumulation and potential toxic effects on non-target organisms. Consideration of both clinical and environmental aspects of nanoparticle safety is critical to the responsible development of future therapies. These issues will be discussed in the context of broader strategies to combat malignant diseases during the course of the lecture.

9.15 am - 12.30 pm

“Exploring authenticity beyond enchanting masterpieces. A SWOT analysis of the Italian heritage system”

Mara Cerquetti (Università di Macerata, Italy)

Venue: Hg F/3/24

The seminar will introduce students to the Italian heritage system through a SWOT analysis. During the session, we will analyse the competitive advantage of Italian cultural heritage (strengths), its fragility and the reasons for its slow innovation (weaknesses), in addition to opportunities and threats arising from the international and national context, such as the new and increasing demand for culture and the socio-economic instability. After framing the analysis within the VRIO model, we will discuss possible marketing strategies to enhance the Italian “threefold natural museums” involving students in a brainstorming session to identify possible paths to promote sustainable cultural tourism beyond enchanting masterpieces. 

9.15 - 10.45 am 

"Marketing in der Logistik”

Robert Rogaczewski (State University of Applied Sciences, Konin)

Venue: Hg G/2/30

Der Vortrag konzentriert sich auf den spezifischen Bereich des Marketings von Logistikdienstleistungen. Im Mittelpunkt steht die Entwicklung von Marketingstrategien, die Logistikunternehmen helfen, ihre Dienstleistungen effektiv zu positionieren, ihre Zielgruppen zu erreichen und sich im Wettbewerb zu differenzieren. Es wird aufgezeigt, wie Unternehmen ihre Servicequalit?t, Innovationen und Kundenn?he als Wettbewerbsvorteile nutzen k?nnen. Besondere Aufmerksamkeit gilt der Bedeutung der Markenbildung und der Schaffung einer starken Kundenbindung in einem zunehmend digitalisierten Marktumfeld. Der Vortrag beleuchtet auch, wie Logistikunternehmen durch ma?geschneiderte Marketingstrategien ihre Angebote an die spezifischen Bedürfnisse von Unternehmen und Endkunden anpassen und somit ihre Marktstellung st?rken k?nnen.

10.00 am - 12.30 pm

"Logistic management in conflict areas”

Oleksii Oleksiuk (Kyiv National Economic University, Ukraine)

Venue: TBA

The seminar is devoted to highlighting several important issues of logistic management in volatile conditions. During the seminar participants will explore the complexities and critical aspects of managing logistics in conflict-affected regions. In particular, it will be discussed challenges such as disrupted supply chains, risk management, coordination with multiple stakeholders (including humanitarian organizations and military forces), inclusiveness of supply chains for SMEs, and strategies for maintaining operational continuity. The session will also address practical approaches to resource allocation, safety protocols, and adapting logistic frameworks to rapidly changing environments. The seminar will address the resilience of logistic systems in a broader context more discussed by international professionals but using the Ukrainian cases from 2022-2024.
Learning outcomes are expected to include the followings: basic logistic strategies, applicable under the volatile conditions; general checklists for decision making of logistic managers; a correlation between customer demand and implied logistic supply uncertainty; a balance between strategic and operational fits in logistic management; interfaces of integration of SMEs into big regional supply chains etc.
The session will be tailored from practical inputs, theoretical materials and discussions with participants.

"News and media data as a source for behavioural studies in commerce and logistics”

Oleksii Oleksiuk (Kyiv National Economic University, Ukraine)

Venue: TBA

The seminar will focus on the practical application of open-source media in socio-economic research. Open-source media, including social networks, online publications, blogs, and public data repositories, have become invaluable tools for researchers seeking to gather real-time, diverse, and large-scale behavioural data. Participants will learn how to effectively identify, collect, and analyse data from open-source media to enhance the depth and scope of their behavioural studies. The workshop will also cover ethical considerations and data validation techniques to ensure the reliability and accuracy of findings.
The seminar is designed for researchers and anyone interested in leveraging open-source media to gain insights into contemporary behavioural studies. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a better understanding of how to systematically approach data collection from open sources, to make quality checking (combatting disinformation), and to extract meaningful informational patterns from business news flows.
Learning outcomes include the following: knowledge of basic media analysis; ability to use open-source software for performing text mining from the news flows and media data; goal-oriented informational constructs’ analysis in social and economic research; mitigate risks of impact non-qualitative (fakes, disinformation) open source data on research. Additionally, it expected to discuss with participants 3 key research questions:
How can a scientist resist propaganda, fakes and disinformation saturated everywhere around?
How can dominant narratives and information constructs be identified under the omni-channel environment?
What technologies should be employed for identifying, tracking and decoding meanings of media environment?

11.00 am - 12.30 pm

"Lokale Tradition oder globale Marke? Marketingstrategien polnischer Sü?warenhersteller”

Robert Rogaczewski (State University of Applied Sciences, Konin)

Venue: Hg G/2/30

Der Vortrag analysiert die Marketingstrategien polnischer Sü?warenhersteller im Spannungsfeld zwischen lokaler Identit?t und globalem Markenauftritt. Am Beispiel traditionsreicher Unternehmen wie Wedel, Wawel und Solidarno?? wird gezeigt, wie kulturelles Erbe, nationale Symbolik und historische Markenwerte gezielt zur Markenbindung eingesetzt werden. Gleichzeitig wird untersucht, wie diese Hersteller auf globale Trends reagieren – etwa durch Exportstrategien, innovative Produktlinien, Nachhaltigkeitsinitiativen und die Nutzung digitaler Marketingkan?le. Der Vortrag argumentiert, dass viele polnische Hersteller heute eine hybride Strategie verfolgen: Sie verbinden traditionelle Werte mit modernem Branding, um sich sowohl auf dem nationalen als auch auf dem internationalen Markt erfolgreich zu positionieren.

11.00 am - 12.30 pm

"Arsenic contamination of natural waters, soils and food products in Georgia and its risk factor”

Mariam Tabatadze (Georgian Technical University, Georgia)

Venue: Hg C/2/14

This presentation addresses the issue of arsenic contamination in natural waters, soils, and food products in Georgia, with a particular focus on the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti regions. River and artesian water samples, suspended solids, bottom sediments, and soils from polluted, agricultural, recreational, and background sites were collected and analysed for arsenic content. Food products from the region were also tested. Additionally, hydrochemical and microbiological characterisations were conducted on the Lukhuni and Tskhenistskali rivers, as well as on artesian and spring waters located near former arsenic-processing facilities. All analyses were performed using modern methods and internationally standardised equipment. A GIS-based map of soil arsenic contamination was developed to visualise the spatial distribution of pollution. The presentation identifies the most vulnerable areas, particularly in the vicinity of abandoned arsenic factories, including the villages of Abari and Likheti, where phytoremediation efforts have been initiated. The findings highlight the environmental and public health risks associated with arsenic exposure and emphasise the need for ongoing monitoring and remediation.

11.00 am - 12.30 pm

“Workshop: Model systems for preclinical drug investigation”

Danijela Maksimovi?-Ivani? (University of Belgrade, Serbia)

Venue: Hg E/1/15

11.00 am - 12.30 pm

“Signal Processing and System Control in Lithium-Ion Battery Aging Analysis”

Azizbek Zokirjonov (Andijan State Technical Institute, Uzbekistan)

Venue: HS 7

This session delves into the critical role of signal processing and system control in understanding and predicting the aging behavior of lithium-ion batteries, particularly lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. Participants will explore how advanced signal analysis techniques can extract meaningful indicators from complex electrochemical data, supporting early detection of degradation patterns. The session highlights the integration of system control strategies to not only monitor but also actively manage battery health, extending operational life and ensuring safety. Key topics include feature extraction, noise reduction, aging modeling, and real-time health management systems. Through case studies and practical examples, attendees will gain insights into designing robust analytical frameworks that bridge the gap between raw data and actionable maintenance strategies. This session is ideal for researchers, engineers, and students focused on battery technologies, energy storage systems, and data-driven system management.

1.30 - 3.00 pm

“Workshop: First steps in drug discovery; How to conduct biological studies?”

Sanja Mijatovi? (University of Belgrade, Serbia)

Venue: Hg D/1/18

1.30 - 3.00 pm

"Internationalit?t und Solidarit?t in der DDR”

Susanne Wernsing (Wien)

Venue: Hg F/2/24

Die internationale Verflechtung der DDR steht erst seit einigen Jahren im Fokus von Sammlungsbeforschungen und Ausstellungen – zun?chst insbesondere in Kunstmuseen. Wie die von Sandra Mühlenberend und Susanne Wernsing kuratierte Ausstellung ?VEB Museum. Das Deutsche Hygienemuseum in der DDR“ (2024) Internationalit?t und Solidarit?t thematisierte, soll anhand von erstmals gehobenen Archiv- und Sammlungsfunden und anhand von Ausstellungskonzeption und -strategien gezeigt werden. In der DDR war das DHMD Zentralinstitut für Gesundheitsaufkl?rung und –erziehung, Produktionsbetrieb und Veranstaltungsort. Es unterstand dem Ministerium für Gesundheitswesen und ebenso Direktiven aus dem Ministerium für Au?enhandel. Der Vortrag zeigt Programme und 皇冠足球体育_足球比分直播￥中国竞彩网, die das DHMD im Sinne der staatstragenden Identit?t von Internationalismus, Antifaschismus und Antikolonialismus umsetzte. Er geht auf den globalen Export von anatomisch-biologischen Lehrmitteln in der Zeit der Dekolonialisierung ein und zeigt Programme der propagierten V?lkerfreundschaft, zu denen seit den 1950er Jahren auch Einladungen internationaler Delegationen und tempor?r Besch?ftigter z?hlten. 

1.30 - 3.00 pm

"Marketing to Emerging-Market Consumers: A case of Thailand”

Alisara Rungnontarat Charinsarn (Thammasat Business School, Thailand)

Venue: Hg E/1/19

In this “Marketing to Emerging-Market Consumers: A case of Thailand” class, the emphasis will be on Consumer Behavior in Thailand, that is, the characteristics of the country, culture, and people, so that students will better understand the Thai people particularly their roles as consumers and shoppers. This class will also cover the business and marketing implication based on understanding the consumer insight. The class will not only benefit those who would like to market to Thailand, but the knowledge and discussion will serve as a springboard for future business people who would like to do business across culture.

3.15 - 4.45 pm

"AI-powered insights: Understanding users through social media data”

Sofía Blanco Moreno (University of León, Spain)

Venue: Hg E/1/19

This session explores how artificial intelligence and we scraping can be used to analyze social media content - both images and texts. We will examine how users express their preferences and behaviors through posts, and how this data can be harnessed to identify digital archetypes and their engagement with several topics. The session combines concepts from marketing, data science, and consumer behavior, with practical examples and interactive discussion on ethical considerations and the future of data-driven research.

9.15 am - 10.45 am

“Sustainable Finance”

Antonio Díaz (Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Spain)

Venue: Hg G/2/30

This session will cover the following key topics: Circular Economy, Introduction to Sustainable Finance, Impact of Climate Change, Transition to Climate Finance and a case study on "Sustainability premium in energy bonds".

11.00 am - 12.30 pm

"Towards participatory governance in cultural heritage management in Italy: paradigm shift or path-dependence?”

Mara Cerquetti (Università di Macerata, Italy)

Venue: HG F/3/26

The seminar will disentangle the relationship between culture, cultural heritage and its management. After analysing the complex meaning of cultural heritage and its evolution in international conventions, we will discuss the shift towards a people-centred approach and participatory governance. The main innovations introduced at the beginning of the 21st century (e.g., UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, 2003, and Council of Europe Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society, 2005) will be examined within the Italian legal framework and administrative reforms to understand if and how we can talk about a paradigm shift in cultural heritage management or a hybridisation of old and new models.

11.00 am - 12.30 pm

“ESG Investing and Green Bonds”

Antonio Díaz (Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Spain)

Venue: Hg G/2/30

This session will cover the following key topics: Introduction to ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Investing, Sustainable financing products, Greenwashing, Regulation of ESG and Green Finance and a case study “Portfolio management of ESG-labeled energy companies based on PTV and ESG factors”.

11.00 am - 12.30 pm

"Phytoremediation of arsenic-contaminated soils of Georgia”

Mariam Tabatadze (Georgian Technical University, Georgia)

Venue: HS 4

Phytoremediation is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective technology for cleaning soils contaminated with harmful toxins such as arsenic. This presentation focuses on the application of phytoremediation in Georgia’s Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti regions to restore soil fertility. Three plant species—Amaranthus gangeticus, Chenopodium album, and Helianthus annuus—were selected for their ability to accumulate and translocate arsenic from contaminated soils. Seeds were treated with the bioactivator Biorag to enhance biomass growth. The plants were sown in May and harvested in August and October.

The presentation describes the procedures of the research methodology. After harvesting, plants were dried for two weeks and then processed using the Milestone Start D Microwave decomposition system. Total arsenic content in various plant parts (roots, shoots, and whole plants) was determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Key phytoremediation indicators were calculated, including arsenic concentration, bioconcentration factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF), and total arsenic accumulation in plant biomass.

The presentation highlights the research findings that all selected plant species effectively accumulated and removed arsenic from contaminated soils. The phytoremediation efficiency reached 58.7%, with 41.3% of arsenic remaining in the soil. These findings support phytoremediation as an effective strategy for environmental cleanup, with data analysis performed using standard statistical methods.

11.00 am - 12.30 pm

“PhD Journey – From Curiosity to Contribution”

Azizbek Zokirjonov (Andijan State Technical Institute, Uzbekistan)

Venue: Hg C/3/15

Embarking on a PhD is a transformative journey that evolves from a spark of curiosity into meaningful contributions to one’s field. This session offers an honest and inspiring look into the milestones, challenges, and growth opportunities encountered along the doctoral path. Participants will learn about navigating the early stages of topic selection, building a research identity, mastering methodologies, and maintaining resilience through setbacks. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking, fostering innovation, and building a scholarly network that supports and enhances the research process. Personal anecdotes, practical advice, and lessons learned will be shared to illuminate how curiosity-driven exploration can ultimately lead to impactful scientific and societal contributions. This session is particularly valuable for current and prospective PhD students, early-career researchers, and anyone interested in the personal and professional evolution fostered by advanced research endeavors.

1.30 pm - 3.00 pm

“Ausstellen, was nicht gezeigt werden darf. Bildpolitiken des rassismuskritischen Kuratierens”

Susanne Wernsing (Wien)

Venue: Se/0/17

Strukturellen Rassismus und dessen Geschichte auszustellen, birgt die Herausforderung, ein Ph?nomen zu zeigen, das seine anhaltende gewaltvolle Wirkmacht durch das wiederholte Zeigen seiner Bilder und Repr?sentationen entfaltet. Die in Museumssammlungen und Archiven bewahrten historischen Objekte und Bilder dienten nicht nur der propagandistischen Verbreitung; sie sollten Unterschiedlichkeit evident machen, um damit politische, soziale und kulturelle Ungleichheit, Ausbeutung und Gewalt zu legitimieren. Zu den ma?geblichen Institutionen, welche (kolonial-)rassistische und antisemitische Lehrmittel produzierten, z?hlte auch das Deutsche Hygiene-Museum – und zwar seit seiner Gründung. Thema der Ausstellung ?Rassismus. Die Erfindung von Menschenrassen“ im Deutschen Hygiene-Museum (2018/19) war entsprechend: The Making of Race. Der Seminarvortrag diskutiert kuratorische Strategien, die darauf abzielen, die Reproduktion rassistischer Bildgewalt im Ausstellungsraum zu unterlaufen. Dazu z?hlen: korrigierende Interventionen, Bildentzug, Gegendarstellungen, Prozesshaftigkeit und Umkehrung.

9.15 - 10.45 am

"Experimental Research for Consumer Behavior Study”

Alisara Rungnontarat Charinsarn (Thammasat Business School, Thailand)

Online: TBA

As behavioral research is on the rise internationally, this class aims to provide overview of behavioral study, using experimental research. In this class, we will also discuss the research design, particularly the thinking behind the experimental research. For example, the how and the logic behind the design of the scenario and stimulus. In addition, this class will discuss the tips in laying the ground work including choosing the right research participants, experimental setting, collecting data, practical guides, and the concept in relevant analysis.

11.00 am -12.30 pm

“Bridging Research Gaps and Theories: A Meta-Analytical Study Toward Developing New Conceptual Models for Wellness Tourism Management”

Sethasilp Inthanon (PhD candidate, HS Merseburg)

Online: TBA

In this lecture, I plan to discuss the meta-analysis method, existing research gaps in wellness tourism, overlapping theories in psychology and marketing identified through the Meta-analysis study, and the development of new conceptual models for my PhD's prospective research outcomes in the wellness tourism management academia.