Call for Papers

The 1st International Scientific and Professional Conference BRIDGE 2026: Down Syndrome – Opportunities, Support and Development will be held on March 20, 2026, at the Faculty of Tourism and Rural Development in Požega (Fakultet turizma i ruralnog razvoja u Požegi), Vukovarska 17, Požega, Croatia.

 

Conference organisers are:

 

Conference co-organisers are: 

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences (CRO)

University of Zadar, Department of Psychology (CRO)

University of Zadar, Department of Pedagogy (CRO)

University of Zadar, Department of Teachers and Preschool Teachers Education (CRO)

University of Rijeka, Faculty of Medicine (CRO)

University of Rijeka, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology (CRO)

University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies (CRO)

University of Rijeka, Faculty of Speech and Language Pathology (CRO)

Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Faculty of Medicine in Pula (CRO)

Special Hospital for the Protection of Children with Neurodevelopmental and Motor Disorders Goljak (CRO)

Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Medicine Osijek

Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Food Technology Osijek (CRO)

Požega School of Agriculture and Food Technology (CRO)

Julije Kempf Primary School Požega (CRO)

General County Hospital Požega (CRO)

Clinical Hospital Center of Rijeka (CRO)

Croatian Psychological Association (CRO)

Croatian Association of Nutritionists and Dietitians (CRO)

Požega Regional Office of the Croatian Institute for Social Work (CRO)

Croatian Institute of Public Health, Požega‑Slavonia County (CRO)

Croatian Down Syndrome Association (CRO)

Croatian Network for Contemporary Biomedicine and Healthcare – MEDWORK (CRO)

Požega‑Slavonia County Association of Psychologists (CRO)

Veruda Day Rehabilitation Center (CRO)

Association for Applied Nutritional Science in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H)

Center for rehabilitation and education of children Zlatni cekin (CRO)

Andrija Štampar Association for Public Health (CRO)

University of Tuzla, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation (B&H)

Croatian Institute for Social Work – Požega-Slavonia County Regional Office (CRO)

Ivan Štark Education and Training Center, Osijek (CRO)

University of Mostar, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Educational Sciences (B&H)

Association "Life with Down Syndrome", Sarajevo (B&H)

 

The International Conference BRIDGE (Building Research, Inclusion, Development, Growth, Education) symbolises the connection between science and practice, creating a space for collaboration, dialogue, and knowledge exchange among professionals, researchers, parents, and students who work in various ways with people with developmental disabilities.

This conference represents the first in a series of scientific and professional gatherings that will, in the coming years, address various topics related to support, education, and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities.

In its inaugural edition, BRIDGE 2026 is dedicated to people with Down syndrome, with a special emphasis on promoting a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to their development and support. The conference connects the fields of educational rehabilitation, speech therapy, psychology, pedagogy, nutrition, medicine, kinesiology, social work, and related disciplines, encouraging collaboration among professionals, families, and the community to create better living conditions and inclusion for people with Down syndrome in all aspects of society.

Children and adults with Down syndrome are especially welcome, as they will be able to participate in educational and creative activities prepared and conducted by student volunteers. In this way, the International BRIDGE Conference becomes a living workshop of inclusion, where theory and practice meet through direct contact, shared experiences, and mutual learning.

The year 2026 also has symbolic importance, as it marks 160 years since John Langdon Down first described Down syndrome in 1866. This important anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress achieved, highlight examples of good practice, and jointly build bridges between research, education, health, and social support.

The 1st International Scientific and Professional Conference BRIDGE 2026: Down Syndrome – Opportunities, Support and Development will be held at the Faculty of Tourism and Rural Development in Požega, with the possibility of online participation for those who cannot attend in person. Participants can expect a rich program including professional lectures, workshops, panel discussions, and research presentations, as well as opportunities for networking and exchanging experiences.

The BRIDGE International Conference aims to become a meeting place for ideas, research, and experiences, but above all – a place that connects people who share a common goal: creating an inclusive, supportive, and humane society for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

 

Forms of Participation
Participants can register and take part in the conference in various ways:

  • As presenters – delivering a scientific, professional, or practical presentation
  • As listeners – without presenting, with the opportunity to attend all lectures, workshops, and roundtables
  • As parents or family members of individuals with Down syndrome – with the opportunity to participate in educational, advisory, and experiential programs
  • As students and volunteers – through volunteering, assisting in activities and workshops, and participating in inclusion programs
  • As representatives of institutions, associations, or organizations that provide support for people with developmental disabilities

The conference is open to everyone who wishes to contribute to the development and improvement of support for individuals with Down syndrome, whether through scientific contribution, professional engagement, or personal experience.

 

Conference Goals

  • To connect scientific research with practical experience in supporting individuals with Down syndrome
  • To promote inclusion, development, and quality of life through collaboration among professionals from various fields, including educational, social, health, and nutritional domains
  • To develop interdisciplinary approaches that integrate educational, health, and social aspects of support
  • To exchange experiences, best practices, and the latest research among professionals and families
  • To empower students and young professionals through workshops, volunteering, and hands-on experience working with individuals with Down syndrome
  • To ensure accessibility and inclusivity through hybrid participation (in-person and online)

 

Participants
The conference is open to:

  • Professionals in educational rehabilitation, speech therapy, psychology, pedagogy, social work, medicine, nutrition, kinesiology, and related fields
  • Researchers and scientists
  • Parents and families of children with Down syndrome
  • Students and volunteers

While parents attend professional presentations, student volunteers will run workshops and activities for children, allowing parents to fully participate in the conference program.

1st International Scientific-Professional Conference BRIDGE 2026: Down Syndrome – Opportunities, Support, and Development brings together professionals, researchers, parents, students, and practitioners from various fields to explore support, development, and inclusion opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome.

The aim of the conference is to promote an interdisciplinary approach that connects science, education, health, and the broader community.

 

Registration: free of charge