A Milestone in Motion: GBSB Global Hosts First Doctoral Conference and Launches Research Center
Barcelona, June 2025 — GBSB Global Business School proudly celebrated a transformative moment in its academic journey with the successful conclusion of the 1st GBSB Global Doctoral Conference. This inaugural event marked a pivotal step in cultivating a world-class research culture across our international academic network.
The conference, held at the heart of our academic community, brought together leading scholars, emerging researchers, and visionary faculty. The day began with an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Dr. Wiktor Patena, Dean and Executive President of GBSB Global, who set the tone for a day defined by intellectual ambition and academic integrity.
A notable highlight of the event was the official launch of the GBSB Global Research Center, which is to be led by Prof. Dr. M.F. Harake, who will serve as its inaugural director. The Center is being developed as a hub for high-impact research and doctoral excellence. It is expected to play an instrumental role in shaping the future of scholarship at GBSB Global.
The conference featured thought-provoking keynote lectures from renowned scholars Prof. Dr. Michal Jasienski and Prof. Dr. Rodolph Pauvert, whose insights illuminated the evolving landscape of research in business and innovation.
At the core of the event were the doctoral candidates — Kayla Sampson, Ulrica Burden, Suzanne Wallbank, Faraj Al Mestrah, and Elie Sarkis — who presented and defended their research proposals on stage. Their work, which spanned diverse areas of business innovation and digital transformation, was met with thoughtful critique and encouraging feedback from the PhD committee. This interactive dialogue exemplified the spirit of scholarly collaboration and mentorship that defines GBSB Global’s doctoral philosophy.
Prof. Dr. Hind Naaman, Head of Studies & Academic Operations, delivered a forward-looking reflection on the vision and values driving the PhD program at the event’s conclusion. She emphasized the strategic importance of establishing a research ecosystem grounded in academic rigor, community support, and global relevance.
The day concluded with the announcement of an upcoming publication:
Voices in Research: Proceedings of the GBSB Global PhD Conference – First Edition,
edited by Prof. Dr. Harake. This volume will feature extended abstracts and contributions from participating doctoral students and faculty, preserving the academic dialogue initiated during the conference.
This first edition is not intended to be an endpoint; rather, it marks the beginning of a continuous process of improvement and refinement. GBSB Global remains committed to doctoral education, interdisciplinary research, and global impact, with a focus on maintaining its core strengths: momentum, vision, and community.