RECONNECT Festival Bratislava

Today, one in four of us struggles with loneliness, and one in five is socially isolated. Why is this the case, and how can we address it? How does it affect our relationships, health, and daily lives? Answers to these and other questions are provided by RECONNECT – Festival of Connection – an event that brings together science, social discourse, and immersive experiential activities.

The event is intended for the general public, students, experts, and anyone interested in the topics of loneliness, interpersonal relationships, connection, and mental well-being.

Over the course of one afternoon on Monday, May 25, 2026, the event program will feature expert presentations, public discussions with invited guests, and interactive stations where you can experience feelings of loneliness firsthand and learn how to cope with them.

What can you look forward to?

The story of loneliness in the data

What the UK research team discovered about loneliness and social isolation

Public discussions

On loneliness in society, the digital world, and parenting

Interactive sessions

Loneliness assessment, social network mapping, micro-steps against loneliness, training in making connections and nonverbal communication

Speed friending

A safe and playful space to meet new people, but also to get to know yourself

Event Program:

1:00 p.m. – Festival Opening

Presentation of the findings of a study on loneliness and social isolation conducted by the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Comenius University

2:00 – 2:30 p.m. – Discussion I

Are we alone even when we live surrounded by others? Causes and consequences of loneliness

Panelists: MUDr. Michal Patarák, PhD, doc. PhDr. Michal Hajdúk, PhD, Mgr. Lenka Pavuková Rušarová

2:30 – 3:00 p.m. – Discussion II

Are we closer online and more distant offline? Digital tools and loneliness

Panelists: MUDr. Marcela Šoltýsová, PhD., Mgr. Adam Kurilla, PhD., Mgr. Michal Božík

3:00 – 3:30 p.m. – Discussion III

Are we with parents who are left to parent alone? The loneliness of mothers and single parents

Panelists: Mgr. Hana Celušáková, PhD., Mgr. Ivona Hodasová, MUDr. Natália Kaščáková, PhD.

3:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Interactive session & break

Views, informal conversations, opportunity to participate in short activities.

4:30 – 6:00 p.m. – Speed friending

A moderated activity to meet new people.

1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – INTERACTIVE STATION ZONE

STATION 1: Loneliness Assessment

👉 Assess your own level of loneliness and social isolation using short screening questionnaires.

STATION 2: Everyday Social Network

👉 Create a visual map of your daily social network. The goal is to encourage reflection on your own relationships, support, and social background.

SESSION 3: Micro-steps Against Loneliness

👉 What are effective small steps to alleviate loneliness? Experts will provide answers along with practical advice on reducing loneliness

SESSION 4: Animal Models and the Biological Dimensions of Loneliness

👉 How does long-term loneliness affect the brain and body? Experts will present the results of research on isolation in animals. You can also try a quick and non-invasive measurement of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the skin—an indicator of metabolic aging associated with long-term stress.

STATION 5: Training in Initiating Contact with Strangers

👉 Short practical activities that help overcome barriers to approaching strangers and encourage spontaneous interaction.

STATION 6: Social Cues Corner

👉 How quickly do we form an impression of another person, and what factors influence it? In the Social Cues Corner, try short exercises focused on recognizing emotions, assessing trustworthiness, and perceiving nonverbal cues.

Come connect. Come to RECONNECT.

The event is funded by the European Union NextGenerationEU through the Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Slovak Republic under project no. 09I03-03-V03-00035.

The event is the culmination of the scientific project DISCONNECT KP FiF.

Admission is free.

Location: Vajanského nábrežie 12, Bratislava, Slovakia
Date: 25.05.2026
Time: from 13:00 – 18:00
Admission: free

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