Research Stay Report by Ivan Vidaković
Introduction
From April 1, 2024, to May 31, 2024, I had the privilege of participating in a research stay at the Digital Justice Center (DJC) of the University of Wroclaw. Over these two months, I had the chance to deeply engage with my doctoral research while being part of a welcoming academic community. From the moment I arrived, the openness and support shown by the DJC members, especially Karolina Kremens, Kaja Kowalczewska, Wojciech Jasiński, made me feel at home. Their friendly and warm academic embrace created a highly conducive environment for both academic work and personal growth. This set the foundation for what turned out to be an extremely enriching experience, not just academically but also personally.
Academic and Research Contributions
During my time at DJC, although I wasn’t formally enrolled in courses to gain ECTS credits, I participated in two English-taught classes: EU Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure and Courts. These courses significantly contributed to broadening my perspective on these topics.
One of the key highlights of my stay was delivering a 90-minute lecture on April 16, 2024, titled “The Legal Perspective of (Excessive) Use of Pre-trial Detention.” This experience allowed me to share my insights on pre-trial detention practices and engage in productive discussions with students, which provided valuable feedback and fresh perspectives.
On April 17, 2024, I participated in a doctoral seminar led by Professor Thomas Weigend, where I presented my research on “Technology-Driven Shifts in Criminal Procedure: Balancing Efficiency and Defense Rights.” The feedback I received during this session was invaluable, and it opened up new avenues for further refining my research. I also had the opportunity to attend a lecture by Professor Weigend on “Criminal Liability of and for Automated Weapon Systems”, which was incredibly relevant to my ongoing research on the legal implications of new technologies in criminal law.
Conferences and Workshops
During my stay, I also took part in several significant academic events. On April 11, 2024, I co-presented a paper titled “Technology-Driven Changes in Criminal Procedure: Balancing Efficiency and Defense Rights” with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ante Novokmet and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sunčana Roksandić at a round table organized by the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts (HAZU) online. This event, which focused on the regulation of AI within the European Union, offered me a platform to engage with experts in the field and further explore the complex legal challenges AI presents in the criminal justice system.
Moreover, I participated in two international workshops focusing on alternatives to pre-trial detention:
- “Alternatives to Pre-Trial Detention International Seminar RELEASE Project” in Bratislava on April 25, 2024.
- “Reducing the Excessive Usage of Pre-Trial Detention via Harmonization & Support to Alternatives RELEASE Workshop” in Poznan on May 21, 2024.
Both of these events deepened my understanding of different approaches to pre-trial detention in various legal systems and provided valuable insights that directly informed my ongoing research.
Collaborative Activities and Moot Court Involvement
During my stay, I had the pleasure of contributing to the preparation of students from the DJC for the International Bar Association (IBA) Moot Court Competition. I also provided advisory support to the Krakow team, assisting them in developing their legal arguments. This experience was both enriching and rewarding as it allowed me to engage in practical applications of legal theory and collaborate with bright young minds. In the end, I truly believe I learned more from the amazing DJC moot court team than they did from me.
Cultural Experiences
My time in Wroclaw was not only academically fulfilling but also culturally rich. I had the pleasure of attending the Wroclaw Guitar Festival, an event that left a lasting impression on me with its world-class performances. Although the attempt to break the world record wasn’t successful, being part of a gathering where over 6,500 guitar players from all over the world played “Hey Joe” together was a truly unique experience. Additionally, I was fortunate to experience the Majowka concert, a local celebration that brings together the entire community with live music and a festive atmosphere. It was a wonderful way to connect with the local culture and appreciate the vibrant arts scene in Wroclaw.
Exploring the city itself was another highlight of my stay. Wroclaw’s famous dwarfs became a personal adventure for me. These tiny statues, scattered throughout the city, symbolize the playful and historical aspects of Wroclaw. Finding them during walks around the city added an element of fun to my stay.
During my visit to Krakow, I was pleasantly surprised to find “Little Croatia”—a small but heartwarming corner of the city that made me feel a strong connection to home. Discovering this Croatian touch in Krakow, while visiting the historic and cultural sites, was an unexpected and delightful part of my journey in Poland. Exploring Krakow becomes an effortless and enriching experience when a friend like Kaja Kowalczewska gives you the tour, making the city’s history and charm come alive with her personal touch.
Conclusion and Reflections
Reflecting on my time at the University of Wroclaw, I am deeply grateful for the academic and personal growth this research stay has provided me. The support and guidance from Karolina Kremens and the entire DJC team gave me the perfect foundation for further developing my doctoral research. I also gained invaluable insights into the intersection of law and technology that will shape my work moving forward.
What truly made this experience special, however, were the connections I forged along the way. I didn’t just meet academic colleagues—I made friends. The warmth and camaraderie I experienced during these two months extended beyond the academic setting, leaving me with lasting relationships and a sense of community. From the academic support to the cultural experiences—whether it was the Wroclaw Guitar Festival, dwarf hunting, or discovering Little Croatia in Krakow—this stay enriched me both professionally and personally. I look forward to continuing these collaborations and friendships in the future.
