Uzhhorod National University Awards PhD in Political Science to Myroslav Horvat

During a meeting of the Academic Council of Uzhhorod National University, Rector Professor Volodymyr Smolanka officially awarded the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) diploma to Myroslav Horvat.

On April 29, 2026, Myroslav Horvat successfully defended his dissertation in the specialty 052 “Political Science” within the field of knowledge 05 “Social and Behavioral Sciences.” His dissertation, titled “The Features of the Inclusion of the Roma Ethnic Minority in the Socio-Political Life of Ukrainian Society: The Case of Zakarpattia Region,” examined the participation of the Roma ethnic minority in Ukraine’s socio-political processes, mechanisms of integration and representation, and interaction with state authorities and local self-government institutions.

The research makes a significant contribution to the development of Ukrainian political science and the study of contemporary ethnopolitical processes. It is among the first comprehensive academic studies in Ukraine dedicated to the civic and political participation of the Roma ethnic minority and its integration into Ukrainian society.

Vice Rector of Uzhhorod National University Myroslava Lendel emphasized the importance of this achievement for both the academic community and the development of an inclusive research environment in Ukraine.

“This achievement demonstrates how academic research can contribute to a better understanding of social processes and support the development of more inclusive public policies. Myroslav Horvat’s work combines academic excellence with practical relevance and opens new opportunities for further research in the fields of ethnic politics, social inclusion, and minority representation,” said Myroslava Lendel.

The awarding of the PhD degree is the result of many years of academic work, research, and public engagement. Throughout his professional career, Myroslav Horvat has combined scholarly activities with practical work in the areas of human rights, civil society development, and support for national minorities.

The significance of this milestone extends beyond the individual achievement. As one of the first Roma scholars in independent Ukraine to earn a PhD in Political Science, Myroslav Horvat’s accomplishment represents an important step forward for Roma representation in academia and contributes to the broader development of inclusive scholarship in Ukraine.

The community of Uzhhorod National University congratulates Dr. Myroslav Horvat on earning the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and wishes him continued success in his academic, professional, and public endeavors.

Anastasiya Lendel

Information-publishing centre

• Education