news - Archive

Friday, 28 April 2023 Within the Natural Science Day UP FAMNIT and UP FHŠ hosted High School students from Gimnazija Šiška

On Wednesday, 26 April 2023, UP FAMNIT and UP FHŠ hosted students from Gymnasium Šiška for a Natural Science Day in sunny Koper and Izola. 

Secondary school students were having fun, learned about various topics through lectures, experiments and workshops.

After the warm welcome at Tito's Square, it began with a workshop " Mapping buildings with smartphones in the old town of Koper," led by Miha Koderman, Valentina Brečko Grubar and Mojca Poklar, under the supervision of UP FHŠ. Through the workshop, students were directly put in the environment and introduced to the Geographical Information System.

After a short break, the students and their professors went to building 1. 0. in Livade, where they continued with the following activities prepared by the Department of Biodiversity and the Department of Applied Natural Sciences of UP FAMNIT.

Firstly they divided into two groups and continued with the workshop "Recognising aromatics plants in a research way," held by dr. Alenka Baruca Arbeiter from the Department of Applied Natural Sciences, UP FAMNIT. The lecturer took students into a world of aromatic plants, where they got in-depth knowledge of it, and where they also extracted essential oil and hydrolates and other plant extracts.

Within the workshop "BIOINFORMATICS - from DNA sequence to phenotype," conducted by dr. Matjaž Hladnik, the students obtained knowledge about the secrets of DNA, its mutations and their processes, and also got interactively presented through some practical examples. 

Their day ended with the workshop "The Role of Students as Amateur Scientists in Biodiversity Monitoring", led by Aja Bončina and Luka Duniš from the Department of Biodiversity at UP FAMNIT. Students were introduced to innovative approaches to biodiversity monitoring and to some of the contents of the handbook "Conserving landscape character in agricultural landscapes. For the conclusion, they went outdoors where they operated the Biotracker to search for a European roe deer fawn. 

Tuesday, 25 April 2023 UP takes part in fostering transversal digital competences in higher education

The Erasmus+ project »FTDCHE/Sollertia« brought together 5 members (University of Primorska, University of Málaga, University Politehnica of Bucharest, University Colleges Leuven-Limburg, Šiauliai State University of Applied Sciences), which worked together with the aim of promoting transversal digital competences in higher education. Sollertia is the collective name of the 3-year Erasmus+ project KA220-HED »FTDCHE« (Fostering the Transversal Digital Competences in Higher Education), which started in December 2022, and its »LMS« (Learning Management System).

This project aims to promote the updating of advanced digital skills of citizens in general and Higher Education students in particular, thus facilitating adaptation to a labor market in continuous evolution (Work & Lifelong Learning).

Who is it for?

FTDCHE provides educators with a General Curriculum and a Methodological Guide on Digital Competences adapted to an updated teaching strategy (Learning Design), and introduces students to the LMS (Learning Management System), called Sollertia, as a means of Learning Experience of Digital Competences at intermediate/advanced level. It is also very useful for companies, and especially SMEs, that have problems to hire qualified personnel with knowledge on their technological needs.

The project has been funded with support from the European Commission.

New FTDCHE/Sollertia webpage: https://www.ftdche.eu/.

Source: https://www.ftdche.eu/digital-agency-home/project/

Tuesday, 25 April 2023 Natural Science Day of the Elementary School Dante Alighieri Izola

On Monday, 24 April 2023, Natural Science Day was held in Livade 1.0 in Izola for OŠ Dante Alighieri Izola elementary school students. The day was dedicated to Earth Day, therefore the Department of Applied Natural Sciences and Department of Biodiversity prepared insightful content about the magical world of natural sciences. 

After a warm welcome from the lectures, the 7th, 8th and 9th graders were divided into three groups and started with a day full of topics. 

Within the workshop, they obtained knowledge of genetics and their importance in the study of plants, where also dr. Matjaž Hladnik from the Department of Applied Natural Sciences fascinated students with an engaging experiment with DNA extraction from strawberries. 

In addition, the group was presented into a diverse and colorful Mediterranean area, which is also one of the oldest ecosystems with high-quality crops. During the workshop, dr. Alenka Baruca Arbeiter from the Department of Applied Natural Sciences interactively introduced students to the world of aromatic plants and their genetic structure. They learnt about the work in the genetics laboratory, valuable aromatic plants, and the methods used to extract the essential oil and the hydrolase.

Researcher Minja Krstić from the Department of Biodiversity introduced students to the secrets of wildlife and interactively involved them in a workshop where they used a Biotrecer to locate a European roe deer fawn.   

Monday, 24 April 2023 Confirmed List of Candidates for the position of the Rector of the University of Primorska

At its second regular session on 24 April 2023, the Electoral Commission for the implementation of the regular election of the Rector of the University of Primorska opened the nominations received for the position of Rector of the UP.

On the basis of the complete and timely candidatures received, the Electoral Commission complied the List of Candidates:

1. Prof. Klavdija Kutnar,

nominated by UP FAMNIT, UP FTŠ Turistica, UP PEF, and UP IAM. Her nomination has also been supported by the Senates of UP FM and UP FVZ.
PROGRAM DELA 2023-2027 (slo)  /  WORK PROGRAM 2023-2027 (en)

2. Prof. Matjaž Novak,

nominated by UP FHŠ and UP PEF, and supported by 17 higher education teachers, researchers, research assistants or higher education associates employed at the University of Primorska.
PROGRAM DELA 2023-2027 (slo)  /  WORK PROGRAM 2023-2027 (en)

The election of the Rector of the University of Primorska will take place on Thursday, 25 May from 9 am to 4 pm. The early election will take place on Monday, 22 May from 9 am to 4 pm.

For further information on the election procedure, please visit the University website.

Monday, 24 April 2023 Silver medal for a young Slovenian mathematician

Who are the best young female mathematicians in Europe?

In the competition of 213 of the best young female mathematicians from all over the world, 14 competitors collected all 45 possible points at the European Mathematical Olympiad for Girls (EGMO) in Portorož. The team from China collected the most total points, followed by the team from the United States of America and Australia. The competitors from the European teams (a total of 151 competitors) won 13 gold, 28 silver and 39 bronze medals and 33 honourable mentions.

The competitive part of the week took place on Saturday and Sunday, when the girls spent four and a half hours each day solving three tasks prepared by top mathematicians.

Competitor Katarina Grilj from Slovenska Bistrica won a silver medal at the EGMO, while three other Slovenian competitors received honourable mentions.

"Realistically speaking, if you solve a task at home and it's an hour or two and you can't solve it, you won't continue for another two hours, you go to bed and do nothing. Just thinking for four and a half hours is a lot of time for you to be focused," explained this year's best Slovenian participant Katarina Grilj, who already has two bronze medals from the previous Olympiads.

"You have to figure out how you would solve the task, because you have no idea how you would reach the result. The data is given, and then you try to calculate and prove it," Ema Hojan from Velenje described the provess of solving the problems. Along with Kaja Rajter from Maribor and Neca Camlek from Ljubljana, Ema received the honourable mention.

Socializing with peers and encouraging girls for STEM careers of the future

With the aim of encouraging girls for the STEM professions of the future, the organizers of the Olympiad included a series of events in the program where the contestants could socialize, create mandalas, learn salsa and get to know Slovenia. In the days after the competition, they went on an excursion to Postojna Cave and Ljubljana, and some sponsors of the competition actively participated in the preparation of additional activities.

With the ceremonial awarding of medals and awards, EGMO officially ended, and next year it will be hosted by Georgia. Under the honorary patronage of the President of the Republic Nataša Pirc Musar, in addition to DMFA, the University of Primorska, the University of Ljubljana and the University of Maribor participated in the organization of the competition. The event was supported by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport and the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities

You can view the results of the competition here: www.egmo.org.

More photos are available here: https://egmo2023.dmfa.si/galleries/.

Photo: Gašper Rebernik and Lucija Turnšek

Tuesday, 18 April 2023 Confirmed list of candidates for the UP Management Board

Monday, 17 April 2023 Call for the regular election of the Dean of UP FAMNIT

We would like to inform you that the Senate of UP FAMNIT, in today's 4th regular session, adopted the Decision on the Call for the regular election of the Dean of UP FAMNIT. 

An integral part of the Decision is the Schedule for the Implementation of Electoral Tasks, and two forms: the form for the nomination of a candidate and the form for the candidate's consent to the nomination. 

The election will be held on Thursday, 29 June, from 9 am to 5 pm. Advance voting (early election) will take place on Thursday, 22 June, from 9 am to 5 pm. 

Additional information and all relevant materials on the election procedure are available on the Faculty website.

Saturday, 15 April 2023 Young female mathematicians from 54 countries welcomed at the EGMO 2023 opening ceremony

Yesterday’s opening ceremony marks the start of the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad. This year 214 female competitors and 54 countries are participating, and we are happy to notice that more countries from outside of Europe are joining the prestigious competition. 

EGMO 2023 is hosted by the Society of Mathematicians, Physicists, and Astronomers of Slovenia (DMFA Slovenije) and  supported by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport and the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities. The letter of support to the organizer was signed by the University of Ljubljana, University of Maribor and University of Primorska.

At the opening ceremony, the participants of EGMO were welcomed by the President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar, PhD: »Involving girls in STEM has become crucial in today’s job market and in the world. It offers opportunities. Preserving and protecting the environment, finding alternative energy sources, exploring space, developing cures for currently incurable diseases, using AI to make our lives better, all these areas require the knowledge and skills of all of us who share this planet.«

President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar, PhD

After encouraging and motivational words by the President, the contestants were also greeted by prof. dr. Darjo Felda, Minister of Education and prof. dr. Klavdija Kutnar, rector of UP.

Prof. dr. Klavdija Kutnar adressed the croud with a praise for mathematics: »We are honored to have you here because we consider mathematics as one of the highest forms of human rational, analytical thinking, a sanctuary for free thought, which combined with sparks of intuition generates tremendous joy and harmony of intellect and spirit. Experienced by those who have long been involved in mathematical research as well as those whose mathematical journey has only just started.«

Prof. dr. Klavdija Kutnar, rector of  UP

Prof. dr. Darjo Felda, Minister of Education, prof. dr. Klavdija Kutnar, rector of UP, and prof. dr. Gregor Majdič, rector of the University of Ljubljana

Ana Meta Dolinar, a multiple EGMO participant and a recipient of three bronze EGMO medals, inspired the contestants with her own success story, experiences she gained at these competitions and the bonds she created. Pursuing a master’s degree at Cambridge, she truly reflects intellectual and professional growth.

The opening of EGMO 2023 was officially announced by Mrs. Viviane Kehl, the president of the EGMO Board, and was concluded with the Olympic oath, declared by Slovenian competitor Katarina Grilj.

We are honored to have hosted such an amazing assembly of guests, including the 2022 Fields Medalist Maryna Viazovska from Ukraine. Maryna Viazovska is the second female recipient of this prestigious award after the late Maryam Mirzakhani, who received the Medal in 2014. Last year, Viazovska also received the EMS Prize 2020 at the 8th European Congress of Mathematics (8 ECM), which was hosted by Slovenia and organized by the University of Primorska under the auspices of the European Mathematical Society (EMS).

Apart from the competition, an important aspect of EGMO is socializing with peers and encouraging girls for STEM jobs of the future. On that note, the organizing committee prepared a week full of activities, excursions, dance classes and workshops, while the Jane Street (EGMO 2023 Platinum sponsor) Hub, where the participants can play games, complete challenging puzzles and relax with fellow competitors, will be open throughout the competition.

We wish all the girls great success at the olympiad!

More photos from the olympiad are available here: https://egmo2023.dmfa.si/galleries/ 

Nik Škrlec, the moderator of EGMO 2023 opening ceremony

Group photo
 

Wednesday, 12 April 2023 Presentation of the topic of the doctoral dissertation - Elham Motamedi Mohammadabadi

We invite you to the presentation of the topic of the doctoral dissertation User and Item Modelling Using Eudaimonic and Hedonic Characteristics for Personalised Recommender Systems of the student Elham Motamedi Mohammadabadi, enrolled in the doctoral study programme Computer Science.

The presentation will take place on Monday, 17 April 2023 at 16.00 in the classroom FAMNIT-VP2 and via Zoom on link:

https://upr-si.zoom.us/j/297328207?pwd=S3Zpdk1VR3pjckNtWkQwKzlvcDR5UT09
Meeting ID: 297 328 207
Passcode: 123456789

Wednesday, 12 April 2023 Nomination of Prof. Klavdija Kutnar as Rector of the University of Primorska for the Next Term of Office (2023 - 2027)

Today, 12 April 2023, UP FAMNIT and UP IAM have submitted their nominations for the position of Rector of the University of Primorska to the Election Commission. 

UP FAMNIT and UP IAM nominate Prof. Klavdija Kutnar as the Rector of the University of Primorska for the regular election of the Rector of the University of Primorska. The candidature of Prof. Klavdija Kutnar was approved by the Senate of UP FAMNIT and the Scientific Council of UP IAM at their regular sessions on 27 March 2023, which was also supported by the Senates of UP FM and UP FVZ. 

Action plan of the candidate Prof. Klavdija Kutnar 

Further information on the election process is available on the University of Primorska’s website. 

Tuesday, 11 April 2023 THE MASTER'S AND DOCTORAL DEGREE FAIR "UPGRADE - EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE!"

The first application period for 2nd and 3rd cycle postgraduate programmes is open from 6 April until 24 August 2023.  

Postgraduate study programs at UP FAMNIT:

• Master's Study Programmes
• PhD Study programmes at UP FAMNIT

NEW!! New interdisciplinary PhD study programme Conservation Biology, at UP FAMNIT.  Conservation Biology represents an important approach to dealing with biodiversity conservation problems. The main goal of Conservation Biology is to provide principles and tools for the long-term conservation of biodiversity and to prevent further fragmentation and loss of species, habitats and ecosystem functions.

Already know where to go next? Do you know all your options? Are you hungry for new knowledge but feel you are too old to study? Come and find out!

The University of Primorska is organising a fair for master's and doctoral programmes "UPgrade! - expand your knowledge", which will take place on Tuesday, 18 April between 9 am and 6 pm in the atrium of the Pretorska Palace and UP FHŠ.

The event will offer much more than just a presentation of the 2nd and 3rd cycle study programmes, visitors will also be able to find out about international exchanges, entry requirements and procedures, the importance of competences and reasons to choose to study alongside work in later years. At various points, there will be presentations of:

• UP Faculty of Humanities
• UP Faculty of Management
• UP Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies
• UP Faculty of Tourism Studies - Turistica
• UP Faculty of Health Sciences
• UP Faculty of Education
• UP Andrej Marušič Institute
• UP University Library
• UP Science Centre - Aquarium Piran and Archaeological Park Simonov zaliv
• UP Career Centre
• UP Enrolment Service

REGISTRATION

**NOTICE** - all the presentations will be held in Slovenian language. You are very welcome to stop by the info points of the faculties and get the information you need. You can also attend the presentations and/or chat with the lecturer before or after the individual event. We are sure they will be happy to answer all your questions. We have marked with a * the study programmes, that are held in the English language as well.

PRESENTATIONS OF STUDY PROGRAMMES:

Presentations of study programmes will be held in the courtyard of the Pretorian palace. By registering in the form (at the bottom of the article) you can secure your place at the presentation.

PROGRAMME of WORKSHOPS and ADDITIONAL CONTENT

The additional activities will be held in the Santori Room in the University of Primorska building (ground floor of the Armeria).

Throughout the day, the Career Centre and the Enrolment Service will be available for information and advice, and you will also have the opportunity to talk to representatives of the Registrar's Office. The UP FVZ and UP FHŠ Student Offices will be available throughout the day, as well as a representative of the UP PEF Student Office between 9.00 and 10.00 and between 13.00 and 14.00.

See you there!

Thursday, 6 April 2023 Regular elections of UP Management Board Members

The Rector of the University of Primorska Professor Klavdija Kutnar has adopted a Decision on the call for the regular election of members of the University of Primorska Management Board. The Decision includes the Schedule on the implementation of electoral procedures.

Pursuant to the Decision on the call for the regular election of members of the University of Primorska Management Board, the period for election procedures start to run on 5 April 2023.

Pursuant to the Schedule on the implementation of electoral procedures for the regular election of members of the University of Primorska Administrative Board, the period for submitting nominations for members of the University of Primorska Management Board is from 5 April 2023 until 17 April 2023 at noon.

The right to vote for representatives of the University from among employees engaged in higher education activities or scientific research is granted to higher education teachers, associates, and researchers who are employed at the University and have been appointed to the positions of higher education teachers, researchers, higher education associates or research associates

The right to vote for a representative of the University from among other employees is granted to university employees who perform administrative and technical tasks.

Detailed instructions and forms: 2023 Election of members of the University of Primorska Administrative Board.

Thursday, 6 April 2023 UP Psychological Counseling Center for students

We cordially invite all UP students to the Psychological Counselling Centre, which has been launched within the University of Primorska under the leadership of the UP FAMNIT Department of Psychology. The Counselling Centre offers students psychological support in the form of individual meetings. It is staffed by trained counsellors who are involved in regular professional supervision.

Counselling is free of charge for students of the University of Primorska.

You can sign up HERE for counseling at the Psychological Counseling Center of UP.
All data from the application form are confidential and will be used exclusively for the organization of counseling.

If you have any additional questions, please contact us by e-mail: psiholoska.svetovalnica@upr.si 

You can seek help in the Student Counselling Centre if you are facing problems such as:

• difficulties related to learning, studying or achieving academic goals,
• difficulties in balancing your commitments and your personal life,
• difficulties in coping with stressful situations,
• emotional problems such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, eating disorders or other mental health problems,
• self-esteem problems and other personal difficulties, such as difficulties in experiencing oneself, managing emotions,
• difficulties in interpersonal relationships, such as conflicts in family, partner or other relationships, loneliness,
• various other psychosocial problems in the transition to adulthood or in coping with life changes.

You can also contact the counselling centre if you would like to talk in a confidential and safe environment.

Counselling is provided in person (Brolo Square) or, by appointment, online (Zoom platform).

What can you expect?

• psychological counselling by experienced counsellors,
• a confidential and safe environment to talk about your problems,
• tempowerment to cope with different challenges in life,
• help in the process of achieving constructive change and in developing skills to cope more effectively,
• support in seeking other forms of help where appropriate.

Tuesday, 4 April 2023 UP ALUMNI WEEK PROGRAMME

17–21 April 2023

GREEN, DIGITAL & INCLUSIVE UP: TO ENCOURAGE, EXPAND, AND ENGAGE IN THE UP ALUMNI COMMUNITY