Thursday, 27 June 2024 The doctoral thesis defence of the student Mariem Zouari
Mariem Zouari, student of the doctoral study programe Renewable Materials for Healthy Built Environments at UP FAMNIT will defend his doctoral thesis Biocarbon-based waterborne functional coating for integrated adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of indoor volatile organic compounds; under the mentorship of Assoc. Prof. David DeVallance, PhD and co-mentorship of dr. Laetitie Marrot.
The defence will take place on Friday, 5 July 2024 at 11:00 in lecture room Sequoia and on Zoom: https://upr-si.zoom.us/j/86965329817.
The doctoral disertation is available in the library at UP.
Thursday, 27 June 2024 Prof. Dr. Elena Bužan part of the research team, which unlocks new possibilities for improving dental care in humans
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute in Germany, under the leadership of Slovenian scientist Vesna Šrot, including researcher Prof. Dr. Elena Bužan from the Department of Biodiversity UP FAMNIT, extensively analyzed the structure and chemical composition of rodent teeth. This discovery unlocks new possibilities for improving dental care and protecting human teeth.
The research group, which includes Prof. Dr. Elena Bužan from the Department of Biodiversity (UP FAMNIT) and Boštjan Pokorny from the Faculty of Environmental Protection, discovered that rodent incisors are exceptionally strong due to a unique outer layer rich in iron on their enamel. This layer strengthens the teeth and protects them from wear and acid corrosion.
The study also showed that different types of rodents have different thicknesses of the iron-containing enamel layer. Nutrias had the thickest layer, while mice had the thinnest. Researchers speculate that this difference is due to different lifestyles, eating patterns, biting habits, genetic factors, and mechanical stress.
In addition to the Faculty of Environmental Protection, the findings could lead to new formulations of dental care products such as toothpaste and gels that could strengthen and protect human tooth enamel. They could also contribute to the development of new biocompatible dental materials that would not cause adverse reactions.
The study was published in the prestigious journal ACS Nano and was highlighted by the American Chemical Society (ACS).
The full article is available at the link > HERE.
Wednesday, 26 June 2024 Invitation to the defense of the Master’s Thesis - Maja Selič (Psychology, 2nd cycle)
On Monday, 8 July 2024, at 12:00 in the classroom Famnit-MP4, Maja Selič, a student of the master's study program Psychology, 2nd cycle, will present her Master's Thesis entitled The role of childhood sexual abuse in adult intimate relationships: attachment styles and BDSM practices.
You are all kindly invited!
Thursday, 20 June 2024 Mathematicians from the University of Primorska successfully concluded the 50th International Workshop on Graph-Theoretic Concepts in Computer Science - WG2024
The 50th International Workshop on Graph-Theoretic Concepts in Computer Science - WG2024, which took place from June 19 to 21, 2024, in Gozd - Martuljek in Kranjska Gora, concluded today.
The WG International Conference has been striving for half a century to unite theory and practice by demonstrating how graph-theoretic concepts can be applied to various areas of computer science. The first edition was organized in 1975 in Berlin, Germany, and on its milestone anniversary, the conference was held in Slovenia for the first time.
The 50th edition was organized by UP FAMNIT and UP IAM, together with the Slovenian Society for Discrete and Applied Mathematics (SDAMS) and the Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Mechanics (IMFM).
This year's three-day event brought together 52 participants from 16 countries, including Slovenia, as well as from Austria, Canada, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the USA.
Through the scientific programme, successful researchers and experts in the field presented the latest results and outlined opportunities for further research. The lectures were particularly enriched with interesting content by renowned lecturers, including:
- Prof. Hans L. Bodlaender, also a recipient of the ToT award (University of Utrecht), with the lecture "Approximations of Treewidth and Other Graph Parameters,"
- Prof. Shiri Chechik (Tel Aviv University) with the lecture "Approximate Shortest Paths and Distance Oracles,"
- Michał Pilipczuk (University of Warsaw) with the lecture "Graph Classes and Logic."
In addition to the Plenary Lectures, there were 31 presentations given by conference participants.
This year's WG Test of Time Award (ToT), given for a highly influential paper presented at a previous WG conference, was awarded to Hans L. Bodlaender (this year's invited speaker), John R. Gilbert, Ton Kloks, and Hjálmtyr Hafsteinsson for their paper titled "Approximating Treewidth, Pathwidth, and Minimum Elimination Tree Height."
The Program Committee of the WG 2024 also awarded prizes for the best paper and best student paper, sponsored by Springer. More information about the award recipients can be found HERE.
The sponsors of the WG2024 are the European Mathematical Society and one of the leading international scientific publishers, Springer.
A list of past WG conferences is avaible HERE.
Tuesday, 18 June 2024 Extended Call for Doctoral Position - Complex Network Analysis
On May 15, 2024, University of Primorska (UP) announced a call for a doctoral position in the field of Complex Network Analysis. The candidate will be employed at the Andrej Marušič Institute (UP IAM) within the Computer Science and Informatics group and will become a PhD student at UP, as part of the doctoral program in Computer Science and Informatics at the Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies (UP FAMNIT).
The employment contract will be for full-time work, 40 hours per week (100%), for a fixed term of one year with the possibility of extension, including a 3-month probation period. The expected start date is October 1, 2024.
Applicants should send written applications that include:
- A curriculum vitae (including brief descriptions of all previous education, qualifications, and research or work experience),
- A motivation letter for this doctoral position (maximum one A4 page),
- A link to their Github/Gitlab profile,
- A list of publications (if any).
Please write "PhD Complex Network Analysis" in the subject line of your application. The application and all attachments should be in English and in PDF format. Send your application to: vanessa.pobega@famnit.upr.si. For information about the research topics, contact Assist. Prof. Aleksandar Tošić at: aleksandar.tosic@upr.si.
For the complete text of the call, click here.
Monday, 17 June 2024 UP is extending the call for young researchers
On March 15, 2024, University of Primorska published the Call for Young Researchers at the UP in 2024 for vacancies for young researchers who will train for the profession of researcher and carry out doctoral studies at UP, on the basis of a full-time employment contract, for a period of up to four years.
Three positions for young researchers are extended, one of which is at UP IAM.
At the suggestion of the mentors, the deadline is extended until July 10th, 2024:
- Prof. Dr. Michel Lavrauw – research field Mathematics, research programme P1-0285 Algebra, diskretna matematika, verjetnostni račun in teorija iger, UP Andrej Marušič Institute (UP IAM)
Candidates who have completed a second-level study program in the last four years and have an average grade in all exams and coursework including the grade of the Master's thesis of at least 8.00, can apply. One young researcher will be selected for each mentor. UP will enter into a full-time, fixed-term employment contract with the selected young researchers.
All other provisions of the call remain unchanged.
Call text is published here: Call for Young Researchers at the UP in 2024
Extension of the call text is published here: Extension of the call deadline
Application form: UP-MR-Application/2024
Thursday, 13 June 2024 Agronomy and Bioinformatics workshops for students of Škofja Loka Gymnasium
Today we hosted 27 students and two teachers from Škofja Loka Gymnasium.
By participating in three different workshops, the curious students researched medicinal and aromatic plants, prepared an experiment to determine the viability of pollen and an experiment of in vitro germination of mature pollen. They also carried out some practical examples of bioinformation analysis themselves in the computer classroom.
The workshops were conducted by Assist. Prof. Alenka Baruca Arbeiter, Petra Gabrovšek and Assist. Prof. Matjaž Hladnik, all three from the Department of Applied Natural Sciences at UP FAMNIT.
The Science Day was held as part of the GDI UP project, which is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, and the European Union – NextGenerationEU.
At UP FAMNIT, we offer the following undergraduate study programs: Mathematics, Mathematics in Economics and Finance, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Conservation Biology, Biopsychology and Agronomy. Current application deadlines for enrolment are published here.
Monday, 10 June 2024 Summer working hours of the University Healthcare Centre
The UP University Healthcare Centre, which operates in the Koper Health Centre (ZD Koper),will be CLOSED from July to September 2024.
During this period, UP students and staff can contact:
- Children's/school dispensary ZD Koper, Dellavallejeva 3, Koper, Tel.: 05 66 47 284, 05 66 47 285,
- in urgent cases, the Emergency services of ZD Koper, Ljubljanska 6a, Tel.: 05 66 47 440.
All information about the Healthcare Centre
Friday, 7 June 2024 NEW PROJECT AT UP IN MAY: Project lead Prof. Dr. Martin Milanič
In May, one new Horizon project was approved at UP, from MSCA Staff Exchanges programme, aimed to promote innovative international, inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration in research and innovation through exchanging staff and sharing knowledge and ideas at all stages of the innovation chain.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-SE
COVER: (C)OMBINATORIAL (O)PTIMISATION FOR (V)ERSATILE APPLICATIONS TO (E)MERGING U(R)BAN PROBLEMS, PARTNERS, UP FAMNIT, LEAD PARTNER: GEBZE TEKNIK UNIVERSITESI, TURKEY, UP LEAD: DR. MARTIN MILANIČ from the Department of Applied Natural Sciences UP FAMNIT
In addressing urbanization and sustainable development challenges, this project proposes a collaborative effort to harness the power of combinatorial optimization methods and operations research. Focusing on graph theory applications such as graph coloring and domination, as well as broader optimization techniques like integer programming, our interdisciplinary team seeks to address urban problems across European and Third-Country partners. By integrating expertise from academia, local communities, and industry, we aim to develop tailored solutions that enhance quality of life while promoting sustainable development principles. The project's objectives include identifying local urban challenges, creating theoretical models for optimization, and implementing innovative solutions. Through workshops, trainings, and collaborative research, we will engage stakeholders to define and prioritize urban problems, laying the groundwork for practical applications of combinatorial optimization techniques. Key initiatives include exploring the “15-minute city” concept to improve accessibility and mobility, proposing optimization models for post-disaster management, optimizing the placement of semi-mobile clinics for healthcare accessibility, and developing solutions for public transport networks. The project's innovative program encompasses various activities, including problem definition, theoretical modeling, empirical research, and knowledge exchange. Through a structured work plan, we aim to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building among project partners. By leveraging the expertise and diversity of our international consortium, we seek to create sustainable solutions with lasting impacts on urban communities beyond the project duration. Overall, this project puts forward a concerted effort to bridge the gap between academic research and practical urban challenges, demonstrating the transformative potential of combinatorial optimization in urbanization.
Thursday, 6 June 2024 14th generation of UP FAMNIT graduates
On Thursday, June 6, UP FAMNIT celebrated the fourteen generation of graduates - there have been 124 of them in the last year – that will enrich the broader national and international community with their skills and knowledge as: graduate bioinformatics, conservation biologists, biopsychologists, mathematicians, financial mathematicians and computer science and agricultural engineers, masters of mathematics, nature conservation, biopsychology, psychology, data science, computer science and sustainable built environments.
The 14th generation of graduates
The 14th generation of graduates was addressed by the Rector of the University of Primorska, Prof. Dr. Klavdija Kutnar, as well as the UP FAMNIT Dean, Prof. Dr. Ademir Hujdurović. Congratulations on completing studies were also given by Vladan Jovičić, a former UP FAMNIT student and Director of Application Development at Dinit Card Services.
Two students shared their memories and thoughts at the end of their study experiences at the faculty: Eva Krebl, graduate of the undergraduate study programme Biopsychology and Matteo Benussi, graduate of the master’s study programme in Nature Conservation.
Wind Orchestra Koper brought a charming musical atmosphere to the ceremony.
Following the tradition, this year too, a few students received rewards of the Faculty for their outstanding study and research achievements and the development of extracurricular activities.
Recipients of the Faculty rewards are: of the Faculty rewards are:
- Miha Rupar, undergraduate study programme Bioinformatics, reward for study/research work,
- Adela Horvat, undergraduate study programme Conservation Biology, reward for study/research work,
- Staša Simčič, undergraduate study programme Conservation Biology, reward for study/research work,
- Andrej Erjavec, master's study programme Computer Science, reward for study/research work,
- Aljaž Kosmač,A doctoral study programme Mathematical Sciences, reward for study/research work,
- Ajla Šehović, master's study programme Mathematical Sciences, reward for study/research work,
- Lina Šenica, master's study programme Psychology, reward for study/research work,
- Elara Udvanc, master's study programme Psychology, reward for study/research work.
Recipients of rewards for their active involvement in the development of extracurricular activities for students, based on the proposal of the UP FAMNIT Student Council:
- Matic Bončina, undergraduate study programme Computer Science,
- Gabriela Laznik Zalaznik, undergraduate study programme Biopsychology.
We sincerely congratulate all graduates and recipients of rewards and wish them success in their further study, research and careers.
Award recipients
The Rector of the University of Primorska, Prof. Dr. Prof. Dr. Klavdija Kutnar
The UP FAMNIT Dean, Prof. Dr. Ademir Hujdurović
Vladan Jovičić, UP FAMNIT alumni
Eva Krebl, graduate of the undergraduate Matteo Benussi, graduate of the master’s
study programme Biopsychology study programme Nature Conservation
Koper Wind Orchestra
Wednesday, 5 June 2024 Presentation of the topic of the doctoral dissertation – Ana Gubenšek
We invite you to the presentation of the topic of the doctoral dissertation Comparative analysis of biodeterioration by Parengyodontium spp. and bioprotection by Aureobasidium spp.: unravelling fungal strategies for degradation and protection of materials of the student Ana Gubenšek, enrolled in the doctoral study programme Renewable Materials for Healthy Built Environments.
The presentation will take place on Friday, 21 June 2024 at 15.00 in InnoRenew CoE, Livade 6a, 6310 Izola, room Pseudotsuga. The presenation will be available also at Zoom tool, to which you can access here.
Cordially invited!
Wednesday, 5 June 2024 Invitation to the defense of the diploma thesis – Konstantinos Fasouras (Computer Science, 1st cycle)
Konstantinos Fasouras, a student of the study program of Computer Science, 1st cycle, will present the diploma thesis entitled Matlab interface for EEG device Cognionics Quick-20 on Tuesday, 11 June 2024 at 09:00 via Zoom.
Link to Zoom:
https://upr-si.zoom.us/j/86565708380?pwd=7RAgTGucXVOaan9WNQsz13CPTPcLTO.1
Meeting ID: 865 6570 8380
Passcode: 244238
You are all kindly invited!
Tuesday, 4 June 2024 Natural Science Day of the Elementary School Elvire Vatovec Prade
At the beginning of the week, as part of the Natural Science Day, we welcomed 75 elementary school students and their teachers from Elvira Vatovec Prade Elementary School, which was held in Livade 1.0 building in Izola.
After the warm welcome of the first group of students on Monday, June 3, 2024, we divided them into two groups, each participating in two workshops conducted by the Department of Applied Natural Sciences UP FAMNIT.
The first workshop, titled "Exploring Aromatic Plants in a Research-Oriented Way," conducted by Assist. Prof. Dr. Alenka Baruca Arbeiter from the Department of Applied Natural Sciences UP FAMNIT, introduced students to the world of medicinal aromatic plants, which are an important part of Mediterranean biodiversity. They learned about valuable medicinal and aromatic plants such as helichrysum, karst savory, and lavender, their morphological characteristics, and methods for obtaining essential oil and hydrosol as well as other plant extracts. The workshop was conducted as part of the GDI project.
About 80 percent of agricultural and wild plants depend at least partially on pollination by insects. Another group familiarized themselves with pollinators through a lecture titled "Pollination - Invisible to the Eye, Yet Essential for Agriculture and Food," which was explained by Assistant Petra Gabrovšek. The students obtained knowledge about the difference between pollination and fertilization, and at the end, they also prepared an experiment under a light microscope and stereo microscope.
The day after, on June 4, 2024, we welcomed another group of primary school students, who, together with their teachers, listened to interesting natural science topics prepared by the Department of Biodiversity at UP FAMNIT.
The first workshop was conducted by student Tina Hajdinjak, who, as part of the activity "Wildlife Detective: Revealing the Invisible Wildlife around You," presented an innovative approach for monitoring biodiversity using modern genetic methods. Throughout the workshop, students acquired knowledge about field research, specifically learning how to obtain appropriate genetic samples from the environment or animals. This enabled the acquisition of data crucial for the conservation, management, and understanding of animal characteristics.
In the second workshop, conducted by Špela Možgan Nose, the students experimented with gathering and using data on the observation of wildlife, where the mobile application SRNA was introduced, developed as part of the Step Change project - aimed at gathering data on wildlife.
The last workshop was conducted by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Katarina Šoln from the Department of Biodiversity, titled "What Lies Beneath the Microscope?" where they learned about the operation of a light microscope.
