Tuesday, 16 July 2024 Open PhD position on Timber-Concrete Composite Floor Systems
The researcher will be employed at the University of Primorska in the Construction Engineering group and will enroll as a doctoral candidate at the University of Primorska within the doctoral study program Renewable Materials for Healthy Built Environments at UP FAMNIT.
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We are seeking a dynamic and motivated PhD candidate to work on development and evaluation of deconstructable timber-concrete composite systems.
The employment relationship will be concluded full-time, 40 hours per week (100%), for a fixed period of one year with the possibility of extension, with a 3-month trial period, expected start of work from 1 October 2024.
Goals and Tasks:
This PhD research will aim to address the growing demand for sustainable construction practices by developing innovative solutions that consider circularity of buildings with focus on hybrid timber-concrete composite systems. This will be achieved by exploring ways to enhance the environmental aspects of hybrid timber-concrete systems through design for deconstruction and material reuse. The candidate will be responsible for:
- Conducting literature review to understand existing methodologies and challenges.
- Developing novel design solutions that prioritize and enable easy disassembly and material recovery.
- Performing advanced experimental and analytical methods to assess the structural capacity and other implications of the developed solutions.
- Disseminating research findings through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS/SKILLS:
- Master's degree in one of these areas: timber engineering, civil engineering, structural engineering, wood technology, or closely related fields.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary international research environment.
- Ability to formulate and communicate new research ideas (e.g., research proposal preparation).
- Fulfill the requirements for doctoral students at the University of Primorska. For more details, see:
https://www.famnit.upr.si/en/education/doctoral/renew-mat
https://www.famnit.upr.si/en/education/enrolment
WHAT WE OFFER:
- monthly salary,
- no Ph.D. tuition fee,
- opportunity to participate in other ongoing prestigious European projects of the institute.
Employment opportunities, admissions policies, activities, services, and the facilities of the University of Primorska do not exclude any person based on race, color, age, sex, gender, religion, national origin, or disability. In processing your application, the GDPR will be respected and your information will not be shared outside of the relevant staff at the University of Primorska. By submitting your application, you agree that the data you provide be reviewed by these organizations.
HOW TO APPLY:
The applicants should send:
- Curriculum vitae (including short descriptions of all prior educations, qualifications, and research or work experiences),
- Motivation letter for this doctoral position (maximum one A4 page),
- List of publications (if applicable).
to this email address razpisi.famnitiam@upr.si. In the title (subject) of your email please write: PhD Timber-Concrete Composite. All materials should be in English and submitted in PDF format no later than 5th of August 2024.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For further information about the research topic, please contact Assist. Prof. Mohammad Derikvand, PhD (email address: mohammad.derikvand@famnit.upr.si).
The University of Primorska reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, extend the application period, and consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.
Application deadline August 5, 2024
Tuesday, 16 July 2024 Invitation to the defense of the Master’s Thesis - Dhyan Anaja Banič (Nature Conservation, 2nd cycle)
On Wednesday, 24 July 2024, at 15:00 through Zoom, Dhyan Anaja Banič, a student of the master's study program Nature Conservation, 2nd cycle, will present her Master's Thesis entitled Determination of temporal activity of large mammals in a model area in central Slovenia using camera traps.
Link: https://upr-si.zoom.us/j/6206487091
Password: 77334
You are all kindly invited!
Monday, 15 July 2024 Invitation to the defense of the diploma thesis – Maša Stranj (Conservation Biology, 1st cycle)
Maša Stranj, a student of the study program of Conservation Biology, 1st cycle, will present the diploma thesis entitled Population abundance of the Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex) in five ponds in the area of Škocjan Caves Regional Park on Friday, 19 July 2024 at 09:00 in the classroom Livade-EPSILON.
You are all kindly invited!
Monday, 15 July 2024 Presentation of the topic of the doctoral dissertation – Martina Marija Vrhovnik
We invite you to the presentation of the topic of the doctoral dissertation "Annoying Impact Sound in Buildings: Perception, Measurement and Evaluation (Nadležen Udarni Zvok v Stavbah: Zaznava, Merjenje in Ocenjevanje)" of the student Martine Marije Vrhovnik, enrolled in the doctoral study programme Renewable Materials for Healthy Built Environments.
The presentation will take place on Tuesday, 16 July 2024 at 10.00 at InnoRenew CoE in the room Pseudotsuga (Livade 6A, 6310 Izola) and via Zoom:
https://upr-si.zoom.us/j/82488682037
Thursday, 11 July 2024 Nevena Pivač, new Doctor of Science
Today, 11 July 2024, we welcomed another Doctor of Science at UP FAMNIT.
Nevena Pivač, student of the doctoral study programe Mathematical Sciences at UP FAMNIT has successfully defended her doctoral thesis Structure and algorithms for graph classes: new results on minimal separators and independent sets; under the mentorship of Prof. Martin Milanič.
We sincerely congratulate the new Doctor of Science and wish her much success on her future journey in research!
Friday, 5 July 2024 Mariem Zouari, new Doctor of Science
Today, 5 July 2024, we welcomed another Doctor of Science at UP FAMNIT.
Mariem Zouari, student of the doctoral study programe Renewable Materials for Healthy Built Environments at UP FAMNIT has successfully defended her 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.
We sincerely congratulate the new Doctor of Science and wish her much success on her future journey in research!
Friday, 5 July 2024 INNORENEW COE AND UNIVERSITY OF PRIMORSKA SUCCESSFULLY ORGANISED THE 67TH SWST INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ABOUT ADVANCING REGENERATIVE SUSTAINABILITY WITH WOOD SCIENCE
The InnoRenew CoE, together with the University of Primorska, successfully hosted the 67th International Congress of Society of Wood Science and Technology (SWST), held 30 June- 4 July 2024 at the Bernardin Hotel Congress Centre.
This year’s congress was held under the theme “Advancing Regenerative Sustainability with Wood Science” and brought together more than 190 researchers, academics and industry representatives from all over the world.
Dr. Andreja Kutnar, InnoRenew CoE director, was the keynote speaker at the congress. In her lecture she touched upon the topic of the future for wood science.
At the congress it was also announced that Dr. Matthew Schwarzkopf, InnoRenew CoE researcher, become Vice President of the Society of Wood Science and Technology (SWST): “I am honored to be chosen for this position. I have been part of this society from my time as a student until now and very much value what it can offer young researchers and established researchers alike. I’m looking forward to being able to now serve and give back, ensuring that others can continue to benefit from this excellent society!”
Over the four days of the congress, more than 170 presentations were made by researchers presenting the latest developments and insights on innovations in the forest sector, wood science, new uses of wood in the built environment, positive environmental impacts of wood, sustainability, new approaches to education in the wood sector, the future for engineered living materials and the socio-economic impacts of sustainable wood practices.
Among the participants were several InnoRenew CoE researchers who presented their research, namely:
- Lei Han, who presented “A 3D-Scanning Method to Assess Deformation of Densifi ed Beech Dowel”;
- Edit Földvári-Nagy presented “DENDRO-SPEC project: Spectroscopic methods for rapid phenotyping of trees refl ecting their ecological resilience”;
- Dr. Ana Slavec, presented the results of the research “Wooden Flooring in Slovenian Bedrooms: Are Consumers Able to Distinguish Between Natural Wood Synthetic Materials?”;
- Mateja Erce »Can Wood Elements in Retirement Homes Improve the Wellbeing of Residents?«;
- Dr. Črtomir Tavzes »Use of Green Tax Policies for Enhanced Use of Wood and Other Natural Materials from Renewable Sources for Faster Climate Neutrality Transition«;
- Dr. Matthew Schwarzkopf »Aging of polyurethane adhesive bonds in beech composites«;
- Marica Mikuljan »Effect of biochar impregnation on wood properties«;
- Dr. Jaka Gašper Pečnik »Use of lignin-based adhesive for fi breboard and plywood«;
- Dr. Andreja Kutnar in addition to her keynote lecture, also presented “Historical overview of topics at SWST Conventions” and “The New European Bauhaus (NEB) Academy Pioneer Hub for Sustainable Built Environments with Renewable Materials building up NEB Academy Alliance”;
- Lea Primožič moderated part of the conference and presented her research “Decision Factors of Sustainable Construction Professionals in Slovenia”;
- Dr. Anna Sandak moderated part of the conference and presented “A Prospect of Engineered Living Materials in the Building Sector”;
- Faksawat Poohphajai “In-service performance of untreated and Biofi nish coated Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)”.
The organisers also organised a poster session, where researchers from InnoRenew CoE presented their research, namely:
- Albert Kravos and Dr Jakub Sandak “Quantifying olive leaf pruning waste”;
- Edit Földvári-Nagy and Dr Jakub Sandak “Using a Collaborative Robot to Automate the Determination of Wood Sorption Isotherms”;
- Richard Acquah, Josip Dijanić, Dr. Anna Sandak, Dr. Jakub Sandak, Ryszard Sandak “Comparative Analysis of Wood Decay in Different European Climates: An Experimental Approach Using Flawed Playhouse Structures”;
- Dr. Andreja Kutnar “Buildings and Education in the Wood Ecosystem for the New European Bauhaus – BE-WoodEN”;
- Dr. Ondrej Dvoracek, Cuauhtli Campos and Dr. Jakub Sandak “Stereoscopic Vision As AI Tree Logging Enhancem.
The organisers also prepared a panel discussion with the editors of the Handbook of Wood Science and Technology, published by Springer. The book was presented and the importance of standardising the terminology of wood science was highlighted, which is also important for the further development of the discipline.
Besides the sessions, there was also a special session for The International Academy of Wood Science (IAWS) presentations. The convention offered also a rich accompanying program which enabled participants for more networking opportunities.
The final day of the convention there was the possibility to attend the Post-Convention tour which included the visit of the research institute InnoRenew CoE and its laboratories, Vina Koper wine cellar with wine tasting, and visit to a local oil mill with oil tasting.
The congress was an important opportunity to share knowledge and to enrich the understanding and use of wood as a key natural resource, to forge new links and to promote innovation in the field of wood and wood technology. The organisers closed the event with an invitation to participate in the next congress to be held in the USA.
Watch here the VIDEO prepared by Damjan Muhič from University of Primorska.
Thursday, 4 July 2024 The doctoral thesis defence of the student Nevena Pivač
The doctoral thesis defence of the student Nevena Pivač
Nevena Pivač, student of the doctoral study programe Mathematical Sciences at UP FAMNIT will defend her doctoral thesis Structure and algorithms for graph classes: new results on minimal separators and independent sets; under the mentorship of Prof. Martin Milanič.
The defence will take place on Thursday, 11 July 2024 at 11:00 in Famnit-VP3 and on Zoom:
https://upr-si.zoom.us/my/fam.vp3?pwd=VGRETEVzeDNCQklBSExLN3g5TDNZdz09
Meeting ID: fam.vp3
Passcode: UPFamnit
The doctoral disertation will be available in the library at UP.
Cordially invited!
Thursday, 4 July 2024 European Commission appointed prof. Andrej Brodnik to the Expert Group for the development of guidelines on high-quality informatics
Prof. Andrej Brodnik from the Department of Information Sciences and Technologies at UP FAMNIT was selected as a member of the informal Commission expert group for the development of guidelines on high-quality informatics.
The expert group is composed of 25 members. Members are:
- Individuals appointed in a personal capacity, who are knowledgeable and experienced in the areas referred to in the selection criteria, who shall act independently and in the public interest. Prof. Brodnik was selected as a member of this group.
- Individuals appointed to represent a common interest shared by stakeholders in the area of informatics education. These individuals shall not represent an individual stakeholder, but a policy orientation common to different stakeholder organisations.
- Organisations active in informatics education, including EdTech companies, associations, Non-Governmental Organisations, trade unions, universities, research institutes, law firms and consultancies.
More information is available here.
We sincerely congratulate to prof. Brodnik and wish the group a lot of success in assisting the Commission in relation to the implementation of existing Union legislation, programmes and policies.
Wednesday, 3 July 2024 New projects obtained in June
The Departments of Mathematics at UP IAM and UP Famnit have once again been successful in the Public Call for (co)financing scientific research cooperation between the Republic of Slovenia and the United States of America for the years 2024 – 2026 by the Slovenian Public Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation Activities (ARIS).
We have acquired the project "Impartial Chess on Young Diagrams," led by Dr. Peter Muršič in collaboration with Rhodes College.
Within the project framework the team will investigate an Impartial game connecting the game of Chess and Young diagrams. Impartial games can be precisely described by stating which joint moves are possible. Indeed, two players play, where all moves are shared between them, and thus, it does not matter who starts. They alternate in moving until no more moves are possible. According to convention, the last move brings victory.
A Young diagram is a graphical representation of an integer partition, which is a decreasing sequence of natural numbers. The diagram resembles a chessboard with several pieces removed from the bottom right corner. The main line of research is related to the continuation of existing research published in [Gottlieb2023] and [Gottlieb2024].
UP FAMNIT also acquired the project "Studying 2-Y-homogeneous bipartite graphs and their
connectionswith Terwilliger algebras and combinatorial designs," led by Dr. Blas Fernandez collaboration with College of Science and Engineering, Seattle University.
The characterization or systematic classification of bipartite graphs that are (almost) 2-Y-homogeneous presents an extremely challenging task. In general, this problem has proven to be highly difficult and complex, so most research focuses on specific families of graphs, particularly on bipartite distance-regular graphs and distance-biregular graphs.
The approach is based on existing literature and addresses challenges within the framework of distance-polynomial regular graphs. The purpose of the project is to investigate 2-Y-homogeneous properties of distance-polynomial regular graphs and classify all 2-Y-homogeneous distance-biregular graphs. In addition to the main objectives, our research has the potential to yield significant results extending beyond the realm of the discipline and impacting the broader community.
UP IAM, has acquired the project "Selected topics on graphs, hypergraphs, and Boolean functions," led by Prof. Dr. Martin Milanič in collaboration with Rutgers University.
The project focuses on two main lines of research connecting graphs and hypergraphs, and partly also Boolean functions. The first line of research is related to investigations of 3-uniform hypergraphs. The starting point is the well-known open problem regarding the existence of a ‘purely combinatorial’ polynomial-time algorithm for recognizing threshold hypergraphs (or, equivalently, threshold monotone Boolean functions given by their complete DNF).
The second line of research deals with a concept in graph theory called clique dually conformal graphs. This concept is closely related to dually conformal hypergraphs, a notion introduced in a previous bilateral project collaboration between the two project teams. Motivated by these initial observations of the class of CDC graphs, the project goal in this part is to investigate further structural and algorithmic properties of CDC graphs, and characterize them in special cases.
Two Horizon projects were also obtained:
HORIZON Research and innovation action - HORIZON RIA
EMPOWERING CLIMATE-SMART, CIRCULAR, AND ZERO-WASTE USE OF UNDERUTILIZED WOOD FROM THE FOREST AND BUILDING STOCK IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR TO SUPPORT THE NEW EUROPEAN BAUHAUS, PARTNERS, UP IAM, UP LEAD: DR. ANDREJA KUTNAR
WoodStock is a multi-faceted project aimed at promoting climate-smart timber construction practices in line with the new New European Bauhaus (NEB). The primary focus is on quantifying and mapping timber resources, including underutilised flows, using a new methodology for Level 3 harvested timber products and dynamic modelling of material flow analysis to gain insights into timber utilisation potential, climate mitigation impacts and resource availability. This includes robust dynamic life. LCA methodology to assess the environmental, social and economic impacts associated with different resource flows and scenarios. WoodStock will leverage its collective expertise to develop zero-waste and circular buildings harnessing the power of digital twins, assessing human health and well-being aspects through co-creation activities with a multitude of actors following NEB principles and values, in 6 Living Labs (LL) in 6 different European regions. Through a systemic circle of solutions for zero-waste and community-based timber construction, the alignment of new business strategies with policy recommendations, dedicated demonstration and education activities, the project aims to promote climate-smart and increased sustainable use of wood in construction.
HORIZON MSCA Cofund
MOMENTUM PREMIUM POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME, ASSOCIATES, UP, UP LEAD: DR. ŠTEFKO MIKLAVIČ
The title of the proposal is “Momentum Premium Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme”, which takes its name from the lead partner (Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Hungary) flagship research programme, the Momentum (in Hungarian: “Lendület”) funding scheme, which has been running for 15 years. The Momentum Premium Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme (MPPDF) has the ambitious goal to attract 35 high-quality postdoctoral fellows to the research performing host institutions of the prestigious Momentum programme managed by the Secretariat of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. These host institutions cover a very wide range of scientific fields and disciplines, in all three scientific domains. With the support of the MSCA COFUND programme the Momentum (Lendület) programme, which is a widely acknowledged scheme in Hungary to support research excellence, will be elevated by increasing its international visibility, enhancing its European and global outreach, and improving interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration imension. During the lifetime of the programme 2 calls will be published with the aim to select and support 15/20 outstanding postdoctoral fellows per call. The duration of the fellowships is maximum 36 months, including secondment periods. Momentum PPDF fellows will have complete research freedom. Applicants in their proposals may focus on one or several generic research topics covered by the Momentum host organizations. Network-wide activities and trainings will further facilitate inter-centre, inter-disciplinary and intersectoral exchange and collaborations. Fellows will also have the unrestricted flexibility to exercise their choice in selecting secondment opportunities available at prominent international research centers and industrial partners.
Monday, 1 July 2024 INTRODUCE YOURSELF AT STARTUP 2024
After a very successful second edition of StartUP, we are looking forward to meeting you and our students again this year. Therefore, we are organizing a welcome event ŠtartUP for all students on Saturday, October 5 between 10 am and 4 pm at Žusterna Seaside Park.
The sporting and social event will again be a great opportunity to show your work to the students through various activities. Last year students were so excited to try out a variety of new sporting, cultural, artistic and lifestyle activities and we believe this year will be no different as we will again ensure that all participating organizations are visited by collecting stamps on the activity card.
Once again this year, the students will receive a small gift. We would therefore like to thank in advance all those who would like to donate their products or services for the gift packages. We are expecting almost 500 students and passers-by again this year and would like to thank them for their participation.
How can you participate?
Sports, cultural and humanitarian associations and other organizations can participate by taking part in an activity within the collecting card where students and passers-by are actively involved in your activity at the booth. This is the best way for them to try out your services and decide to sign up at that moment.
Large and small companies can take part in EXPO Corner, where you can present your products and services, find potential employees, introduce yourself to a larger target audience and much more.
All others who do not wish to or cannot actively participate in the event with a presentation are invited to contribute their products and services as gifts for the raffle prize fund.
What do you need to do?
We are collecting applications via the online form until 16 September. Once we receive your application, we will contact you personally to discuss the details and work out the best way to present and get you involved in the programme. You can secure your place at the event by making a donation of at least 10€ to the humanitarian association Palčica Pomagalčica (5€ for humanitarian associations). Donations are non-refundable in case of non-attendance or cancellation due to bad weather.
Payment details: Palčica Pomagalčica in dobrodelni škratki, TRR: SI56 0400 1004 7069 045, namen: ŠtartUP za Ujemi svoje sanje. Please send your deposit receipt to szk@upr.si.
Register now or get in touch with us to find the best solution for your presentation. More at szk@upr.si
Monday, 1 July 2024 [Deadline extension] ASSISTANT FROM THE FIELD OF BIOLOGY, BIOINFORMATICS OR NATURAL SCIENCES
UP Member: UP FAMNIT
The University of Primorska invites all interested candidates to apply for the position of D010001 ASSISTANT – ASSISTANT in biological, bioinformatic, or natural sciences, under Prof. Dr. Elena Bužan from the Department of Biodiversity (UP FAMNIT).
The employment relationship will be concluded for a full-time working schedule of 40 hours per week (100%), for a fixed period of 12 months, with a tree-month trial period. The start of work will be agreed upon.
Job requirements:
- specialization in higher education (previous) or university education (previous) or master's degree in the field of biological/ecological, bioinformatic or natural (biochemical/chemical) sciences (and related),
- active knowledge of a foreign language.
Required additional skills:
- experience in field and laboratory work,
- computer skills,
- willingness to mentor undergraduate/master's theses,
- strong ability to work independently,
- teamwork skills,
- organizational skills,
- communication skills,
- practical skills.
Additional desired skills:
- eligibility for the title of Higher education associate – asistant or fulfillment of the conditions for election to this title,
- experience and enthusiasm for project and pedagogical work.
General description of work and tasks:
- collaboration in the impementation of educational, scientific-research and artistic activities, and performance of other tasks as specified in the acts of the University of Primorska and its members,
- leading various forms of practical exercises or student training for the course as instructed by the course instructor, collaborating with the instructor in preparing and conducting student assessments and other pedagogical activities,
- prepare teaching materials, equipment, and aids for practical exercises,
- conducting student consultations and mentoring or co-mentoring students in accordance with the acts of the University of Primorska and its members,
- participate in field and laboratory work,
- contributing to scientific-research field, disseminating research findings into the teaching process, and collaborating in pedagogical and scientific-research activities related to the field of expertise,
- perform other professional and developmental work that contributes to the university's mission and enhances its reputation, as well as the reputation of its faculties and the field of expertise,
- participate in the work of authorities, working groups, and commissions of the faculty or university,
- performing other related work as instructed by superior worker.
Detailed description of dasks and responsibilities:
- contribute to the execution of domestic and international research projects and programs and demanding tasks,
- establish and maintain professional contacts with research users and domestic and foreign scientific institutions,
- participate in scientific and professional consultations with contributions from the research field,
- collaborate in and lead expert authorities and occasional joint projects and tasks as agreed with management,
- carry out other tasks as assigned by management and superiors,
- knowledge in the field of biological/ecological, bioinformatic, or natural science (biochemical/chemical) disciplines,
- experience in working with students,
- actively participate in conferences and contribute to project implementation.
Candidates can send written offers a CV and proof of meeting the conditions to the e-mail address: razpisi@famnit.upr.si
Application deadline: 15th July 2024
