Friday, 22 November 2024 UP FAMNIT Student Council has elected a new student leadership
At the constitutive session held on 20 November 2024, Artem Nesterov, a student of Mathematics, was elected as President, Jakob Beber, a student of Computer Science, as vice president, and Lara Krajnc, a student of Biopsychology, as Secretary. In addition, the students will be represented, besides the president of the Student Council, by Gabriela Laznik Zalaznik, a student of Psychology, who will also have the role of the UP FAMNIT representative in the Senate of the University of Primorska.
On Thursday, November 14, 2024, elections for the UP FAMNIT Student Council were held. The following students were elected to the UP FAMNIT Student Council for the 2024/2025 academic year (listed in alphabetical order by last name):
Undergraduate Studies:
- Matic Bončina, Computer Science (Slovenian program),
- Vladimir Bondarev, Mathematics,
- Anđela Bošnjak, Biopsychology,
- Jernej Flisar, Computer Science (Slovenian program),
- Jernej Grubar, Conservation Biology,
- Miloš Jakovljević, Bioinformatics,
- Pavel Jolakoski, Computer Science (English program),
- Lana Jurišić, Bioinformatics,
- Makar Korshunov, Mediterranean Agriculture,
- Špela Možgan Nose, Biopsychology,
- Artem Nesterov, Mathematics,
- Zhivko Stoimchev, Computer Science (English program);
Postgraduate Studies:
- Jakob Beber, Computer Science,
- Lara Krajnc, Biopsychology,
- Gabriela Laznik Zalaznik, Psychology
We congratulate the members of the Student Council on their election and wish them much success in their work!
Thursday, 21 November 2024 Invitation to the defense of the Master’s Thesis - Špela Bizjan (Psychology, 2nd cycle)
On Thursday, 28 November 2024, at 12:00 in the classroom Famnit-MP5, Špela Bizjan, a student of the master's study program Psychology, 2nd cycle, will present her Master's Thesis entitled Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Work and Organizational Psychology: Ethical Aspects in Human Resource Management.
You are all kindly invited!
Thursday, 21 November 2024 UP FAMNIT hosted the 3rd Consortium Meeting as part of the PRO-Coast project
The third consortium meeting within the PRO-Coast project successfully concluded between 20 and 21 November at UP FAMNIT. The meeting gathered ecologists and researchers from 20 organizations across 14 countries. In addition to Slovenia, participating countries include Belgium, Greece, Spain, Italy, Germany, Estonia, Romania, Montenegro, Cyprus, Malta, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Ireland.
Throughout the two-day meeting, partners shared their progress and achievements, addressed the challenges they faced, and outlined ambitious future objectives.
As part of the project the Department of Biodiversity UP FAMNIT is responsible for a case study in the Strunjan area, in collaboration with the Strunjan Landscape Park. Researchers are collecting data on animal sightings using the SRNA application and engaging with various stakeholders, focusing on interactions between humans and wild animals. By the end of the project, this will contribute to reducing conflicts between them.
About the project:
Around 40 precent of Europeans live within 100km of the coast, where there is continuing loss of natural services that provide food, water, health and recreation. This loss of natural resources has a significant impact on certain population groups, with the effects being more evident for some than for others. To address this, the project partners in the PRO-Coast initiative aim to assist local communities in preserving and restoring ecosystem services across Europe. They also promote the use of local knowledge and the implementation of activities that contribute to the conservation of terrestrial, marine, and other natural resources, as well as species protection. To this end, stakeholders are actively engaged through various events, including workshops, educational seminars, conferences, and online forums.
The meeting of all 20 project partners enabled an in-depth discussion of the progress made in the first year of the project, as well as strategic planning for the upcoming year, thereby setting the foundation for 2025. By the end of the project, the partners aim to develop an effective strategy for improving environmental policy and promoting sustainable development in local communities. The project currently includes a total of 10 case studies from various coastal cities across Europe.
Thursday, 21 November 2024 First Doctoral Student Mentors Meeting
The Research, Development, and Arts Department organised the First Doctoral Student Mentors Meeting at UP on Wednesday, 20 November 2024. The event was attended by mentors (as well as co-mentors) of doctoral students pursuing their studies at UP.
The event's central theme was What does it mean to be a good mentor? There are many answers, but the opening thought was: "A mentor must have the courage to share their desire to seek the undiscovered with young people and guide them in their way over any obstacles that lie in the way." Mentoring is therefore much more than a scientific collaboration - it is a crucial partnership between two or more participants that shapes the future of science. Above all, mentors contribute to nurturing the next generation of scientists and future mentors.
The opening speech by the Vice-Rector for Scientific Research and Development of the UP, Prof. Dr. Štefan Miklavič, was followed by presentations by two mentors from the UP. First, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Klen Čopič Pucihar (UP FAMNIT) presented how his work in the field of human-computer interaction and the HICUP laboratory involves mentoring doctoral students - he mentored two doctoral students in 2024.
Prof. Dr. Štefan Bojnec titled his talk "What to look for in mentoring" and shared his extensive experience in mentoring - he has mentored 54 candidates at level Master's level and 17 candidates at PhD level. In recent years, he has been nominated by the Slovenian Young Researchers' Association as Mentor of the Year for the best mentors of doctoral students.
After presenting the challenges, experiences and good practices, Kristina Maršič and Tjaša Vidmar from the UP Research, Development and Arts Department presented the activities to support mentors implemented at UP. The presentations were followed by a discussion.
Tuesday, 19 November 2024 Be part of the ARCHI-SKIN team
ARCHI-SKIN researchers seek new collaborators to work on the ongoing ERC European Research Council-funded project "Bioinspired living skin for architecture" (ARCHI-SKIN). The post also represents an opportunity to collaborate on the newly funded REMEDY project, which will be funded by EIC #101185862 starting in February 2025.
Dr Sandak's research team is dedicated to developing biofilms that protect the surfaces of biomaterials, concrete, plastics and metals. Its exceptional functionality and value will be its natural self-healing property. ARCHI-SKIN's novel approach to materials protection will accelerate the development of engineered living materials that can interact, adapt and respond to environmental change. The project provides a new dimension and changes the way we currently perceive, experience, understand, design, use and transform materials.
Dr Sandak is also the first female scientist in Slovenia to be awarded the European Innovation Council's Pathfinder project.
Her team has four vacancies. They need an individual to:
- Microbial communication - postdoctoral position available. Details available HERE
- Design of microbial communities - postdoctoral position available. Details available HERE
- Analytical chemist or analytical instrument specialist. Details available HERE
- Laboratory Technician.
Friday, 15 November 2024 Chinese University of Agriculture Shandong visits UP
On Thursday, 14 November 2024, the University of Primorska hosted a delegation from the Shandong University of Agriculture from the eastern part of China. The visit was attended by Prof. Lin Hai, Vice-Rector of the University, and Prof. Wang Hongwei, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Agronomy, who were accompanied by a driver.
They were received by the UP management - Rector, Prof. Dr. Klavdija Kutnar, Prof. Dr. Ademir Hujdurovic, (Dean of UP FAMNIT), Prof. Dr. Irena Lazar (Dean of UP FHŠ), Prof. Dr. Dr. Haiwei, (Dean of UP FHŠ), Prof. Haiwei and Prof. Haiwei. Vito Vitrih (Director of UP IAM), Aleš Oven (Assistant Rector), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Neva Čebron (Head of the Confucius Classroom Koper), Andreja Pobega Bizjak (UP International Office) and Tanja Labus (Head of the UP FAMNIT International Office).
The opening greeting by the Rector, Prof. Dr. Klavdija Kutnar, and a promotional video on the activities of the Shandong University of Agriculture were followed by presentations by the Rector, Prof. Lin Hai, and the Vice-Dean, Prof. Wang Hongwei, in which they outlined in more detail the research activities and the international involvement of the Shandong University of Agriculture. During the discussion, the participants mentioned the possibilities of cooperation between the two universities, joint research projects and possible international exchanges of students and staff of the University of Primorska and Shandong University of Agriculture. To this end, Prof. Dr. Klavdija Kutnar and Prof. Lin Hai signed an inter-institutional agreement under the Erasmus+ programme. The visit ended with a guided tour of the laboratories at the university campus in Livade.
Thursday, 14 November 2024 International Day at UP FAMNIT
Yesterday, November 13, 2024, students and staff gathered in the lobby of UP FAMNIT to obtain more information about the faculty and university level exchange opportunities.
We welcomed participants to International Day, with a welcome address by the head of the International Office, Tanja Labus, who presented the benefits of exchanges, the available opportunities, and the application procedure before, during, and after the exchange. This was followed by a presentation by the president of the T4EU Student Association, Lana Erjavec, who interactively introduced the T4EU network, which connects eleven universities from various countries, including the University of Primorska. She also described the network's operations and the activities that our students can also be a part of.
After the presentations, participants had an excellent opportunity to approach the UP FAMNIT International Office at the info desk, where our staff answered questions and provided all the necessary details students need to know before going abroad. Ira Mešiček, a colleague from the International Office, shared some impressions from the event, who noticed a considerable student interest in various types of exchanges.
"I am pleased with the event's success, particularly with the expressed interest in mobility opportunities and the many smiling faces, which were largely thanks to all the students who actively participated in the preparation and execution of the event. Based on the feedback and impressions from the participants, the International Office will continue to focus on sharing information and promoting student mobility in the future."
The main part of the event was dedicated to a social fair, which took place in a relaxed atmosphere with various thematic sections. At the fair, students who had already experienced an exchange or were currently part of one shared their experiences with those who would soon join this life-changing journey. Throughout the fair, some students also shared their Erasmus experiences with us and summarized their impressions.
Aleks Vincek, a student in the Computer Science programme, chose to do a study exchange in Italy and says he wouldn't change his experience for anything.
"My exchange brought me numerous new experiences and friendships. For example, we are now arranging to meet up with friends in Prague. I also learned Italian and had unforgettable moments that I wouldn’t exchange for anything."
Andrej Natev, a student in the Computer Science program, encouraged all students to consider practical exchanges.
"I did my exchange in Poland, where I participated in a practical exchange at a company that was very open to international students. I quickly made friends with my colleagues, and we attended various events together. During the exchange, I acquired new knowledge in software development, learning new technologies for artificial intelligence. I recommend the experience to all students, and I believe they won’t regret applying!"
In addition to the students sharing their experiences, the UP FAMNIT Student Association, ESN Primorska, GDG Primorska, the T4EU network, and the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) also presented at the fair.
The event served as an excellent opportunity for networking, exchanging opinions, and celebrating the rich cultural diversity and the importance of intercultural experiences!
Exchanges at UP FAMNIT
At UP FAMNIT, we offer study and practical exchanges through the Erasmus+ and CEEPUS programs, as well as other individual bilateral agreements. For most programs, the requirement to participate in an exchange is the completion of at least the first year of an undergraduate study program and active student status.
T4EU Network
Eleven universities from various countries, including the University of Primorska, have come together to form a unified European university – Transform4Europe (T4EU). Situated in border regions undergoing significant changes, these universities play a key role in the development of these areas.
Together, they have over 150,000 students and more than 10,000 researchers, creating a multilingual and multinational campus with joint study programs, courses, research projects, events at all locations, and numerous other initiatives.
If you were unable to attend the event, we are available to answer any questions via email at international@famnit.upr.si, or you can visit us during office hours (from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) in the International Office on the 2nd floor UP FAMNIT.
Partner institutions available > HERE
Tuesday, 12 November 2024 The second Innovations and dots event provides an overview of innovation at UP
On Monday, 11 November 2024, the University of Primorska (UP) and the Centre for Knowledge Development and Transfer (CRDK) UP FM organised the "Innovation and Dot" event to showcase the importance of innovation for research and development and to bring together a wide range of stakeholders with the academic and research environment - the local community, municipalities and representatives of the economy.
The address by the Rector of UP, Prof. Dr. Klavdija Kutnar, was followed by a presentation of the view of the CRPZ UP FM and a speech by Mr. Robert Rakar, Director of the Primorska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who described the importance of cooperation as a driver of entrepreneurship and innovation. Afterwards, in a discussion on the role of collaboration in successful stories of social innovation through the experiences of UP researchers, students and entrepreneurs in the region, the participants summarised their views and found new opportunities for common progressive ideas.
Presentations of current innovative social projects at UP member institutions took place both at the event itself and at the exhibition on display in the UP Armeria Hall. The innovation was presented also by UP FAMNIT and IAM:
UP FAMNIT and UP IAM: Smart Floor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aleksandar Tošić, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jernej Vicic, Dr. Niki Hrovatin and Milan Milivojčević
The project aims at detecting falls in elderly people at home or in nursing homes, using artificial intelligence or embedded sensors. In addition to detecting falls in the elderly, the smart floor also detects other activities such as sitting, walking, movement, location and step counting. The project aims to support elderly people at home or in nursing homes with a system that would offer them continuous monitoring and support. This type of system should be designed in a versatile way and be usable in healthcare settings as well as in other sectors.
Other presentations:
- UP FVZ: Mobile multifunctional isokinetic device for excentric exercise, Oskar Cvjetičanin, prof. dr. Nejc Šarabon
- UP FTŠ-Turistica: IoT-enabled Sustainable Tourism Gateway, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emil Juvan
- UP FM: Project TeachXR: Virtual, Augmented and Augmented Reality in Education, doc. dr. Tine Bertoncel
- UP FHŠ: UNESCO Chair at the University of Primorska and Innovative Approaches in University Education, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Katja Hrobat Virloget and others
- UP PEF: Storytelling - (self-)advocacy of people with disabilities, doc. dr. Karmen Drljić
Monday, 11 November 2024 First Famnits' excursion into the mathematical universe 2024/25: To Infinity and Beyond
Join us for the first excursion of the 2024/25 series,
with the lecture To Infinity and Beyond, which will take place
on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 4:00 PM, in Lecture Room 3 at UP FAMNIT and via ZOOM.
The lecture will be given by Dr. René Rodríguez Aldama, UP FAMNIT and UP IAM
About the lecture: We can all agree that the concept of infinity plays an important role in our society and our own philosophy, but what exactly is "the infinity"? In this talk, we will uncover the definition of infinity as used in mathematics and we will delve into some of its shapes and consequences. From showing that there are several infinities up to partitioning a pea and reassembling it to create the sun, the mathematical infinity has a lot of interesting properties, perhaps, some of them are counterintuitive or paradoxical.
About lecturer: René Rodríguez Aldama was born in 1994 in La Piedad, Michoacan, Mexico. He received the B.S. degree in physics and mathematics from the Michoacan University of Saint Nicholas of Hidalgo (UMSNH), Morelia, Mexico, in 2016. René obtained the joint M.S. degree in pure mathematics from the National Autonomous University of Mexico and UMSNH in 2018, where his mathematical interests were set theory, logic and topology. In 2022, he received the Ph.D. degree in mathematics from the University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia. Since 2022, he has been a Researcher with the Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, and the Andrej Marušič Institute. His current research interests include algebra, coding theory, combinatorics, and cryptology.
Thursday, 7 November 2024 Newly acquired UP projects in October
October brought projects at the national level and projects strengthening research cooperation with foreign institutions.
UP FAMNIT acquired the following project:
ARIS – BILATREAL COOPERATION PROJECTS
The following project has been awarded under the Call for proposals for (co-)financing of scientific research cooperation between the Republic of Slovenia and the partner country - the Scandinavian and Baltic countries in the period 2025 – 2027:
- User Models for Explainable Recommender Systems (dr. Marko Tkalčič, UP FAMNIT)
Other acquired UP projects can be found > HERE
Monday, 4 November 2024 Should I stay or should I go? Seasonal space use of loggerhead sea turtle in the Adriatic Sea: The full video of 1st Famnits' Biological Evening is now available
The first lecture of the Famnits' Biological Evenings titled “Should I stay or should I go? Seasonal space use of loggerhead sea turtle in the Adriatic Sea,” was given by Matic Jančič, UP FAMNIT & Blue World Institute, via ZOOM.
About the lecture: The Adriatic Sea is one of the most important marine habitats for loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean. Oceanic areas of the southern Adriatic provide epipelagic developmental habitat, while the Northern Adriatic is the largest neritic foraging habitat of loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean. The thermal environment is a key factor in the biology of sea turtles, with thermal constraints becoming evident in winter at the lower limits of temperature valence. Winter distribution in the Adriatic Sea is poorly known with suggested southward movement patterns from the Bay of Trieste and the coasts of West Istria in the summer towards the Lošinj archipelago in winter. We tracked 23 sea turtles to obtain data on their space use within the Adriatic Sea and delineate seasonal home ranges of sea turtles according to the temperature seasonality in the Adriatic Sea. The results provided a basis to evaluate the space use patterns of individual sea turtles in the Adriatic Sea combined with aggregated seasonal space use. Sea turtle space use intersected with existing and proposed Marine Protected Areas and overlapped with industrial fishers' efforts to provide recommendations for conservation.
About the lecturer: Matic is a PhD candidate enrolled at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, with the dissertation title ‘Spatial ecology and conservation of loggerhead sea turtles in the Adriatic Sea’ and is due to graduate in 2024. He is also a teaching assistant at the University of Primorska, Slovenia. He provides materials and supervision in labs and practical work for modules marine ecology, marine conservation biology, advanced topics in conservation biology, and biology and conservation of large vertebrates on the master’s study programme Nature Conservation. He has expertise in statistics and spatial modelling, including programming language R and geographic information system QGIS.
