news - Archive

Thursday, 23 October 2025 Strengthening Cooperation with the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies

Last week, UP FAMNIT had the pleasure of hosting Prof. Tatjana Rubina from the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU).

   

Professor Rubina works in the fields of information technology and mathematics education. At her home institution, she teaches courses such as Advanced Mathematics, Numerical Methods, Mathematical Statistics, Software Project Management, Software Testing, User Interface Design, and Web Technologies.

In addition to her teaching activities, she is the Head of the Institute of Computer Systems and Data Science at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology of LBTU. She also participates in the evaluation of study programmes in information technology, computer science, electronics, and telecommunications at universities across Latvia.

During her visit, hosted by the Department of Information Sciences and Technologies at UP FAMNIT, Professor Rubina delivered several lectures and presentations. She contributed to the Monday Seminar in Computer Science and Informatics, and held guest lectures for courses such as Human-Computer Interaction and Multimedia Design.

Her visit significantly contributed to strengthening the collaboration between UP FAMNIT and the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, particularly in the areas of knowledge exchange, research cooperation, and the development of innovative teaching approaches in information sciences.

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Wednesday, 22 October 2025 Postdoctoral Position – Linear codes and special classes of functions

The UP Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies (UP FAMNIT) invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to work on the research project “Linear codes through special classes of functions – relationship and design," led by Prof. Dr. Enes Pasalic and funded by the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS).

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Tuesday, 21 October 2025 Disability Inclusion: Insights from Lived Experience, Research, and Practice

At this Tea Time, research psychologist and consultant Jeanette Hadaschik (MSc) will share insights on disability inclusion, drawing from her own lived experience, academic research, and practical involvement in creating more inclusive work environments. The talk will introduce key concepts, such as ableism and the social versus medical model of disability, illustrating how they influence participation and belonging in education, work, and daily life. Jeanette will also share insights from her own experience contributing to disability inclusion initiatives at Maastricht University, including the UnliMited Network and the Disability Inclusion Group, and discuss what can help institutions move toward greater inclusion.

    

Jeanette works as a behavioral science and disability inclusion researcher and consultant at Evidentia Behavioral Insights. She is also an external PhD-candidate in psychology at Maastricht University (Netherlands).

The event will take place on 27 October at 4 PM in the lecture room VP3 at UP FAMNIT.

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Friday, 17 October 2025 LISTENING TO WILDLIFE: BIODIVERSITY ASSESMENT WITH PASSIVE ACOUSTIC MONITORING

The University of Primorska will host a guest lecture by Dr. Carolline Zatta Fieker on Monday, October 21, at 11 a.m. in the Epsilon lecture room (Livade 1.0, Izola). Dr. Fieker, a researcher from the National Institute of Pantanal Research (INPP), Brazil, will present passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) as an innovative tool for biodiversity assessment. Drawing from her studies in the Brazilian Pantanal, she will showcase practical applications of this method and highlight recent advancements in acoustic technology and analysis. The lecture is open to students and staff of UP.

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Thursday, 16 October 2025 Autumn graduation ceremony for doctors of science at the UP

On Thursday, October 14, 2025, the UP held its autumn graduation ceremony for doctors of science. The Vice-Rector for Scientific Research and Development at the UP, Prof. Dr. Štefko Miklavič, together with the deans of the member faculties and mentors, promoted 12 new doctors of science, who joined the ones who had completed their doctoral studies at the UP.

On this day, the following were promoted:

• Dr. Jesenko Hadžihasanović
• Dr. Marianna Gergely
• Dr. Nika Pavletić
• Dr. Meta Lavrič
• Dr. Monica Bertok Vatovec
• Dr. Jovan Mitrović
• Dr. Jernej Pleša
• Dr. Janja Zorko
• Dr. Benjamin Osmančević
• Dr. Leilani Štajer
• Dr. Karin Šik Novak
• Dr. Matic Sašek.

Meta Lavrič who defended her doctoral thesis at UP FAMNIT entiteled »Experiencing storytelling: Developing and sharing written stories as an intervention to strengthen mental health in gatekeepers « under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Vita Poštuvan

  

Doctoral dissertation summary

»Experiencing storytelling: Developing and sharing written stories as an intervention to strengthen mental health in gatekeepers«

Psychological storytelling interventions include creating, receiving, and sharing stories, yet research is inconsistent about which components are used, leaving gaps in knowledge about how these interventions work. 10 correctional officers who had experienced suicide in the course of their work participated in our intervention and study.

We examined perceived effects of each element on well-being and mental health and developed a Model of Processing and Integrating Experience in Storysharing, highlighting mutual story-sharing as key.

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Thursday, 16 October 2025 New course at UP FAMNIT brings ethical perspectives to environmental, conservation and animal studies

A new course, Introduction to Environmental, Conservation and Animal Ethics, is being implemented at UP FAMNIT by esteemed Professor Carolyn Stephens.

The course offers students an in-depth introduction to the concepts and principles of environmental, conservation, and animal ethics, exploring how ethical frameworks shape research, policy, and decision-making across these fields. It also examines the historical development of ethical ideas in the context of global environmental change and the biodiversity crisis, as well as current trends in international ethical standards and policy frameworks.

Under Prof. Stephens’ guidance, students will engage with key topics such as environmental and animal ethics, land and ecosystem ethics, climate ethics and justice, and the integration of ethics and rights in environmental and conservation contexts.

Professor Carolyn Stephens is an environmental epidemiologist and ethics expert with appointments at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University College London, and the University of Primorska (since 2024). Her research focuses on equity, environment, health, ethics, and human and environmental rights worldwide. With over 25 years of teaching experience in international development and environmental ethics, she has worked extensively in countries such as India, Liberia, Brazil, and Argentina. She has led international research projects, advised UN agencies, serves on the editorial boards of five peer-reviewed journals, and has held executive roles in global organizations including the International Association of Ecology and Health and the Health and Environment Alliance. Professor Stephens also sits on the International Ethics Advisory Board of the EU’s BEPREP programme and has been recognized with the UK Royal Society Kohn Award for Public Engagement in Science and the Mayor of London’s Academic Excellence Award.

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Thursday, 16 October 2025 MANAGING RESEARCH DATA IN THE ERA OF OPEN SCIENCE

You are invited to join the seminar and roundtable organized as part of Task 5.6: "T4EU Open Science in the T4Europe Area" The events will take place on October 22, 2025, at Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas, Lithuania, and online via Microsoft Teams.

The event will take place in a hybrid format: on Teams and in person

13:15-15:00 The European Open Science Cloud: Vision for the Future and Core Challenge

We explore the evolving strategic directions of the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC), with particular emphasis on the key dimensions of interoperability—semantic, technical, and legal. Furthermore, we examine the specific case of the CLARIN-LT repository, highlighting the mechanisms through which it supports linguistic resource sharing and compliance with open science principles. Finally, we present national practices and policy initiatives in Portugal and Slovenia that align with EOSC objectives, illustrating how local infrastructures and governance models are adapting to broader European standards and ambitions.

Speakers :

• Dr. Ana Slavec, UP
• Prof. Rūta Petrauskaitė, VMU
• Dr. Darius Amilevičius, VMU
• Patrícia Carvalho, UCP
• Assoc. prof. Jurgita Vaičenonienė, VMU
• Prof. Saulė Milčiuvienė, VMU

15:15-16:45 Round table discussion: Building Capacity for Data Stewardship and Governance

This round table will focus on strengthening data stewardship roles and governance frameworks within research institutions. Participants will discuss the development of skills and training for data professionals, the implementation of FAIR principles, and the alignment of national practices with EOSC standards. Key challenges such as legal, ethical, and technical responsibilities in data management will be addressed, with the aim of identifying practical strategies and collaborative approaches to build sustainable capacity in data governance.

Moderate:   Dr. Ana Slavec, UP

Participants:

• Uroš Sergaš, UP
• Patrícia Carvalho, UCP
• Prof. Saulė Milčiuvienė, VMU
• Davide Franch, UNITS

 

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Wednesday, 15 October 2025 Participation at the SMART2025 Conference in Reggio Calabria

Before the start of the new semester, between September 28 and October 2, 2025, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Karla Ferjančič and Aljaž Kosmač attended the international SMART2025 conference, the fourth edition in the SMART conference series. This year, the event was held in the picturesque city of Reggio Calabria, Italy.

    

The conference brought together researchers from around the world working in the fields of subdivision, geometric and algebraic methods, isogeometric analysis, and related applications. Special emphasis was placed on new and emerging research areas that bridge theoretical approaches with advanced computational and engineering methods.

   

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Tuesday, 14 October 2025 Two UP employees among this year's Zois Award winners

Today, October 14, 2025, this year's recipients of the highest national awards and recognitions for outstanding achievements in scientific research and development  (Zois and Puh awards and prizes, and the Ambassador of Science of the Republic of Slovenia) were announced in Ljubljana. Among the Zois Award winners are two UP employees – Prof. Dr. Tomaž Pisanski is the recipient of the Zois Prize for lifetime achievement in the field of discrete mathematics, and Prof. Dr. Urban Bren is the recipient of the Zois Award for significant achievements in the field of biomolecular simulations.

The recipients were announced by the chair of the Slovenian Committee for the Awarding of Prizes and Awards for Exceptional Achievements in Scientific Research and Development, Prof. Dr. Nataša Vaupotič, and the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr. Igor Papič, also spoke about the importance of awards and recognitions. The announcement took place today, and the awards will be presented at a ceremony in the Gallus Hall of Cankarjev dom on November 9, on the eve of Science Day, which will be celebrated for the first time in Slovenia on November 10.

We sincerely congratulate the winners and look forward to celebrating the new holiday!

Prof. Dr. Tomaž Pisanski, UP Famnit, UP IAM, IMFM

is awarded the Zois Prize for lifetime achievement in the field of discrete mathematics

   

Prof. Dr Tomaž Pisanski is a renowned researcher in discrete mathematics, a field that studies discrete structures such as integers, graphs and statements in logic that do not vary continuously, but have distinct, separated values. By establishing and developing the world-famous Slovenian school of discrete mathematics, he has significantly influenced the development of this field. He founded and led the Department of Theoretical Computer Science at the Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Mechanics, contributed to the founding of the University of Primorska, established and co-edited three scientific journals, including the Slovenian leading scientific journal Ars Mathematica Contemporanea, and founded the Slovenian Discrete and Applied Mathematics Society.  He organised several international scientific meetings and also chaired the Organising Committee of the 8th European Congress of Mathematics in Portorož. In the history of mathematics, he researched Jurij Vega and Ivo Lah.

Prof. Dr. Urban Bren, UM FKKT, UP FAMNIT, IOS

is awarded the Zois Award for significant achievements in the field of biomolecular simulations

    

Prof. Dr Urban Bren uses computer simulations to study how various chemicals affect human health and develops new, more selective diagnostic methods. He was the first to demonstrate that the chemical reactivity of substances is a good predictor of their potential carcinogenicity. He is also involved in the search for natural compounds that could inhibit cancer development – with the long-term goal of creating dietary supplements that would help prevent the disease. Additionally, he studies the impact of microwave radiation on the risk of developing cancer or neurological diseases. Using advanced computational tools, he designs new therapeutic agents, such as more effective antiviral drugs and safer painkillers

Photos: Matjaž Tavčar for MVZI

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Monday, 13 October 2025 PLAC priložnosti is coming to Koper - an educational and career festival where young people explore their future

The educational and career festival "Plac priložnosti", organized by the PiNA Cultural and Educational Association, the University of Primorska, the Employment Service of Slovenia (Koper Regional Office), and the Istria Counseling Center, is back.

     

• Friday, October 17, 2025
• Bonifika Hall, Koper
• From 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The festival offers young people a unique opportunity to meet a wide range of secondary schools, faculties, universities, and organizations from all over Slovenia — all in one place. They’ll be able to talk to representatives face to face, explore opportunities for further education, exchanges, training, and other possibilities.

A variety of institutions and organizations will be presented, including:

• Universities: University of Primorska, University of Ljubljana, University of Maribor, University of Nova Gorica, New University, EMUNI University, Alma Mater Europaea University, Sigmund Freud University Ljubljana.
• Secondary and higher education schools: Srečko Kosovel Sežana School Centre, Rogaška Slatina School Centre, Secondary School of Construction, Geodesy and Environmental Protection Ljubljana, Grm Novo mesto College of Rural Management, and others.
• Organizations and institutions: Employment Service of Slovenia, EURES network, Community of Higher Vocational Colleges of the Republic of Slovenia, Koper Adult Education Centre, Mjob Student Service, Institute for Youth, Culture and Tourism Koper.

A special feature of this year’s event is the European Avenue, where visitors will learn about programs offered by the European Union for young people — from study and volunteer experiences to opportunities for employment and education abroad.

Among those presenting will be Eurodesk Slovenia, EUROPE DIRECT Koper - Capodistria, the CERV Contact Point, and the Employment Service of Slovenia (EURES network).

The festival is intended for: final-year primary school pupils, secondary school students, parents, teachers, school counselors, university students, and anyone interested in discovering the world of education up close.

More information: www.plac-priloznosti.si

Welcome! 

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Monday, 13 October 2025 Successfully held HCI SI 2025 conference

Today, the HCI SI 2025 – Human-Computer Interaction Slovenia conference took place at UP FAMNIT. Celebrating its tenth year, the event is organized by the Slovenian Human-Computer Interaction community (ACM Chapter Bled) and brings together HCI researchers and professionals from both academia and industry across the Alps-Danube-Adriatic region.

     

In addition to UP FAMNIT, 32 participants are joining from the following institutions:

• University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Computer and Information Science
• University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering
• University of Maribor, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• Jožef Stefan Institute

The keynote speaker was Prof. Dr. Jürgen Ziegler, a full professor at the Faculty of Computer Science, University of Duisburg-Essen, where he conducts research in the field of intelligent interactive systems. His main research interests include human–computer interaction, human–AI collaboration, recommender systems, social media, and information visualization.

In his keynote lecture, Prof. Dr. Ziegler discussed how intelligent systems create uncertainty in user experiences and outlined user-centered strategies to address it. He used recommender systems to illustrate principles for enhancing user understanding, increasing control, and supporting effective human–AI collaboration.

The Slovenian HCI community began in 2008 as an informal group of researchers focused on human-computer interaction. The group’s main event is the annual HCI SI conference. In 2019, it also became the ACM SIGCHI Chapter Bled, bringing together researchers from different Slovenian universities and institutions to encourage collaboration and support the growth of HCI.

More about the community: [About | HCI Slovenia] More about this year’s conference: [HCI SI 2025 – CALL FOR PAPERS | HCI Slovenia]

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Thursday, 9 October 2025 Researchers' call: Consider the risk of wildlife-spread diseases during ecosystem restoration

Researchers are urging adaptive ecosystem restoration, which implements key considerations for minimizing the zoonotic disease risk otherwise associated with restorations. A study, led by the University of Helsinki and involving researcher Prof. Elena Bužan from UP FAMNIT, is providing practical guidance for restoration project stakeholders. The full article, published in the journal Nature, is available here.

Ecosystem restoration projects aim to restore biodiversity and associated compromised ecosystem services. Evidence is persuasive of the increased risks of zoonotic diseases with degradation and disturbances. However, the scientific literature on the mitigating effects of ecosystem restoration on zoonotic spillover is scattered, inconclusive and challenged by the lack of a conceptual framework and practical guidance.

»There is a strong need for an adaptive process offering practical guidance on how to conduct ecosystem restoration to maximize biodiversity and ecosystem services while minimizing the risk of zoonotic diseases potentially induced by these restorations«, explains University of Helsinki professor Frauke Ecke.

One Health-based adaptive process

To maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of ecosystem restoration, the researchers urge for a One Health-based adaptive process that includes key considerations for ecosystem restoration assessment.

»The process is founded in stakeholder engagement and co-creation. Ecosystem restoration projects need to develop targets for environment (diversity, climate, land use), animals (species community structure, pathogen and disease prevalence, vectors and reservoir abundance), and humans (cases of disease, exposure)«, says Ecke.

Failure to follow the approach may jeopardize global efforts to reverse worldwide biodiversity decline.

Climate change must be considered in restorations

Climate change can modify the cause-and-effect relationship of restorations. Meanwhile, environmental contaminants can bias the restoration outcome.

»When habitats recover from restoration, climate change can result in changes of species assemblages with knock-on effects on presence and abundance of reservoirs, non-reservoirs, vectors, and pathogens as well as zoonotic risk«, explains Heidelberg University professor Joacim Rocklöv.

For more information about the study contact Prof. Elena Bužan.

The study was performed as part of the Horizon Europe Project BEPREP (Identification of best practices for biodiversity recovery and public health interventions to prevent future epidemics and pandemics). For more information about this and other ecosystem restoration projects, and elucidation of the link between biodiversity recovery and disease risk, see the project’s homepage.

Foto: Tim Hofmeester

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Thursday, 9 October 2025 MATCOS-25 – The Middle-European Conference on Applied Theoretical Computer Science

The MATCOS-25 conference – The Middle-European Conference on Applied Theoretical Computer Science – was successfully held on October 9 and 10, 2025, at the Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies (UP FAMNIT). The two-day event was organized by the Andrej Marušič Institute of the University of Primorska (UP IAM) and UP FAMNIT, in collaboration with the research institute InnoRenew CoE.

      

The conference united practical application and theory within applied theoretical computer science. Topics included algorithms, data structures, optimization, artificial intelligence, machine learning, graph theory, and computational geometry.

"As in previous editions, this year’s program also included short presentations in addition to regular papers – a well-established practice that promotes broader participation and greater exchange of ideas. The program featured 20 regular and 14 short contributions. The conference welcomed more than 50 researchers from Slovenia and abroad – including **Hungary, Austria, Sweden, Poland, France, and Canada,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rok Požar, Chair of the MATCOS-25 Organizing Committee.

This year’s keynote speaker was Prof. Dr. Michel Bierlaire from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland, where he also serves as the Director of the Transport and Mobility Laboratory. Prof. Bierlaire delivered a lecture titled Predicting Human Behaviour with Optimization.

   

In his talk, he emphasized that choice behaviour is central to many real-world applications, especially in areas such as transportation planning and marketing. Classical choice models, based on random utility theory, assume that individuals choose the alternative that provides the highest utility. However, these models require the explicit enumeration of all possible alternatives, which becomes impractical when the choice set is large or complex.

For more information about the conference, please visit the official website: matcos.iam.upr.si/en/

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Tuesday, 7 October 2025 We welcomed students from Pietro Coppo Secondary School

Today, we hosted 25 students from Pietro Coppo Secondary School's Computer Science Technician program. First, we prepared a workshop on career advice regarding further education.

    

Later, during the 'Full Body Motion Capture' workshop, they learned the basics of capturing full-body movement using advanced technology. They learned how to use motion capture systems for animating characters in movies, video games, and virtual reality. Through practical exercises, they experimented with various motion capture techniques and gained insight into post-production and the application of data in digital environments.

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Monday, 6 October 2025 ŠtartUP – A perfect kick-off to the 2025/26 academic year!

We have successfully wrapped up the fifth edition of the social-sports event Štart UP. Once again, the first Saturday of October was dedicated to relaxed mingling between first-year students, returning students, and the professional services of the University of Primorska (UP) – all those who have been, and continue to be, an invaluable support to students  throughout their studies at UP.

In addition to the academic members and institutes of UP, the university’s centers and units  also presented their work, showing students how they connect university activities with the wider community. A special role was played by the UP Tutors and the International Office, which introduced students to various opportunities abroad, especially in the context of UP’s participation in the European University Transform4Europe .

This year, more than 50 exhibitors joined us, enriching and diversifying our ŠtartUP even further. Thanks to their generous donations of gifts, the traditional ŠtartUP raffle  was once again a big success. As in previous years, the event carried a strong charitable note: each exhibitor confirmed their participation with a symbolic contribution, which was donated in full to the charity Palčica Pomagalčica, specifically to the Catch Your Dreams  fund for students in need.

We also remained faithful to our green commitment to sustainability. Everyone brought their own cup or bottle for drinks. At the Sustainability Corner, two second-hand clothing shops  – 2.0 Skica and Fashion Finds Koper – presented their work. Through their activities, Naja and Barbara highlighted the pressing issues of fast fashion and explained the many benefits of second-hand clothing for the sustainable development of our planet.

This year we were also joined by representatives of the company Tosama. Within the framework of their project Zdravko, which promotes wider access to hygiene products, they engaged participants with a quiz to raise awareness of the importance of providing sanitary pads in public spaces.

The program was further enriched by the Society for Advanced Defense and Martial Arts Methods (DNOBM), the Pobegi-Čežarji Volunteer Firefighters’ Association, and Vertigo – Center for Aerial Acrobatics and Dance. The KO-MET Association once again ensured plenty of sports fun with frisbees.

As tradition dictates, participants enjoyed a delicious lunch of bobiči (traditional corn and bean stew), which they could also take home after the event.

This year’s ŠtartUP was attended by more than 500 students, welcomed by over 100 staff members and association representatives. Together, we managed to organize one of the largest student events at the University of Primorska, marking a truly enriching start to the academic year.

We wish all students a successful start, progress, and completion of the 2025/26 academic year!

  

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Monday, 6 October 2025 Join BIKE-HEI trainings: Empowering staff and students for green & digital innovations

O BIKE-HEI projektu

About the project BIKE-HEI “Boosting Innovative and Knowledge-based Entrepreneurship of HEIs” projectaims to improve business opportunities for innovative and knowledge entrepreneurs by using Artificial Intelligence in the area of Environmental Protection, Climate Action and Green Economy, promoting entrepreneurship and spin-off support services in HEIs and strengthening the HEIs’ role in the regional innovation ecosystem.

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The BIKE-HEI Training Programme on Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship aims to empower students, academic staff, and non-academic staff in higher education institutions (HEIs) with the knowledge and skills needed to foster sustainability-driven innovation ecosystems. Trainers include experts from the University of Alicante, University of Primorska, Saarland University, and Mariupol State University, offering real-world insights and interactive teaching.

Developed by a consortium of European universities, this interdisciplinary course covers key topics such as:

• Foundations of the green transition
• Sustainable start-ups
• Green communication skills
• Resilient management
• Digital tools for greener workplaces
• Sustainable academic practices (e.g., events, travel, catering)

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• TRAINING FOR ACADEMIC STAFF (brochure) | LEAFLET -   "Enhancing Innovation and Entrepreneurship"   (Registration 25 September - 13 October / Course start: 20 October)
• TRAINING FOR NON-ACADEMIC STAFF (brochure) | LEAFLET -   "Empowering Sustainable Workplace Practices"   (Registration 25 September - 13 October / Course start: 20 October)
• TRAINING FOR STUDENTS (brochure) | LEAFLET -    "Driving Sustainable Innovation"    (Registration 25 September - 13 October / Course start: 20 October / 2 ECTS)

You are invited to review the training contents and register. Registration for all three trainings is open until October 13th!

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Friday, 3 October 2025 Third symposium on Gender equality for an inclusive university and society - Call for participation

In 2021, UP adopted the UP Gender Equality Plan 2021-2027  (with an accompanying action plan). Within its community, UP builds and promotes interpersonal relationships based on the inclusion of diversity, as understanding and coexistence with those who think differently are the cornerstones of a critical (academic) community that respects human rights and has zero tolerance for discrimination and intolerance.

The UP sees regular and professional reflections on the current situation and possible improvements as key moments that ensure that the plan is not just a dead letter on paper, which it systematically implements through regular consultations on equality, justice, and gender inclusiveness  in the academic environment, which take place at the level of the entire UP. The third consultation will take place in December 2025, and you are  invited to submit your contribution.  

BRIDGES OF EQUALITY: GENDER EQUITY AND INCLUSION IN ACADEMIC SPACE AND SOCIETY

12 December 2025 | University of Primorska   

We invite you to contribute to a one-day symposium on gender equality for a more inclusive society. A wide range of disciplinary, theoretical, methodological, and epistemological approaches and perspectives are encouraged.

Some indicative topics for the preparation of short presentations:

• Gender equality and gender in theory and practice (theories and ethnographies of gender)
• Gender equality and (in)equalities (social, economic, generational, etc.)
• Gender equality and binarity (non-binary identities, transgender, intersex, etc.)
• Gender equality and language
• Gender equality and intersectionality (race, ethnicity, class, etc.)
• Gender and national minorities
• Roles and positions of genders in science
• Creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive academic space
• International and comparative studies of gender equality
• Gender equality and scientific disciplines
• Gender equality across different domains (universities, education, healthcare, business, media, private and public spheres, etc.)

The symposium will take place on 12 December 2025. Interested participants on the symposium, are asked to send the following information no later than 6 October 2025  to tadej.praprotnik@fhs.upr.si:  

• Title of the contribution (in Slovenian and English)
• Abstract (in Slovenian and English)
• Author’s name and surname, institutional affiliation, and (institutional) e-mail address (if there are multiple authors, please include information for each author) in Slovenian and English
• 3–5 keywords (in Slovenian and English)
• Length of submission (title, abstract, and keywords): 200-250 words (in both languages together 400-500 words)

The symposium will take place on 12 December 2025 and  will be held in Slovenian and English.   Presentations may be prepared as short discussion papers, PowerPoint presentations, or posters.

For additional information, please contact: 

• tadej.praprotnik@fhs.upr.si,
• lialola.kotnik@fhs.upr.si  
• alenka.janko.spreizer@fhs.upr.si 

Scientific Committee of the Symposium: Tadej Praprotnik, Lia Lola V. Kotnik, Alenka Janko Spreizer.

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Thursday, 2 October 2025 Memorandum of Understanding between UP FAMNIT and the National Pantanal Research Institute (INPP)

UP FAMNIT,at the initiative of the Department of Biodiversity, has signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the National Pantanal Research Institute (INPP) from Brazil. The agreement opens new opportunities for joint research projects, student and staff exchanges, and further strengthens the already established collaboration with the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT).

INPP is a federal scientific research institute, established in 2014 with the aim of supporting the sustainable development of the Pantanal region – one of the largest and most biodiverse floodplains in the world. The institute connects research institutions from Brazil and abroad, focusing on the development of sustainable models for natural resource management and the transfer of scientific knowledge into practice.

In recent years, cooperation between UP FAMNIT and Brazilian partners has become increasingly stronger, particularly within the Erasmus+ programme and bilateral research projects. Students from both universities have already participated in exchanges and professional training. 

The establishment of this cooperation was also made possible thanks to the active role of researcher and doctoral candidate in the Conservation Biology program at UP FAMNIT, Martin Senič, whose research on the ecology of the Cracidae family and other selected groups of vertebrates in the Pantanal region is conducted in close collaboration with researchers from UFMT and INPP, who have also supported his work through the awarding of a research scholarship. Through his efforts, Martin has significantly contributed to strengthening the ties between institutions, enabling the expansion of joint activities. Consequently, collaboration between UP FAMNIT and Brazilian partners has grown increasingly close in recent years. Thanks to the Erasmus+ program and bilateral research projects, additional opportunities have opened for academic and practical exchanges between students of both universities.

As part of the new agreement, academic and research visits are also planned. In October 2025, UP FAMNIT will host Prof. Dr. Marinêz Isaac Marques, expert in an entomology expert and research coordinator at INPP and professor at UFMT, Prof. Dr. Karl-L. Schuchmann, also a professor at UFMT, an ornithology specialist, biogeographer, and tropical ecologist who is especially specialized in Neotropical birds, entomology and research coordinator at INPP, and Dr. Carolline Zatta Fieker, a researcher specializing in ecology, ornithology, fire ecology, and vertebrate bioacoustics. The guests will contribute as lecturers at the international summer school Science, how to write and talk about it, which will take place at UP FAMNIT in Izola from 13 to 27 October 2025.

The signing of this framework agreement represents an important step towards expanding the international research collaboration of UP FAMNIT and provides opportunities for the development of interdisciplinary research, exchanges, and new joint projects that will contribute to a better understanding and sustainable management of one of the most valuable ecosystems in the world.

The photos below show glimpses from the field work in Brazil.

 

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Wednesday, 1 October 2025 Important notice - Introductory meeting for first-year students Data Science

According to the instructions of the coordinator, we would like to inform first-year students of the Master’s program in Data Science that the introductory meeting will take place at 11:30 via the following Zoom link: 

https://upr-si.zoom.us/j/5389732484?pwd=bUxySzZhRkFmUjMrekozdFE5NTBwUT09

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Wednesday, 1 October 2025 The 19th generation of students is entering the new academic year at UP FAMNIT

UP Welcomes Freshmen at the Traditional Freshmen Reception, this Time Live at Campus Livade 1.0 in Izola.

   

At the reception, the Rector of UP, Prof. Dr. Klavdija Kutnar, addressed the students and wished them:
“ Do you remember your first day at secondary school? It all seemed full of challenges, and yet you overcame them. You made it then, and you will make it now. We are certain of it. For now, take that leap into the new academic year, a new challenge, a new chapter. You have made it this far – and we know you will keep going strong!” (The full speech is available via the link .)

At UP FAMNIT (in Koper and Izola), freshmen, along with the coordinators of their study programs, followed the introductory greeting, which was also attended by the Dean of UP FAMNIT, Prof. Dr. Ademir Hujdurović , via live broadcast. Afterwards, they continued in lecture halls with presentations of key information for the start of the new academic year. After the meetings with coordinators, there was a presentation of the Student Council, UP FAMNIT tutors, and the UP APZ.

Freshmen officially step through the faculty doors for the first time on October 1st – but at UP, foreign students were already welcomed last week during orientation days.

The activities marking the start of the new academic year will continue on Saturday, October 4th, when the event Štart UP – a sports and social event for all UP students will take place at Obmorski Park Žusterna. Various university organizations and local groups will present themselves, accompanied by a music program and prizes for completed activities at different stations.

  

Some Statistics

At UP FAMNIT, we have already welcomed the 19th generation of students, the largest so far.

Official enrollment data for the academic year 2025/26 will be available in about a month. According to unofficial data, 1072 students have enrolled at the Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Information Technologies. International students come from 31 countries.

This year, 395 students enrolled in the first year for the first time. Of these, 786 are enrolled in undergraduate study programs, 232 in master's programs, and 54 in doctoral programs in the first year.

We wish all students a successful, interesting, and fun academic year!

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