Minja: We've been fascinated by science since we were kids.

Aja: As part of our studies in Conservation Biology and Nature Conservation, we knew that we had to acquire additional competences alongside our studies. During our studies, we were actively involved in various student-funded projects, such as the "On the creative path to knowledge". Minja: So here we are today: two women in science working in the field of molecular ecology at the University of Primorska.

Aja: For us researchers, science is much more than just a job; it is our mission and our joy. Minja: If you also enjoy science, help researchers to obtain data on Slovenia's wildlife. As part of the Step Change project, we have developed the SRNA app, which allows all of you citizen scientists to help researchers collect data and monitor the status of Slovenia's wildlife.

Aja: Through this link, you too can become citizen scientists!

Aja Bončina, researcher at the Department of Biodiversity, UP FAMNIT (left in the picture) | Minja Krstić, researcher at the Department of Biodiversity, UP FAMNIT (right in the picture)

"My research is primarily in algorithmic graph theory. It is a young field, but it is developing very fast, and UP FAMNIT offers me opportunities to participate and organise international conferences, which enable knowledge transfer, even faster progress of science and co-authored papers with experts from all over the world."

Nina Chiarelli, Assistant Professor of Mathematics at UP FAMNIT and researcher at UP IAM

"During my studies, my desire to research suicidal behaviour was sharpened, which led me to the opportunity to work at the Slovenian Centre for Suicide Research at the UP IAM, where I am currently based. At the centre we are involved in various research and intervention projects. On the one hand, we are researching various factors associated with suicidal behaviour, protective factors, and on the other hand, we are integrating these findings into intervention programmes, projects and in this way "giving back" to society. The projects are well received by both the national and international public. As an example of the success of our work, we have been entrusted with the co-organisation of 32. World Congress of the International Association for Suicide Prevention.

Attending and co-organising such congresses allows me to network with both local and foreign experts, which promotes a faster transfer of knowledge and insights. At the same time, it sharpens those aspects that remain unexplored or that require our further attention."

Vanja Gomboč, researcher at UP IAM (Slovenian Centre for Suicide Research)

"I am currently working on my master's thesis, in which I am researching anxiety, stress and depression among female handball players in Slovenia. I am happy that, in addition to seeing the issues first-hand, as a former athlete, I am now also learning about them as a researcher. I hope to use this knowledge as a sport psychologist to help sportswomen and sportsmen in my future career."

Lea Kranjc, Master's student in Biopsychology & full-time student of the Master's programme in Psychology at UP FAMNIT, former elite athlete

"I am grateful to have the opportunity to be involved in research work, projects during my studies, such as the "Creative Path to Knowledge" or the Student Innovation Projects for Social Benefit".

Lana Erjavec, student of the Master's degree programme Physiotherapy

"During my PhD at UP FHŠ, my mentor, Prof. Dr. Nives Zudič Antonič, repeated several times that real research work starts only after the completion of studies. Of course, this turned out to be true. Working in scientific research requires a lot of effort and time. It is sometimes difficult to balance work and private life, so I would not say with certainty that my life has turned around for the better. In some ways, it may even have made everyday life more difficult, because I have less free time for myself, my family and my friends. On the other hand, I have to admit that scientific research also improves me because it is very creative work. This profession allows me to be part of a wider European environment where I meet new people with whom I can exchange experiences and broaden my knowledge. But I also notice that the research environment, despite the efforts to promote gender equality in science, is still very much a male world in which women scientists are under-represented."

Dr. Lara Sorgo, (former) PhD student at UP FHŠ