University of Primorska Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies
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Monday, 26 January 2026 The University of Primorska and the University of Trieste Announce a Joint Call for Applications for Visiting Professorship

The University of Primorska and the University of Trieste have launched a joint international call to select Visiting Professors for the academic years 2025/2026 and 2026/2027, within the framework of the Transform4Europe Alliance.

The call is addressed to departments and faculties of both universities that wish to invite distinguished scholars from institutions outside the T4EU Alliance with the aim of:

  • expanding and enriching educational activities,
  • strengthening research cooperation, and
  • fostering the international dimension beyond the T4EU Alliance.

Selected Visiting Professors will carry out teaching and research activities during their stay and deliver lectures within bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, or doctoral study programmes at both universities.

More information about the call, available funding, obligations of the Visiting Professor, the number of available positions, as well as the application and selection procedure, is available in the call documentation via this link: https://www.upr.si/en/about-the-university/t4eu-/t4eu-opportunities/for-staff/the-university-of-primorska-and-the-university-of-trieste-announce-a-joint-call-for-applications-for

The application deadline is 27 February 2026.

For further information, please contact the UP FAMNIT / UP IAM International Office at international@famnit.upr.si.

You are kindly invited to apply!

Thursday, 22 January 2026 Notice for Students - Change in Classroom Usage During the Exam Period

Dear students,

We would like to inform you of a minor change regarding the use of classrooms for studying during the exam period. Classrooms at the Brolo location are now available for study until 5:00 PM, while the use of classrooms and the hall at Glagoljaška and Galeb remains unchanged.

At these locations, classrooms are available from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and their use is strictly for study purposes. You can check classroom availability on the online schedule.

This does not apply to RLABs, but to all other classrooms at Glagoljaška. At the Livade location, only the FAMNIT-3 classroom is available for use without prior approval.

Outside the exam period, the existing system remains in effect, under which prior reservation through the Student Office is required to use the classrooms.

Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you every success in your studies.

Kind regards,

Student Services Office of UP FAMNIT

Thursday, 22 January 2026 The Symposium of Good Practices for Biodiversity Conservation in the Agricultural Landscape of the Karst brought together 60 practitioners

On January 22, 2026, a symposium titled Good Practices for Biodiversity Conservation in the Agricultural Landscape of the Karst was held in Livade at Facility 1.0. The event was attended by approximately 60 practitioners.

  

The symposium aimed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience among experts in the fields ofnature conservation, biology, and ecology, as well as other stakeholders, including landowners, farmers, decision-makers, residents, and nature enthusiasts, all of whom are involved in the conservation of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes.

The event was structured into three thematic sections:

  1. sustainable management of pastures, grasslands, and ponds,
  2. restoration of burned areas and biodiversity,
  3. sustainable management and circular economies in the Karst.

Assistant Professor Dr. Sara Zupan from the Department of Biodiversity, the event’s organizer, emphasized the importance of such meetings for connecting science and practice and for finding effective solutions for the conservation of the Karst landscape:

“When we think of the Karst, each of us probably forms a slightly different image. Today, the Karst is largely overgrown, but my image still reflects the Karst commons, dry-stone walls, bare rocky terrain, ponds, and grasslands with beautiful plants, butterflies, and birds. However we imagine it, the fact remains that the Karst as we know it today is the result of long-term coexistence between humans and nature. What it will look like in the future largely depends on our decisions.

The Kras4us project – Opportunities for the Conservation of Biodiversity and the Identity of the Karst – is based on the belief that many solutions already exist in the area itself, in the knowledge, experience, and good practices developed by researchers, land managers, farmers, and local communities. The project aims to identify, connect, and further develop these practices and to place them within a broader framework of long-term management of the Karst landscape.

The contributions we heard today, which are also collected in the book of abstracts, reflect the diversity of approaches to biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes. I believe that the exchange of knowledge, experience, and perspectives is exactly what can contribute to more thoughtful and long-term solutions.”

One of the key initiatives in this field is the Kras4us project, which is co-financed under the Interreg Italy–Slovenia Programme. The project connects partner organisations on both sides of the border, including the University of Primorska (UP FAMNIT).

The project partners are: the University of Primorska (UP FAMNIT), the Slovenian BirdLife Association (DOPPS – BirdLife Slovenia), Škocjan Caves Park, and the Local Action Groups Kras VAM.

The book of abstracts is available > here.

 

  

Wednesday, 21 January 2026 UP SENATE ADOPTS A NEW BACHELOR STUDY PROGRAMME “MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE”

At its 27th regular session on 21 January 2026, the Senate of the University of Primorska adopted a new bachelor study programme “Mathematics and Computer Science”. It is an interdisciplinary study programme designed to educate future professionals with a strong mathematical foundation and advanced computer science expertise, particularly in the fields of software design and algorithm theory, which are at the core of the modern artificial intelligence industry and high value-added information technology. The study programme will be included in the Call for enrolment in undergraduate study programmes of the University of Primorska for the academic year 2026/2027.

The new study programme is designed as a three-year full-time study programme (180 ECTS) and will be delivered in Slovene and English. The programme combines solid mathematical foundations with computer science and practical skills. Students are first introduced to the fundamental areas of mathematics, such as analysis, algebra, and discrete mathematics, while at the same time progressively developing skills in programming, algorithmic thinking, and working with computer systems. This combination enables them to learn problem-oriented thinking and to effectively solve complex tasks using modern computational tools.

The study programme provides graduates with in-depth knowledge and key competences in programming, data science, software design, and algorithm theory, which are at the core of modern information technology and artificial intelligence. Graduates will therefore be well prepared for employment in technologically advanced, high value-added environments, such as software development, data analysis, and information security. At the same time, the programme enables successful continuation of studies at Master level in mathematics, computer science, data science, and related fields, both in Slovenia and abroad. The quality of the study programme has also been recognised by external experts, who emphasised the relevance of the acquired knowledge for effective performance in the workplace.

Upon successful completion of the study programme, graduates are awarded the professional title “diplomirani/a inženir/ka matematike in računalništva (UN)«.

This is the first study programme adopted by the University of Primorska on the basis of the new Higher Education Act, which stipulates that a university whose accreditation has been extended twice consecutively for a full accreditation period may independently adopt its study programmes with public validity without accreditation by the National Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (NAKVIS), and in accordance with the Instructions for the Preparation, Adoption and Implementation of Study Programmes with Public Validity without Accreditation by NAKVIS, adopted by UP (hereinafter: the Instructions). In accordance with the Instructions, the study programme proposal was first reviewed by an internal expert. It was then submitted for evaluation to a group of independent external experts, consisting of two independent external experts in the field of the study programme (one international and one Slovenian expert) and a student selected from the pool of the European Students’ Union (ESU).

    

Wednesday, 21 January 2026 The Department of Biodiversity UP FAMNIT hosted 12 organisations from practices

On Monday, 12 January 2026, the Department of Biodiversity at UP FAMNIT hosted an event titled “Practical Training for Students – Exchange of Opinions and Experiences.”

The event was organised to improve the quality of students’ practical training experience and strengthen connections with organisations interested in cooperating with the department and its students. In the study programmes Conservation Biology (Bachelor’s level) and Nature Conservation (Master’s), completing mandatory practical training in a professional working environment is one of the study requirements.

The event, which took place in the premises of Building 1.0 (Livade), was attended by a total of 12 organisations, which presented themselves either in person (6) or via Zoom (6).

“We organised this event for the fifth consecutive year. Each time, I am pleased by the strong interest and openness of the organisations that join us. Cooperation with our students is of great interest to them. In recent years, I have noticed that many organisations wish to establish initial contact with students even before they enter the labour market. By organising such events, we aimed to improve the quality of practical training and encourage early contact with organisations that responded to our invitation and are particularly interested in cooperating with us. We have achieved this goal. At the same time, such events provide students with their first—yet extremely valuable—insight into the work and mission of various organisations in the fields of nature conservation, biology, education, and research. Ultimately, these organisations may become their future employers,” summarised the coordinator of practical training, Assistant Martin Senič from the Department of Biodiversity at UP FAMNIT.

We would like to thank all participating organisations and their representatives for their attendance and cooperation:

  

  

Tuesday, 20 January 2026 A solemn event marked the launch of KCUI

On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the Slovenian Competence Center for Artificial Intelligence (KCUI)  marked the launch of its operations with a solemn event at the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS).

  

The KCUI is the central national initiative for supporting the development, introduction, and responsible use of artificial intelligence in the economy, public sector, and society.  It acts as a gateway for knowledge, training, expert support, and stakeholder networking, and contributes to strengthening Slovenia's competitiveness, productivity, and innovation potential in the field of artificial intelligence.

The event began with a ceremonial address by mag. Ksenija Klampfer, Minister for Digital Transformation, who emphasized "Today, the key question is not whether we will use artificial intelligence, but how we will use it safely, effectively, responsibly, and for the benefit of people—the answer to this is the Competence Center for Artificial Intelligence, which is launching today." The minister also emphasized that the center's key objectives include supporting both businesses and the public sector in achieving better results and increasing efficiency through the introduction of artificial intelligence tools.

This was followed by speeches on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS), the leading partner of the KCUI consortium. Vesna Nahtigal, Director General of GZS, Marko Štefančič, MBA, Director of the KCUI consortium, and Dr. Vida Groznik, Scientific Director of KCUI, addressed the audience.

The project to establish and operate the center at the UP is led by Dr. Marko Tkalčič (UP FAMNIT),  who stated at its establishment: “Artificial intelligence is a very powerful tool which, when used responsibly, can significantly contribute to the functioning of the economy, public administration, and people’s everyday lives. It is important to understand that Slovenia cannot afford to fall behind the rest of the world. We must be proactive and participate in research. Precisely the fact that knowledge gained through research can be transferred to Slovenia in a responsible manner seems to me to be the greatest advantage of this competence center. This project represents a structured framework in which the knowledge held by top Slovenian experts is transferred for the benefit of the Slovenian economy, public administration, and citizens in general. At the University of Primorska (UP), we are proud to be part of a consortium of exceptionally strong Slovenian institutions in the field of artificial intelligence, as we will also be able to contribute our expertise to the achievement of these goals.

The event was also attended by the Rector of the University of Primorska, Dr. Klavdija Kutnar, and the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Dr. Ademir Hujdurović, along with the project leader, Dr. Marko Tkalčič, and other participants in the project – Dr. Jernej Vičič, Dr. Ernest Ženko, and Nataša Miletić.

The consortium, led by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia, also includes: the University of Primorska, the University of Maribor, the University of Ljubljana, the University of Nova Gorica, the Jožef Stefan Institute, the Chamber of Craft and Small Businesses of Slovenia, and the ASEF Institute for Education and Research. The consortium was formed and successful in the context of the public call for (co-)financing the establishment and operation of a Competence Center for Artificial Intelligence (ARIS).

    

     

    

Wednesday, 14 January 2026 Famnits' Excursion into the mathematical universe: The role of dice in world domination - a case study of Risk: the board game

You are invited to the 1st lecture in the series titled

"The role of dice in world domination - a case study of Risk: the board game"

which will take place on Wednesday, 21. January 2026 at 16.00, VP 3 lecture room, UP FAMNIT and ZOOM link.

Board games have been an integral part of human history across cultures and societies, and the theory and strategies of traditional games such as Chess and Go have long been studied and analyzed. In this talk, we explore the mathematical mechanics behind a much more recent — though a classic by modern standards — board game: Risk. We will showcase how game states can be represented and how transitions between these states can be described with the help of probability theory, more specifically, Markov chains.

Balázs Dávid received his PhD in computer science in 2018 at the University of Szeged, Hungary. His research areas include combinatorial optimization, mathematical programming and algorithm development, particularly in public transport and logistics. His main research interest is the modelling and optimization of problems that are motivated by real-life industrial application. He is currently an assistant professor at InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM and UP FAMNIT. 

Tuesday, 13 January 2026 The doctoral thesis defence of Aljaž Kosmač

Aljaž Kosmač, student of the doctoral study programe Mathematical Sciences (in Slovene) at UP FAMNIT will defend his doctoral thesis On smooth spline spaces and isogeometric methods for solving high-order partial differential equations over multi-patch domains; under the mentorship of Prof. Vito Vitrih, PhD.

The defence will take place on Thursday, 5 February 2026 at 14:00 in Famnit-MP1.

The doctoral disertation is available in the University Library.

You are kindly invited!

Tuesday, 13 January 2026 Notice for Students - Use of Tables in the Lobby

Dear students,

The faculty has received several complaints from students regarding the use of the lobby.

We would like to inform you that the tables in the lobby are intended for actual use for studying or socializing and not for leaving personal belongings to reserve them for extended periods of time.

Only short absences (approximately up to 10 minutes), for example for a break, are considered acceptable. Leaving personal belongings on tables for several hours without being present is not permitted, as it unfairly prevents other students from using the space.

We kindly ask for your understanding, patience, and consideration for others, especially during periods of increased study demands and the exam period.

Thank you for your cooperation and for respecting shared spaces.

Kind regards,

Student Services Office of UP FAMNIT

Tuesday, 13 January 2026 (BIO)PSYCHOLOGICAL DAY AT UP FAMNIT

 Today, UP FAMNIT welcomed 40 students from Gimnazija Celje – Center.

As part of the event, Sara Vidmar and Polonca Borko led the workshop “Are You OK? OK! with the students. The workshop explored key aspects of mental health, including its definition, influencing factors, and the importance of self-care. Participants engaged in discussions and activities to deepen their understanding. The session also addressed stress and the factors that affect how it is experienced.

In addition, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vesna Posavčević and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nina Krohne presented the Biopsychology study programme and the Slovene Centre for Suicide Research.

Today, science explains the complexity of human perception, memory, thinking, emotions, personality, behaviour, and similar phenomena through an integration of insights from psychology and related fields such as medicine, biology, and pharmacy. With such knowledge, we gain a better understanding of human beings and can strengthen their qualities.

The coordinator of the study programme, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vesna Posavčević presented the Biopsychology study programme in more detail, including the course structure, timetable, and employment opportunities. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nina Krohne presented the Slovene Centre for Suicide Research, which focuses on studying various aspects of mental health and on the prevention of suicide and suicidal behaviour across different age groups – from adolescents to older adults.

   

   

   

Monday, 12 January 2026 A postdoctoral researcher position is available

The UP Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies (UP FAMNIT) invites applications for postdoctoral researcher positions. We welcome outstanding candidates with a strong research record in mathematics who are motivated to develop independent research and to contribute to the preparation of competitive project proposals.

  

Position description

UP FAMNIT offers a dynamic international research environment and encourages postdoctoral researchers to pursue independent high-quality research, build collaborations, and contribute to the research profile of the faculty. Since this is an open call, the exact research topic and mentoring arrangements will be determined based on the candidate’s expertise and research plan, as well as alignment with UP FAMNIT’s research strengths.

A key expectation is that the successful candidate will be proactive in preparing and submitting competitive research proposals, in particular to:

  • Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) postdoctoral calls,
  • ERC Starting Grant,
  • Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS) research project calls.

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to:

  • Develop and carry out an independent research programme leading to high-quality publications;
  • Initiate and contribute to research proposals (MSCA, ERC, ARIS and other relevant schemes);
  • Collaborate with UP FAMNIT researchers and engage in international scientific networks;
  • Present results at seminars, conferences, and other dissemination activities;
  • Contribute to the vibrant academic community at UP FAMNIT (mentoring of junior researchers and/or limited teaching may be possible depending on needs and mutual interest).

Conditions

  • Duration: 2 years, with possible extension subject to funding and performance
  • Starting date: flexible; preferably by June 2026
  • Host institution: UP FAMNIT, University of Primorska, Slovenia
  • Deadline for application: January 31st 2026.

Requirements

  • PhD in Mathematics;
  • Strong research track record appropriate to career stage, evidenced by publications and research achievements;
  • Demonstrated potential for scientific independence and leadership;
  • Motivation and capability to prepare competitive research proposals (MSCA, ERC, ARIS);
  • Excellent written and spoken English.

Employment terms

  • Full-time employment, with contract conditions in line with Slovenian regulations;
  • Salary and benefits according to Slovenian national postdoctoral salary scales (approximately 1900 EUR/month net, depending on individual circumstances);
  • Support for research visits and conference participation.

How to apply

  • To apply, please email the following documents to razpisi.famnitiam@upr.si with the subject line:
  • “University of Primorska Postdoc – Open Call 2026”
  • Curriculum Vitae,
  • Publication list,
  • Research statement (including a short outline of a project idea),
  • Copies of up to three recent papers or preprints,
  • Names and e-mail addresses of two or three persons who can be contacted for reference (and who have agreed to be contacted).

Thursday, 8 January 2026 Public Lecture by Dr. Julian Eliah Heger

Dr. Julian Eliah Heger will present a public lecture on Monday, 12 January 2026, at 10:00, as part of the procedure for his first appointment to the academic title of  higher education teacher – Assistant Professor in the field of Physics.

The lecture entitled “Understanding Functional Materials Through Synchrotron X ray Scattering” will take place at the InnoRenew CoE premises, Livade 6a, 6310 Izola.

You are kindly invited to attend.

Wednesday, 7 January 2026 Presentation of the topic of the doctoral dissertation of Ivan Damnjanović

We invite you to the presentation of the topic of the doctoral dissertation Some results in spectral and extremal graph theory of the student Ivan Damnjanović, enrolled in the doctoral study programme Mathematical Sciences (in English).

The presentation will take place on Wednesday, 14 January 2026 at 11.00 in the classroom FAMNIT-MP6.

You are kindly invited!

Monday, 5 January 2026 Co-create the future of wood industry: New undergraduate programme at UP FAMNIT

UP FAMNIT will offer a new first-cycle (undergraduate) programme Innovations in Wood Innovation for Sustainability starting in the 2026/2027 academic year. The programme is designed to meet the modern needs of the wood industry in Slovenia and Europe and to prepare future professionals with a combination of innovative technologies, sustainable approaches, and digital skills. It will be implemented in Slovene and in English language.

The three-year programme is divided into six modules: foundational knowledge, core professional subjects, digital skills for working with wood, business and sustainability competencies, wooden built environments, and practical training, including an international mobility component. The mobility component allows students to gain experience abroad – at 12 partner universities and companies in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy and the USA – and to learn about different educational systems, work environments, and cultural approaches.

In addition to international experience, students will carry out practical training at leading Slovenian companies, giving them direct exposure to real projects and innovative technologies. This approach ensures that graduates are prepared to meet the challenges of the modern wood industry, which demands digital competencies, sustainable thinking, and the ability to solve complex problems.

The programme is based on an interdisciplinary approach and innovative teaching methods – from project work and collaborative learning to case studies and discussions. Students will gain skills that enable creative problem-solving and the integration of sustainable solutions in the wood industry. The programme includes 22 courses, practical training, a mobility component, and a final seminar.

The programme will be conducted in Izola, with some components also in Koper, providing students access to modern learning spaces and research environments.

»With the programme Innovations in Wood Industry for Sustainable Development, we are shaping the future leading experts in sustainable materials. The programme offers more than just a degree – it opens doors to innovation, international collaboration, and knowledge essential for the green transition,« summarized Prof. Dr. Andreja Kutnar, study programme coordinator.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the programme will be prepared for independent or collaborative work as professional and technical staff in the wood processing and construction industries, as technical associates in research and development activities of companies or research institutions, as entrepreneurs, producers, or consultants, and as professional staff in administrative institutions such as ministries, inspectorates, various agencies, and municipal offices. Graduates can further enhance their knowledge at the master’s level – UP FAMNIT offers a master’s study programme in Sustainable Built Environments.

More information about the new study programme is available here.

Students, join us and become part of the innovative world of wood industry!