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!
