Wellspan

Introducing Wellspan: a new research group exploring psychological wellbeing and mental health across the lifespan

Wellspan is a new research group at the University of Primorska’s Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies (UP FAMNIT). It brings together researchers interested in how people manage changes throughout their lives, why they respond differently to similar challenges, and what psychological support they need. The programme focuses on prevention and the promotion of mental health and psychological wellbeing in non-clinical populations.

The group draws on different areas of psychology to explore wellbeing from childhood to later life, including reproductive health and family life. Its research considers people’s experiences in education, at work and in digital settings, alongside the psychological and biological processes underlying responses to stress and the effects of interventions.

The group will develop and evaluate psychological interventions, with a particular emphasis on positive psychology, coaching psychology and animal-assisted interventions. Researchers will examine how to strengthen psychological resilience and support people in setting and achieving goals, changing behaviour and pursuing personal development. They will also explore the role of companion animals and the contribution animal-assisted interventions can make to mental health and wellbeing.

The group is led by Daša Grajfoner. Its members are Simon Brezovar, Simona Gomboc, Tina Tinkara Peternelj, Vesna Posavčević, Danaja Rutar, Maja Smrdu and Maša Žvelc. Urša Mars Bitenc, Katarina Kocbek, Samanta Hervol, Tjaša Ogrizek and Kristijan Musek Lešnik are joining as associate members. Students will also have opportunities to contribute to the group’s research.

Wellspan was selected for funding through the University of Primorska’s call for internal research programmes and is supported by the Rector’s Fund from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2030. The group hopes to sustain these collaborations beyond the initial four years and further develop its research at the university.