News Archives - UP Famnit

InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM hosted spouses of ambassadors accredited to Slovenia

mina.djordjevic — Fri, 13 Nov 2026 13:51:11 +0000

The spouses of ambassadors accredited to the Republic of Slovenia were welcomed at InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM, as part of the eighth annual gathering, hosted by Dr. Aleš Musar, spouse of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, which was held on 10 November 2026. The gathering brought together representatives from 13 countries (Albania, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Georgia, Germany, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and Ukraine). During their visit, the guests attended a presentation on the work and activities of InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM, followed by a guided tour of the building and research facilities. Both the presentation and the tour were led by Dr. Michael Burnard, Deputy Department Chair at InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM, who introduced the research activities, the approach to sustainable construction and the role of renewable materials in creating healthy and sustainable built environments. The gathering was also attended by Dr. Andreja Kutnar, Department Chair of InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM. The visit concluded with an olive oil tasting organised by the Association of Olive Growers of Slovenian Istria (DOSI). At the beginning of the tasting, the guests were welcomed by Danilo Markočič, president of DOSI. The event offered the guests an opportunity to learn more about the research activities of InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM, and to experience some of the local traditions of Slovenian Istria.

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Video of the international workshop “Building Global Mobility and Internship Pathways through Education-Industry-Policy Cooperation” is now available

vanja.kovse — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 14:00:48 +0000

A recording of the international workshop Building Global Mobility and Internship Pathways through Education-Industry-Policy Cooperation is now available. The workshop took place at InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM, in Izola, bringing together representatives from academia, industry, research institutions, and policymakers. The aim of the event was to explore opportunities for strengthening international cooperation, student mobility, and work-based learning in the sustainable timber sector. Discussions focused on the professional higher education study programme Wood Innovation for Sustainability, offered by the Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies at the University of Primorska (UP FAMNIT). The programme equips future professionals with the interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills needed to support the transition to a sustainable bioeconomy. Particular emphasis was placed on aligning education with industry needs, creating internship opportunities, and supporting students in developing their future careers. The event also featured international experts, industry representatives, and students, who shared their perspectives on future workforce needs, education, and career opportunities in the timber sector. Watch the recording here.

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Psychology Tea Talks: Parents in Sport – A Sports Psychology Perspective

vanja.kovse — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 10:41:30 +0000

At the second Psychology Tea Talk, entitled Parents in Sport – A Sports Psychology Perspective, we will be joined by Prof. Dr. Tanja Kajtna, a sports psychologist. The event will take place on Tuesday, 24 November, at 5 p.m. in the Atrium at UP FAMNIT. Working with the parents of athletes is also an important aspect of sports psychology and could even be considered one of the key elements in the development of an athlete’s sporting career. One of the main focuses is raising coaches’ awareness of how to work effectively with parents, as this often presents them with a challenging dilemma. At the same time, it is important to raise parents’ awareness directly through workshops designed specifically for them. We also frequently engage in discussions with parents when planning the careers of young athletes and aligning the goals parents have for their children with the athletes’ actual wishes and ambitions. We will also share some practical tips on working with parents who are also their children’s coaches.

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BIKE-HEI Award Goes to UP FAMNIT Student

vanja.kovse — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 09:22:45 +0000

At the 4th Innovations and That’s It Conference, organised by the Centre for Knowledge Development and Transfer (CRPZ UP FM), Rector of UP, Prof. Dr Klavdija Kutnar, presented the BIKE-HEI Award for the most innovative business idea. The award went to Matic Bončina, a student in the Computer Science programme at UP FAMNIT, whose solution, REPONO, impressed the jury with its innovation, social and environmental impact, and feasibility. REPONO is a green, circular and digital solution that enables students to move and store their personal belongings and study equipment during the summer holidays, when they are required to temporarily vacate their student accommodation. The award ceremony, which included a €2,000 cash prize, free mentoring by BIKE-Hub experts, and the opportunity to present the idea within the project’s international ecosystem, marked the culmination of the third phase of the BIKE-HEI project. Students, researchers, staff and alumni from all partner institutions, as well as the wider support ecosystem, took part in this phase. The four-member UP evaluation committee received four applications, which it assessed based on the following criteria: innovation, social and environmental impact, feasibility, team competence and diversity, and thematic relevance. Upon receiving the award, Matic Bončina said: “I am delighted to receive the BIKE-HEI Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Repono is an entirely student-led start-up. It addresses a problem familiar to virtually every student on the Slovenian coast: during the summer, you have to vacate your room and transport your belongings back home. I am also currently participating in the BIKE-HEI Acceleration Track programme. The prize money will be invested in developing route optimisation algorithms that combine pick-ups and deliveries, helping us reduce the number of kilometres travelled and lower CO₂ emissions.” Every award-winning innovation demonstrates that curiosity, perseverance and the courage to think differently can lead to significant progress. The recognition confirms that the recipients’ work is acknowledged and valued, while also providing additional motivation to further develop their ideas and solutions. The BIKE-HEI project (Boosting Innovative and Knowledge-based Entrepreneurship of HEIs) places universities at the forefront of sustainable entrepreneurship. By focusing on the green and digital transitions, it strengthens innovation ecosystems, supports start-ups and promotes artificial intelligence-driven entrepreneurship. Find out more about the project here.

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International Symposium “The Future of Mathematics Education”

vanja.kovse — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 14:29:02 +0000

The International Commission on Mathematical Instruction (ICMI) invites you to the international symposium “The Future of Mathematics Education”, which will take place on 8 December 2026 in a hybrid format – in person at The Chinese University of Hong Kong and online. The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hong Kong time (3:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Slovenian time). Participation is free of charge, and the registration deadline is 27 November 2026. The symposium is the introductory event of the 28th ICMI Study entitled “Where Is the Mathematics in Mathematics Education?”. International experts will discuss the role of mathematics in mathematics education, the future of research in this field, the development of competencies in mathematics teacher education, as well as issues of student diversity and equity in mathematics education. The programme and QR code for registration are available on the ICMI website.

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Science Day brought a new portrait to the UP Gallery of Zois Award Winners

vanja.kovse — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 12:58:20 +0000

In 2026, Slovenian Science Day – celebrated annually on 10 November – was marked for the second time. The date was chosen because it is associated with Žiga Zois, a Slovenian enlightener, economist, writer, and patron of the arts, and because it is UNESCO’s World Science Day for Peace and Development. The highest national awards in the field of science are named after Žiga Zois; they were presented this year on Sunday, 8 November. Among this year’s recipients was once again a member of staff at the UP, namely Prof. Dr. Ademir Hujdurović, who received the Zois Award for significant achievements in the field of algebraic and structural graph theory. At a ceremony held at the University Library, his portrait was added to the gallery of recipients of Zois awards and recognitions and Science Ambassador awards employed at the UP, making him the 20th person to be portrayed (awardee) in the gallery. The event was opened with speeches by Prof. Dr. Štefko Miklavič, Vice-Rector for Scientific Research and Development at the UP, whilst his doctoral supervisor, Dr. Dragan Marušič – under whose guidance Dr. Hujdurović had embarked on his research career – also offered his congratulations in his presentation of the awardee. The recipient was congratulated by his colleagues and guests attending the evaluation session. Descriptions of all (also prevoous) the awards with justifications are available at the link.

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InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM opens the Open Science Hub on Slovenian Science Day

vanja.kovse — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 12:39:59 +0000

On Slovenian Science Day, 10 November, InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM, marked the occasion by officially opening its Hub of Open Science, a dedicated space designed to promote and support open science. The Hub of Open Science will serve as a dedicated space for showcasing research projects, scientific work and achievements of InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM, giving visitors an insight into its research activities and results. It will also provide a setting for meetings, presentations and the exchange of knowledge and ideas. Dr. Ana Slavec, researcher at InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM, Head of the Open Science department at the UP University Library, President of the Slovenian Open Science Community (SSOZ) and member of the Open Science working group at the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency, highlighted the importance of the new initiative: “The Hub of Open Science is an important step towards strengthening open science practices at InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM. I am particularly pleased that the University of Primorska now has dedicated open science spaces in both Koper and Izola. I believe it will create new opportunities to present our work, share knowledge, connect with different audiences and demonstrate the value of open science.” By opening the Hub of Open Science on Slovenian Science Day, InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM, demonstrates its commitment to transparency, knowledge sharing and bringing scientific research closer to society.

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Science Begins with Curiosity: Our Professors on Research, New Discoveries, and the Future of Science

vanja.kovse — Tue, 10 Nov 2026 10:20:21 +0000

World Science Day for Peace and Development, celebrated on 10 November, highlights the important role of science in advancing society, improving quality of life, and finding solutions to the challenges of the modern world. UNESCO proclaimed this day in 2001, and it was first celebrated in 2002. Science is one of the key tools for strengthening peace, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable development. At the same time, it is important to make scientific knowledge accessible to the wider public and to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and the search for new solutions. To mark this year’s World Science Day, we spoke with three professors from the University of Primorska, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies (UP FAMNIT): Assist. Prof. Vesna Posavčević, PhD, from the Department of Psychology; Prof. Marko Tkalčič, PhD, from the Department of Information Sciences and Technologies; and Prof. Andreja Kutnar, PhD, from the Department of Applied Natural Sciences. They shared their perspectives on recent scientific discoveries, research trends, and challenges in their respective fields, reflected on the future of science, and discussed what excites them most about their research. What Excites Our Professors About the World of Science? We asked them which recent scientific discoveries or research achievements in their respective fields had impressed them the most. Assist. Prof. Vesna Posavčević, PhD, Department of Psychology: “Perhaps it is not a single discovery, but rather a change in how psychology verifies its findings. Recently, it has become evident that the findings of many established studies cannot be replicated, a phenomenon known as the replication crisis. What excites me is how the scientific community has responded. Instead of hiding the problem, it has begun to change its own practices: today, research is preregistered, data is made openly accessible, and laboratories around the world are joining forces in large-scale collaborative studies. Psychology has thus demonstrated that it is capable of acknowledging its mistakes and learning from them, which, to me, is the very essence of science.” Prof. Marko Tkalčič, PhD, Department of Information Sciences and Technologies: “Within my specific research area (recommender systems and user modelling), I find the emergence of research on the use of recommender systems for social good particularly important. Recommender systems first appeared around the year 2000 as tools designed to make everyday life easier for end users. Over the years, however, they have increasingly become tools used by large corporations, often at the expense of users. I have also contributed to this field by editing a special issue entitled Recommender Systems for Good in the journal ACM Transactions on Recommender Systems: https://dl.acm.org/toc/tors/2027/5/1.” Prof. Andreja Kutnar, PhD, Department of Applied Natural Sciences: “In the field of wood science, research has traditionally been predominantly application-oriented, as the discipline is closely connected to the immediate needs of industry. Recently, however, I have become increasingly excited by fundamental research that opens up entirely new possibilities for developing advanced wood-based materials. One particularly promising area is the integration of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into wood. Such materials could enable the development of wood that actively captures CO₂ during its use and adsorbs volatile organic compounds and other harmful indoor emissions. With the establishment of a beamline at the University of Primorska, I hope we will be able to make a significant contribution to the fundamental understanding of interactions in MOF-wood composites, thereby laying the foundations for a new generation of functional bio-based materials.” The research achievements of our professors demonstrate the diversity of scientific research and highlight the importance of connecting fundamental knowledge with its practical applications. What Does It Take to Build a Successful Research Career? What advice would you give to young people considering a career in research? Assist. Prof. Vesna Posavčević, PhD, Department of Psychology: “Follow the questions that genuinely interest you, rather than focusing only on topics that are currently fashionable. Research is a long journey filled with unsuccessful attempts, rejected papers, and projects. Curiosity is what keeps you going. Find a good mentor and a research group where you feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes. Get involved in research while you are still a student, as this is the best way to experience how science actually works. Do not underestimate the importance of methodology and statistics, as they open many doors. Also, build international connections, because science is global today.” Prof. Marko Tkalčič, PhD, Department of Information Sciences and Technologies: “Research is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires learning and developing certain skills before research achievements can be attained. Today, artificial intelligence allows us to produce results and publications very quickly, which may appear credible at first glance. However, excessive and uncritical use of AI can hinder personal development and critical thinking. AI is an excellent tool that enables us to work more quickly and accurately. Nevertheless, I strongly recommend using artificial intelligence critically. We should be particularly aware of the phenomenon known as the doorman fallacy, which occurs when we replace researchers’ work with AI. Just because AI enables us to produce research results more quickly does not mean that it replaces everything a researcher gains through the research process.” Prof. Andreja Kutnar, PhD, Department of Applied Natural Sciences: “Being a researcher is not just a profession; it is a way of life. Curiosity does not stay behind the laboratory doors but accompanies us at every step. We constantly observe the world around us through questions, look for connections, and try to understand how things work. That is why I would offer young people one piece of advice above all: stay curious. If you are driven by the desire to discover the unknown, research will not simply be your job but your calling.” How Can Universities Encourage Young Researchers? What could universities and research institutions do to encourage more young people to pursue research? Assist. Prof. Vesna Posavčević, PhD, Department of Psychology: “They should provide students with opportunities to engage in research as early as possible by involving them in projects throughout their studies. Good mentoring and tutoring are also extremely

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The doctoral thesis defence of Vanja Gomboc

mia.krasnja — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 13:19:29 +0000

Vanja Gomboc, student of the doctoral study programe Suicidology and Mental Health (in Slovenian) at UP FAMNIT will defend her doctoral thesis Psihološki procesi novinarjev ob poročanju o samomoru: analiza mešane metode (Journalists’ Psychological Processes When Reporting on Suicide: Mixed Methods Analysis); under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Vita Poštuvan. The defence will take place on Monday, 16 November 2026 at 11:00 in Brolo B6 (Trg Brolo 12, second floor). The doctoral disertation is available in the University Library. You are kindly invited!

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Zois Awards and Recognitions awarded

vanja.kovse — Mon, 09 Nov 2026 08:19:41 +0000

On Sunday, November 8, 2026, this year’s Zois Awards and Recognitions, the highest national awards for achievements in the field of scientific research and development in the Republic of Slovenia, and the Puh Awards and Recognitions, the highest national awards for inventions, technological and non-technological developments and the application of scientific findings in all fields of science in the introduction of innovations into economic and social practice, were awarded at a gala event in the Gallus Hall of the Cankarjev dom. They are awarded to researchers and innovators whose achievements have made a lasting contribution to the development of scientific research, development and innovation in the Republic of Slovenia. Among this year’s recipients of the Zois Award, announced by the respective ministry and its committee at an event in October, is a recipient from the University of Primorska: Prof. Dr. Ademir Hujdurović received the Zois Recognition for significant achievements in in the field of algebraic and structural graph theory. We sincerely congratulate! The award, named after the Slovenian researcher Žiga Zois, has been awarded in Slovenia since 1998 to all outstanding researchers whose work has made a lasting mark on scientific research and development in the Republic of Slovenia and has made a significant contribution to its development. Since last year, 10 November has been celebrated in Slovenia as a public holiday – Science Day – on which the University of Primorska also pays special attention to the award winners. The Zois Recognition for significant achievements in in the field of algebraic and structural graph theory goes to Prof. Dr. Ademir Hujdurović (UP FAMNIT, UP IAM) When using the internet, navigation systems, mobile phones or social networks, we become part of complex systems of connections that can be described mathematically. Mathematician Prof. Dr. Ademir Hujdurović studies the structure of these systems. He studies graph theory, a branch of mathematics that examines networks and the relationships between connected elements. It primarily reveals hidden patterns and symmetries, enabling us to better understand the functioning of highly complex systems and predict their properties. Such mathematical models are used to understand a wide variety of systems, ranging from transport and communication networks to connections between data, people and molecules. In recent years, he has developed new mathematical approaches and solved several important open problems in the field of algebraic graph theory. As a researcher, mentor and dean, he also makes a significant contribution to the international recognition of Slovenian mathematics and continues the tradition of the world-renowned Slovenian school of graph theory.

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InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM successfully organized the International Conference 2026

mina.djordjevic — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 16:20:31 +0000

InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM, organized the InnoRenew CoE International Conference 2026 (IRIC2026), which took place 5–6 November 2026 at the InnoRenew CoE building in Izola, Slovenia. This year, the conference focused on renewable materials and their use in creating healthy and sustainable buildings, while also placing special emphasis on supporting the career development of PhD students and early-career researchers. International researchers and experts gathered in Izola to exchange knowledge and experience, present their research, and discuss innovative solutions for a healthier and more sustainable built environment. Dr. Andreja Kutnar, department chair of InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM, opened the conference and welcomed attendees saying: “I am very happy that we are hosting IRIC2026 in our building for the eighth consecutive year, bringing together excellent international researchers, PhD students, and early-career researchers to exchange knowledge and ideas across a wide range of scientific topics.” The keynote address was delivered by Gijs Bruggink, who gave a presentation titled “Wood & Wellbeing: The Health Benefits of Timber Architecture”. Gijs Bruggink has spent over 13 years working at ORGA architect, an internationally active architecture practice. He led the research team behind the Wood & Wellbeing report on the health benefits of building with timber. At IRIC2026, he presented his work on wood construction, biophilic design and the importance of designing healthy living and working spaces. In addition to the keynote address, the conference featured thematic sessions on advanced manufacturing, materials, creativity and society, buildings and health. Participants had a chance to take part in two workshops: For the eighth consecutive year, the InnoRenew CoE International Conference provided a forum for the exchange of knowledge and discussion of new scientific developments and innovations in renewable materials that can be used in the built environment to improve human and environmental well-being. The conference also offered PhD students and early-career researchers an opportunity to present their work, exchange ideas, and connect with international colleagues. The IRIC2026 was co-organized by the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth as part of Science month 2026.

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Discovering Nature with Children: Two Natural Science Workshops within the GOmini Project

sanja.sandic — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 13:40:07 +0000

This November, children and families are invited to take part in two natural science workshops offering an opportunity to explore natural environments and discover their biodiversity. The first workshop, “Nature and Tourism”, will take place on 8 November 2026, from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm, along the Soča River in Cassegliano (Špeter ob Soči). Participants will explore the riverbanks, discover the diversity of plant and animal life, and learn about the impact of human activities on river ecosystems. The second workshop, “Coastal Wetland – Between the Sea and the Land”, will be held on 21 November 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, in the coastal wetland area along the Timavo River in Štivan (San Giovanni al Natisone). Children and families will learn about the unique characteristics of coastal wetlands, the connections between aquatic and terrestrial habitats, and their importance for nature conservation. Both workshops are intended for families with children aged six and above. Using digital microscopes, participants will also have the opportunity to observe tiny organisms and discover fascinating details of the natural environment up close. The workshops are organised by the University of Primorska, with the operational support of Estplore guides, as part of the GOmini project. Participation is free of charge. Places are limited, so advance registration is required. Registration: Nature and Tourism (8 November) Coastal Wetland – Between the Sea and the Land (21 November) Both workshops will be conducted in Slovenian and Italian.

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