UP Famnit

Invitation to the defense of the diploma thesis – Sven Ahac (Computer Science, 1st cycle)

jana.remskar — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:29:21 +0000

Sven Ahac, a student of the study program of Computer Science, 1st cycle, will present the diploma thesis entitled Development of Software for Manual Labeling of Audio Files Used in Urban Noise Classification on Tuesday, 6 October 2026 at 13:30 in the classroom Famnit-MP3. You are all kindly invited!

The post Invitation to the defense of the diploma thesis – Sven Ahac (Computer Science, 1st cycle) appeared first on UP Famnit.

UP FAMNIT Welcomes Its 20th Student Generation – the Largest to Date!

vanja.kovse — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:12:17 +0000

The University of Primorska once again traditionally welcomed its first-year students at a reception marking the beginning of the new academic year. This year, the event took place in person in front of the UP FAMNIT building. The students were first addressed by the Rector of the University of Primorska, Prof. Dr. Klavdija Kutnar, and the Dean of UP FAMNIT, Prof. Dr. Ademir Hujdurović. They were also welcomed by the Mayor of the Municipality of Koper, Aleš Bržan, and the President of the UP Student Council, Matic Bončina. At UP FAMNIT, first-year students in Koper and Izola attended introductory receptions together with the coordinators of their respective study programmes. They then continued in the lecture halls with presentations covering essential information for the start of the academic year. Students were introduced to their study programmes and coordinators and received important information to help them navigate their studies and become part of the university community. Further presentations were delivered by the UP FAMNIT Student Council, ŠPORT UP, student tutors, and the Student Organization of the University of Primorska (ŠOUP), all of which provide students with support throughout their studies and in extracurricular activities. Although the academic year officially begins on 1 October for first-year students, the University of Primorska also welcomed international students the previous week, who participated in the traditional Orientation Days . Two New Study Programmes Introduced This Academic Year This academic year is particularly significant for UP FAMNIT, as it marks the launch of two new study programmes: Mathematics and Computer Science and Innovations in Wood Innovation for Sustainability. The undergraduate programme in Innovations in Wood Science for Sustainable Development complements the already established master’s programme in Sustainable Built Environments and doctoral programme in Renewable Materials for Healthy Built Environments. Together, these programmes provide educational opportunities at all three levels of higher education, offering a comprehensive academic pathway in sustainable construction. The study programmes are closely connected to the research activities of InnoRenew CoE and UP IAM and are coordinated by researchers from both institutions. Dr. Andreja Kutnar, Head of the InnoRenew CoE Department and researcher at UP IAM, coordinates the undergraduate programme in Innovations in Wood Science for Sustainable Development and the doctoral programme in Renewable Materials for Healthy Built Environments. The master’s programme in Sustainable Built Environments is coordinated by Dr. Matthew Schwarzkopf, a researcher at InnoRenew CoE and UP IAM. Another new addition is the university-level study programme Mathematics and Computer Science, offered in both Slovenian and English. It is coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rok Požar from the Department of Information Sciences and Technologies at UP FAMNIT. The programme combines in-depth mathematical knowledge with modern approaches to computer science and encourages the development of logical, analytical, and structured thinking—essential skills for addressing the complex challenges of today’s digital society. Exhibition Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of UP FAMNIT This year’s reception for first-year students also featured a special event celebrating the 20th anniversary of UP FAMNIT. To mark the occasion, an exhibition was opened in the faculty’s lobby, showcasing a selection of 24 scientific events from various research fields that the faculty has organized or participated in over the past years. Each event presented tells part of the story of the faculty’s research, scientific, and collaborative activities, reflecting the diversity and richness of faculty life beyond the lecture halls. Students are invited to visit the exhibition to learn more about the faculty’s diverse areas of activity and the many opportunities to get involved in its research and extracurricular activities. A Few Statistics UP FAMNIT has now welcomed its 20th generation of students—the largest cohort to date. Official enrolment figures for the 2026/27 academic year will be available in approximately one month. According to preliminary figures, the Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies has 1,169 enrolled students. International students come from 42 countries. This academic year, 471 students have enrolled in the first year of their studies for the first time. 852 students are enrolled in undergraduate programmes, 255 in master’s programmes, and 62 students have newly enrolled in the first year of doctoral programmes. We wish all students a successful, engaging, and enjoyable academic year! The celebrations marking the beginning of the new academic year will continue on Saturday, 10 October, with Štart UP – a sports and social event for all University of Primorska students, taking place at Žusterna Seaside Park. The event will feature presentations by various university and local organizations, a music programme, and prizes for successfully completing activities at different stations.

The post UP FAMNIT Welcomes Its 20th Student Generation – the Largest to Date! appeared first on UP Famnit.

Presentation of the University of Primorska Herbarium in Izola

mina.djordjevic — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 10:49:15 +0000

On Monday, 28 September 2026, at 7 p.m., Dr Peter Glasnović presented the story of the University of Primorska Herbarium at the Izola Public Library. Established in 2008, the herbarium has grown into an important collection comprising more than 6,000 specimens of seed plants, ferns and fern allies, mosses and macroalgae. The collection is geographically focused primarily on the western part of the Balkan Peninsula and the southeastern Alps, with particular emphasis on plant material from Istria and the flora of Slovenia. During the lecture, Glasnović presented the importance of herbarium collections for researching and documenting plant diversity, as well as their role in the long-term preservation of scientifically significant plant material. A major milestone in the development of the UP Herbarium came in 2024, when, thanks to the efforts of Dr Glasnović, it was included in the international Index Herbariorum. It thus became the fourth herbarium in Slovenia to receive an internationally recognised code, joining a network of more than 3,500 herbaria worldwide. Dr Peter Glasnović, who works at the Department of Biodiversity at UP FAMNIT, has been sharing his knowledge of the plant world with both the professional community and the general public for many years. In recognition of his efforts to promote knowledge and science communication, he received the Prometej znanosti award from the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts in 2025. In the final part of the presentation, he also outlined plans for the future of the UP Herbarium, including the organisation and digitisation of the entire collection. A digitised collection will provide easier access to information and enable it to be shared more widely with researchers, students and the interested public. In this way, the University of Primorska aims to further connect the herbarium with the international scientific community and contribute to the development of botanical research in the region and beyond. The event was held as part of the European Heritage Days.

The post Presentation of the University of Primorska Herbarium in Izola appeared first on UP Famnit.

Department of Mathematics Successfully Delivers DIGI-MAT Training Programme

vanja.kovse — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:14:43 +0000

The Department of Mathematics at UP FAMNIT held a professional development and training course for education professionals as part of the DIGI-MAT programme from 22nd to 26th September 2026. The training was concerned with the teaching of mathematical content using digital tools. The DIGI-MAT professional development programme consisted of three thematic modules, during which the participants broadened their knowledge of combinatorics and number theory and were given an introduction to the Python programming language. The training was delivered in a hybrid format. On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, an introductory session was held via Zoom to assist participants with installing the required software. This was followed by two days of in-person training on Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26, 2026. The combinatorics module was delivered by Prof. Dr. Martin Milanič and Prof. Dr. Ademir Hujdurović. Participants explored the fundamental theoretical concepts of combinatorics, its key principles, and their practical applications. The number theory lectures were delivered by Prof. Dr. Štefko Miklavič and Assist. Prof. Dr. Aleksander Simonič. The lectures also covered the RSA algorithm, which is one of the public-key encryption algorithms. Participants gained insight into cryptography, a field concerned both with developing methods to protect communication from unauthorized access and with studying encrypted messages in order to decipher them.

The post Department of Mathematics Successfully Delivers DIGI-MAT Training Programme appeared first on UP Famnit.

Larger number of students are looking for accommodation, particularly in Koper and Izola

mina.djordjevic — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:52:01 +0000

The new academic year is just around the corner. International students have already started taking part in introductory activities, while Slovenian students will join them shortly. We are noticing that this year, students are facing even greater challenges in finding suitable accommodation than in previous years. This is already evident in September, as many international students who have already begun their academic commitments were unable to attend the introductory days. Others are staying in hostels and report that they have been unable to find suitable accommodation. In the coming days, they will be joined by three times as many Slovenian students who are moving to the region for their studies, many of whom have not yet secured accommodation either. The number of students in Slovenian Istria continues to grow steadily. In Koper and Izola alone, more than 5,100 students will be enrolled in regular study programmes, including 1,700 first-year students who are moving to the area for the first time. In the first semester, they will also be joined by around 100 exchange students. The shortage of accommodation across Slovenian Istria is a pressing issue. The University therefore invites all potential landlords – particularly in Koper and Izola, as well as Ankaran, Piran and Portorož, and in all surrounding areas and the hinterland – who may not yet have decided to rent out their property to consider making their accommodation available to students. If you have accommodation that you would be willing to rent to students, please contact theUP Student Housing Office, where you can receive advice and have your offer shared with students. Subsidies for landlords are also still available. TELEPHONE: 05 611 75 13 (delavniki med 8.00 in 15.00) E-MAIL: info@sd.upr.si We also remind students to be alert to potential scammers who may seek to take advantage of the situation and to verify the accommodation thoroughly before making any payments.

The post Larger number of students are looking for accommodation, particularly in Koper and Izola appeared first on UP Famnit.

Inaugural Lecture by Prof. Dr Jernej Vičič

mina.djordjevic — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:23:07 +0000

You are cordially invited to the inaugural lecture by Prof. Dr Jernej Vičič, Full Professor in the field of Computer Science and Informatics. Title: AI-Generated Text Detection for Under-Resourced LanguagesDate: Monday, 5 October 2026Time: 4:00 p.m.Location: FAMNIT Lecture Room VP3, Glagoljaška 8, Koper (2nd floor)

The post Inaugural Lecture by Prof. Dr Jernej Vičič appeared first on UP Famnit.

An article by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Slobodan Filipovski published in The American Mathematical Monthly

vanja.kovse — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 11:50:11 +0000

The article by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Slobodan Filipovski from the Department of Mathematics, entitled “On the Asymptotic Density of Fermat Pseudoprimes to a Fixed Base,” has been published in The American Mathematical Monthly. Prime numbers are fundamental objects in number theory, and identifying them also plays an important role in modern cryptography. One of the classical approaches to testing primality is based on Fermat’s Little Theorem. However, some composite numbers pass this test; these are known as Fermat pseudoprimes. In his article On the Asymptotic Density of Fermat Pseudoprimes to a Fixed Base, Filipovski revisits a classical result stating that the set of Fermat pseudoprimes to a fixed base has asymptotic density zero. This result was originally proved by Paul Erdős in 1956, one of the most influential mathematicians of the 20th century, using a substantially more sophisticated argument. Filipovski demonstrates that the same result can be proved considerably more concisely and using more elementary methods. The key idea behind the new approach is to reduce the problem to a significantly simpler counting argument through an appropriate partitioning of numbers and a few elementary estimates. This makes it possible to establish Erdős’s classical result on the asymptotic sparsity of Fermat pseudoprimes with a much shorter proof and without relying on more advanced technical machinery. The article was published in September 2026 in The American Mathematical Monthly, one of the most renowned mathematical journals, with a tradition spanning more than a century. Throughout its history, the journal has featured contributions from numerous leading mathematicians, with a particular emphasis on elegant ideas and results of broader mathematical significance. The journal is highly selective, accepting approximately one-tenth of submitted manuscripts. Publication in the journal therefore represents significant international recognition of the quality and clarity of the mathematical work. Taylor & Francis Online . This is not Filipovski’s first contribution to the journal. In 2022, his Problem 12354, concerning the zeros of the polynomial \(x^n+x^{n-1}+\cdots+x-k\), was also published in the Problems and Solutions section. Read the article here: On the Asymptotic Density of Fermat Pseudoprimes to a Fixed Base

The post An article by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Slobodan Filipovski published in The American Mathematical Monthly appeared first on UP Famnit.

Workshop Parks and Gardens – Hidden Life Around Us

mina.djordjevic — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 13:06:15 +0000

We invite you to join us for the nature workshop “Parks and Gardens – Hidden Life Around Us”, organised as part of the GOmini project. The workshop is organised by the University of Primorska with the operational support of the Estplore guides. Important information: The workshop will be held in Slovene and Italian. Participation is free of charge, but the number of places is limited, so prior registration through the online form is required: https://forms.gle/K6UzHQn4xTQEbWy17 How much “nature” is actually hidden in our urban parks and carefully maintained gardens? How many of the plant and animal species living there can we recognise? Which ones were introduced intentionally, and which arrived on their own? And are all the species we find in our gardens really welcome? During the nature walk through Rafut Park, we will explore the surroundings through the eyes of real nature detectives. We will look for tracks, feathers, pellets, fur and other signs that can reveal which animals live in this green corner, even when we do not see them directly. During our exploration, we will also use digital microscopes, which will allow us to observe tiny organisms and interesting details of plants and other natural materials that often go unnoticed by the naked eye. This will help us discover less visible inhabitants and hidden details of life in parks and gardens. We will then turn our attention to plants and go on a “hunt” for non-native species. We will get to know some of these species and explore where they come from and how they arrived in our environment. We will also look at the impact they can have on native species and why some non-native species can become problematic. Through exploration, we will discover that parks and gardens are not just spaces for people, but also important habitats for many plants and animals. Native and non-native species, people and nature all interact within these environments, and these relationships can bring both benefits and challenges to different organisms. The workshop will offer an opportunity to look at a familiar environment from a different perspective and to discover the hidden biodiversity that surrounds us, even in places where we may not expect to find it. As the workshop will take place outdoors, we recommend suitable clothing and footwear for outdoor activities. The invitation and detailed programme are attached. You are warmly invited! About the project: The project GOmini – Hidden Natural Heritage of the Cross-Border Area for Young Generations promotes the exploration of less noticeable habitats and raises awareness of the importance of biodiversity through the involvement of children and local communities. Interreg VI-A Italy-Slovenia 2021-2027 is a European cross-border cooperation programme. By funding cooperation projects between Italian and Slovenian partners, the Programme enriches the cross-border area through joint activities and financial support aimed at improving the quality of life of the population, while also protecting and promoting natural and cultural heritage. More information: www.ita-slo.eu/spf www.euro-go.eu/spf

The post Workshop Parks and Gardens – Hidden Life Around Us appeared first on UP Famnit.

Workshop Karst – A Mosaic of Life

mina.djordjevic — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 13:01:50 +0000

We invite you to join us for the nature workshop “Karst – A Mosaic of Life”, organised as part of the GOmini project. The workshop is organised by the University of Primorska with the operational support of the Estplore guides. Important information: The workshop will be held in Slovene and Italian. Participation is free of charge, but the number of places is limited, so prior registration through the online form is required: https://forms.gle/QhpTr779oZWYXBmEA Karst grassland is a unique habitat shaped by the sun, the Bora wind, rocky soils and a long history of coexistence between people and nature. Although it may appear barren at first glance, it supports remarkable biodiversity. During the nature walk, we will explore how Karst grassland developed, how it has changed over time and how human activities have influenced it. We will learn why traditional land use, grazing and the maintenance of open areas are important for many species, and what happens when these habitats begin to become overgrown or their use changes. We will pay particular attention to the most numerous inhabitants of Karst grassland – insects. With the help of an expert entomologist, we will search for and observe different species and learn about their role in the ecosystem. Insects are important pollinators, form part of food webs and are also excellent indicators of environmental conditions. During our exploration, we will also use digital microscopes, which will allow us to observe tiny organisms and interesting details of insects, plants, soil and other natural materials that often go unnoticed by the naked eye. Through exploration, we will discover that the present-day appearance of the Karst is not only the result of natural processes, but also of long-term human influence. Maintaining a diverse mosaic of grasslands, shrublands and rocky areas is therefore important for many plant and animal species. As the workshop will take place outdoors, we recommend layered clothing suitable for the season, protection from wind and rain, and appropriate hiking footwear. The invitation and detailed programme are attached. You are warmly invited! About the project: The project GOmini – Hidden Natural Heritage of the Cross-Border Area for Young Generations promotes the exploration of less noticeable habitats and raises awareness of the importance of biodiversity through the involvement of children and local communities. Interreg VI-A Italy-Slovenia 2021-2027 is a European cross-border cooperation programme. By funding cooperation projects between Italian and Slovenian partners, the Programme enriches the cross-border area through joint activities and financial support aimed at improving the quality of life of the population, while also protecting and promoting natural and cultural heritage. More information: www.ita-slo.eu/spf www.euro-go.eu/spf

The post Workshop Karst – A Mosaic of Life appeared first on UP Famnit.

ASEF Opens Applications for the 2027 Research Abroad Programme, Offering Slovenian Students a Global Research Experience

mina.djordjevic — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 11:14:05 +0000

The American Slovenian Education Foundation (ASEF) has opened applications for the ASEF Research Abroad scholarship programme, designed for Slovenian students who wish to strengthen their research experience and academic exchange with international partners. Applications for the 2026 cohort are open until 29 October 2026. The programme offers a two-year opportunity for talented students to connect with the global Slovenian academic network. Selected scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to undertake a 10-week research visit at one of the world’s leading universities or research institutions, including Stanford, Harvard and Princeton. They will work under the mentorship of distinguished Slovenian professors based in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, selected European countries and Australia. In addition to research activities, the programme offers extensive opportunities to become part of the broader ASEF community. Scholarship recipients will participate in various research projects and workshops, actively develop their careers, attend public lectures and other events, and gain opportunities for comprehensive personal and professional development. “I am grateful for the opportunity to take part in a research visit through the ASEF programme, which gave me an insight into the dynamic research environment on the other side of the Atlantic. I would recommend the programme not only because of the research experience, but also because of the people, the ASEF community, new connections and opportunities that arise along the way.” – Maks Koncilja, ASEF Research Abroad Scholar 2026 “The Research Abroad programme enabled me to undertake a nine-week research visit at the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh under the mentorship of Dr Gregor Gorjanc and Dr Daniel Tolhurst. In addition to deepening my knowledge in statistics and genetics, I gained valuable insight into the work of a leading international research group and established collaborations that continue beyond the completion of my visit. I would recommend the programme to all young researchers, as it offers a unique opportunity to work with leading experts, develop new research ideas and expand your international research network.” – Tina Košuta, ASEF Research Abroad Scholar 2025 “The scientific research visit to Ames, Iowa, USA, which I undertook with the support of the ASEF programme, was one of the experiences that significantly shaped my professional and personal development. The visit allowed me to temporarily move my research work to a new environment, collaborate with researchers at the host institution and gain new knowledge and perspectives that I could not have acquired in the same way at home. What I value most about the programme is that it is not merely financial support, but an opportunity for young researchers to connect with an international environment, expand their network, make new friends and gain a fresh perspective on their research journey. At the same time, living and conducting research abroad provides an opportunity for personal growth, greater independence and confidence, as well as the possibility of establishing long-term professional collaborations. I would therefore recommend ASEF especially to those who want to step outside their familiar environment, experience life abroad, learn from others and look at their work from a new perspective. If you are considering applying, I would say: apply. An opportunity like this does not come around every day, while the experiences and connections you gain stay with you long after you return home.” – Marko Fišer, ASEF Research Abroad Scholar 2025 ASEF invites highly qualified and motivated Slovenian students enrolled at accredited higher education institutions to take advantage of this unique opportunity and become part of the ASEF story. For more information and to apply, visit the ASEF website.

The post ASEF Opens Applications for the 2027 Research Abroad Programme, Offering Slovenian Students a Global Research Experience appeared first on UP Famnit.