Wednesday, 24 December 2025 Deja Jordan Aiko, new Doctor of Science
Yesterday, 23 December 2025, we welcomed another Doctor of Science at UP FAMNIT.
Deja Jordan Aiko, student of the doctoral study programe Computer Science (in English) at UP FAMNIT, has successfully defended his doctoral thesis Designing Augmented Reality Training Systems for Piano and Jazz Improvisation: under the mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Matjaž Kljun and the co-mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Klen Čopič Pucihar
We sincerely congratulate the new Doctor of Science and wish him much success in his future research!
Wednesday, 24 December 2025 Six new ARIS projects for FAMNIT and IAM
The Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS) has notified applicants of the results of the Public Call for the (co-)funding of research projects for 2025. UP FAMNIT and UP IAM have once again achieved excellent results, securing six research projects as the leading research organisation.
All projects will commence on 1 March 2026.
The results of ARIS projects in which the University of Primorska and its member institutions participate as partner institutions will also be announced shortly.
Raziskovanje uporabnosti v čuječnost in sočutje usmerjene integrativne psihoterapije pri obravnavi izgorelosti v poklicih pomoči / Investigating the Utility of Mindfulness- and Compassion-Oriented Integrative Psychotherapy for Burnout in Helping Professions (L5-70196, applied research project, leading partner: UP FAMNIT, project leader: Dr. Maša Žvelc, partner institution: UL FF)
Razumevanje vloge strukturnih lastnosti ternarnih kompleksov pri ciljni razgradnji proteinov: Mehanistična študija / Understanding the Role of Ternary Complex Structural Features in Targeted Protein Degradation: A Mechanistic Study (J1-70064, AD - basic project, leading partner: UP FAMNIT, project leader: Dr. Jelena Tošović)
Proučevanje 2-Y-homogenih dvodelnih grafov in njihovih povezav s Terwilligerjevi algebrami in kombinatoričnimi načrti / Studying 2-Y-homogeneous bipartite graphs and their connections with Terwilliger algebras and combinatorial designs (Z1-70008, postdoctoral project, leading partner: UP FAMNIT, project leader: Dr. Blas Fernández)
Simetrije grafovskih produktov / Symmetries of Graph Products (J1-70035, basic project, leading partner: UP FAMNIT, project leader: Dr. Ademir Hujdurović)
Krepko regularni grafi in CFSG prosto argumentiranje v algebraični teoriji grafov / Strongly Regular Graphs and CFSG-free Arguments in Algebraic Graph Theory (J1-70047, basic project, leading partner: UP IAM, project leader: Dr. Dragan Marušič, partner institution: UL PEF)
Simetrije v grafih skozi simplicialne avtomorfizme / Symmetries in Graphs via Simplicial Automorphisms (J1-70046, basic project, leading partner: UP IAM, project leader: Dr. Klavdija Kutnar)
Thursday, 18 December 2025 NOTICE TO STUDENTS – USE OF CLASSROOMS DURING THE EXAM PERIOD
Dear Students,
we would like to inform you that during the exam period, it will be possible to use classrooms for studying without prior approval or reservation.
Conditions of use:
- Classrooms will be available from 8:00 to 20:00.
- The rooms may be used exclusively for studying.
Students are responsible for checking the availability of classrooms via the online timetable.
Important limitations:
- This arrangement does not apply to RLABs.
- It applies to all other classrooms at Glagoljaška and Trg Brolo.
- At the Livade location, this option is available only for the classroom FAMNIT-3; it does not apply to other classrooms there.
Outside the exam period, the existing system remains in place, meaning that prior reservation is required. Reservations must be submitted by sending the appropriate form to the Students Services Office.
Please make sure to follow the above rules.
Kind regards,
Student Services
Wednesday, 17 December 2025 The doctoral thesis defence of Deja Jordan Aiko
Deja Jordan Aiko, student of the doctoral study programe Computer Science (in English) at UP FAMNIT will defend her doctoral thesis Designing Augmented Reality Training Systems for Piano and Jazz Improvisation; under the mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Matjaž Kljun and co-mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Klen Čopič Pucihar
The defence will take place on Tuesday, 23 December 2025 at 15:00 on Zoom:
https://upr-si.zoom.us/j/68558401899?pwd=Nryoy7ODxhgjdhvOaKtl6U4stVofVo.1
Meeting ID: 685 5840 1899
Passcode: 921481
The doctoral disertation is available in the University Library.
You are kindly invited!
Tuesday, 16 December 2025 Students of Mathematics with Financial Engineering Visit the Heart of Economic Decision-Making
On Friday, 12 December, students of the master’s study programme Mathematics with Financial Engineering, as part of the course Fiscal Policy Analysis, together with Dr. Ana Grdović Gnip, visited two key institutions of Slovenia’s economic and financial environment: the Fiscal Council of the Republic of Slovenia and the Bank of Slovenia.
At the Fiscal Council, the students were hosted by Aleš Delakorda, Head of the Analysis Division, who presented the work and role of the Fiscal Council. Particular emphasis was placed on fiscal rules, the sustainability of public debt, and the importance of independent oversight of public finances.
At the Bank of Slovenia, the students were welcomed by Dr. Arjana Brezigar and colleagues from the Bank of Slovenia’s Analytical and Research Centre – Milan Damjanović, Jan Radovan, and Matic Petriček. They introduced modern modelling approaches in central banking, innovative GDP nowcasting methods, and the role of economic modelling in monetary policy decision-making.
The visit provided students with valuable insight into the practical application of mathematical and statistical methods in a real institutional setting and deepened their understanding of the link between theory, modelling, and the design of economic policies.
We would like to thank the Fiscal Council of the Republic of Slovenia and the Bank of Slovenia for their hospitality and for the excellent presentation of their work.
Monday, 15 December 2025 Exhibition at the UP: Life in Goričko – Illustrations of Animal Species
On 11 December 2025, the Armeria Palace of the University of Primorska (UP) hosted the opening of the exhibition Life in Goričko: Illustrations of Animal Species by conservation biologist Manja Tišler, a UP alumni and graduate of the Conservation Biology study programme at UP FAMNIT.
Through 15 illustrations, which form part of a series commissioned by the Goričko Landscape Park, the author presents individual animal species that contribute to the rich biodiversity of the Goričko region. The full series of illustrations offers a broader insight into the diversity of these remarkable animal species, their habitats, and the conservation activities that shape the region’s rich ecosystem.
The author of the exhibition, Manja Tišler, describes her work as a search for balance between science and art. She has nurtured a love of nature and art since childhood, and her academic path at UP FAMNIT opened the door to in-depth knowledge of natural sciences. This has enabled her to create visually appealing and scientifically accurate materials. She draws inspiration from nature, and through her illustrations expresses her dedication to it, while also encouraging the preservation of precious natural heritage.
This series of illustrations, created with watercolours and coloured pencils, is not her first. She has extensive experience collaborating with various clients, and her illustrations adorn numerous informational boards throughout Slovenia.
You can find them along the Tromejnik forest educational trail by Lake Ledava, on the wooden boardwalk above the salt meadow in Ankaran near St Nicholas, at the shell mound in Ankaran on St Catherine’s Hill, in the Slovenian Museum of Natural History, in the Ljubljansko Barje Landscape Park along the themed trail Pot na Mah, which won first place in the “Best Themed Trail” category in 2024, and many others.
One of her illustrations also adorns the postcard and stamp of the Blue Crab, issued in honour of the 60th anniversary of the Piran Aquarium, which operates under the auspices of the UP Science Centre.
Scientific and natural history illustration has greater significance than one might think. Its roots stretch back to prehistory, when people depicted animals and natural phenomena on cave walls. For centuries it has played a key role in documenting nature, anatomy, astronomy, and other scientific fields. Despite advances in photography, illustration still holds an important place today, as it highlights and interprets processes and the smallest details that photography often cannot capture.
You are cordially invited to visit the exhibition at Armeria Palace UP and view the illustrations – works inspired by the landscape mosaic and the intertwining of natural and cultural features of the Goričko Landscape Park – on display until 14 January 2026.
Wednesday, 10 December 2025 Dr. Blas Fernández selected for the European Mathematical Society Young Academy (2026–2029)
Dr. Blas Fernández from the Department of Mathematics at UP FAMNIT has been selected to join the European Mathematical Society Young Academy (EMYA) for the term 2026–2029.
EMYA recognizes outstanding early-career mathematicians across Europe. Candidates are nominated from a wide range of European countries and represent all major branches of mathematics. Selection to EMYA highlights not only exceptional scientific achievement, but also a demonstrated commitment to advancing the mathematical community through research, collaboration, and outreach.
In 2023, Dr. Fernández completed his doctoral thesis titled On certain problems related to Terwilliger algebras and distance-balanced graphs (under the mentorship of Prof. Štefko Miklavič and co-mentorship of Prof. Ademir Hujdurović), for which he was also awarded the Banach Prize for an outstanding doctoral dissertation in the mathematical sciences. He is also highly active in the popularization of mathematics and regularly mentors student groups at various international mathematical competitions.
By becoming part of the EMYA, Dr. Fernández will join a vibrant network of young mathematical leaders who contribute to shaping the future of mathematics in Europe. The Academy supports initiatives that promote excellence in research, foster international cooperation, and strengthen the role of mathematics in society.
More information about the European Mathematical Society Young Academy can be found on the European Mathematical Society (EMS) website: https://euromathsoc.org/EMYA
We congratulate to Dr. Fernández on his selection to EMYA!
Monday, 8 December 2025 Marko Grgurovič, new Doctor of Science
Today, 8 December 2025, we welcomed another Doctor of Science at UP FAMNIT.
Marko Grgurovič, student of the doctoral study programe Computer Science (in Slovene) at UP FAMNIT, has successfully defended his doctoral thesis Optimization and graphs: efficiency of some algorithms in theory and practice (Optimizacija in grafi: učinkovitost nekaterih algoritmov v teoriji in praksi); under the mentorship of Prof. Andrej Brodnik, PhD, and co-mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Rok Požar, PhD.
We sincerely congratulate the new Doctor of Science and wish him much success in his future research!
Friday, 5 December 2025 UP Alumni New Year's Toast
Dear members of the UP Alumni Club members and UP employees! We would like to invite you to the traditional gathering of the alumni and employees of the University of Primorska, where we will socialize, have fun and toast the upcoming challenges and adventures that the year 2026 will bring us. This year's gathering will take place on 11 December 2025, at 17.00 in the UP Armerija Lobby, Titov trg 4, 6000 Koper.
When? Thursday, 11 December 2025, at 5 pm.
Where? UP Armerija Lobby, Titov trg 4, 6000 Koper.
Registration: until 8. 12. 2025 via e-form HERE.
Programme:
- 17.00 Start
- 17.10 Official speeches, exhibition presentation and toast
- 17.30 Banquet with socializing and musical accompaniment
We would like to inform you that we are collecting goods for Capris's Warm-Hearted Fridge (Caprisov Hladilnik toplega srca) at the university. The cooperation between UP and Radio Capris has been successful for many years, and we invite you to participate. You can also hand over donations for families in need (in the coastal-karst region) at our event. Thank you for showing UP.
To help us look forward to this year's meeting, let's remember how we enjoyed it last year.
Friday, 5 December 2025 UP and University of Trieste sign a double degree agreement in Data Science
UP and the University of Trieste (Università degli Studi di Trieste – UniTS) have signed an agreement establishing a new international double master’s degree programme in Data Science. Through this collaboration, students who fulfil all academic requirements will receive two fully recognized diplomas.
The programme is jointly developed by UP FAMNIT and the Department of Mathematics, Informatics and Geosciences at UniTS. It allows students to complete a portion of their studies at the partner institution, where they become part of the local academic community, engage in research-oriented environments, and gain insight into different methodological approaches in data science. The mobility period lasts at least one semester, and all academic achievements obtained at the host institution are fully recognized at both universities.
Designed to offer a comprehensive and international educational experience, the programme enables students to deepen their knowledge in data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and industry-oriented digital solutions. The master’s thesis is carried out under joint supervision from both universities, and the final defence is organized in accordance with the institution chosen within the student’s learning agreement. This structure ensures strong academic collaboration while providing students with valuable international exposure and enhanced career opportunities.
The signing of the agreement marks an important step in strengthening cross-border cooperation between the two universities. It supports joint research initiatives, encourages the mobility of students and staff, and fosters the exchange of teaching approaches and academic practices. Both institutions will publish an annual call for applications, open to students already enrolled in the relevant master’s programmes.
