University of Primorska Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies
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Friday, 27 March 2026 Call for enrolment into master degree and doctoral degree study programmes of the UP in the academic year 2026/2027

On Friday, 27 March 2026, the University of Primorska announces the Call for enrolment into master's and doctoral study programmes in the academic year 2026/2027.

    

In the framework of the Call for Enrolment into master study programmes, the University of Primorska announces the following free enrolment places for 33 study programmes:

  • 1.044 enrolment places for citizens of the Republic of Slovenia and EU citizens, of which 969 are for full-time study and 75 for part-time study,
  • 61 enrolment places for Slovenians abroad, 158 enrolment places for citizens of Western Balkans countries, with which the Republic of Slovenia has a bilateral agreement in the field of education (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, Serbia, North Macedonia), and
  • 66 enrolment places for foreign citizens of non-EU countries. For the 1st year of study, there are also 63 enrolment places for candidates for parallel studies.

Three master's study programmes are also offered in the English language:

  • Data Science, 
  • Mathematical Sciences and
  • Sustainable Built Environments.

In the framework of the Call for Enrolment into doctoral study programmes, the University of Primorska announces 171 free enrolment places for 16 study programmes. Six doctoral (PhD) study programmes are also offered in the English language:

  • Computer Science,
  • Conservation Biology,
  • Management,
  • Mathematical Sciences,
  • Renewable Materials for Healthy Built Environments and
  • Suicidology and Mental Health.

The first-round application period for all candidates opens on Wednesday, 8 April 2026.

The call for enrolment is published on: Application for enrolment - UP FAMNIT

Student services: referat@famnit.upr.si

Thursday, 19 March 2026 23rd UP Solemn Academy

The UP Solemn Academy marks the highlight of UP Week every year—a week around March 17 , when theUP celebrates its anniversary , as it was entered into the Court Register on that date in 2003. This year’s ceremony, at which awards are presented to all those who have contributed to the university’s reputation, development, and success through their work or activities, was dedicated to Srečko Kosovel, as the award for UP students is also named after him; this year, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia dedicated the award to the Karst poet on the 100th anniversary of his death.

The attendees were first addressed by the Rector of the University of Primorska, Prof. Dr. Klavdija Kutnar , who began her speech with the thought: “We are still young, still ambitious, and no longer very small, yet we remain innovative and forward-thinking,” then highlighted the successes and achievements of the past year across various areas of the university’s operations, and concluded with the words: “The UP is still at the heart of our name, so we will continue to move forward in the coming year.”

Matic Bončina, President of the UP Student Council, extended a special greeting to the students and emphasized that the award recipients: »Have made sure that all of us attending the University of Primorska today are extremely proud to be part of such an incredible academic and student community. Your achievements are not just personal successes, but serve as an inspiration to many students.«

Last year marked the first celebration of Slovenian Science Day, which will be observed annually on November 10. To mark the occasion, the UP set up and opened a gallery in the University Library featuring recipients of Zois Awards or recognitions and Science Ambassador awards among UP employees. Among them was the academy’s solemn speaker—Prof. Dr. Tomaž Pisanski, who received the Zois Award for lifetime achievement in the field of discrete mathematics on the eve of the holiday. In his opening remarks, he offered this reflection: “What can a dinosaur from the first half of the last century—or indeed from the last millennium—tell you? When a person of my age looks back, it seems as though nothing changes from one day to the next. But when he thinks back a few years or even decades, he notices that the changes are enormous—so great that a young person, who knows them only from history, finds it very difficult to imagine certain things that were once a constant.”

The speeches were followed by the award ceremony, which was rounded off by a cultural program that also intertwined the university and the poet. The university is also linked to Kosovel by numbers, as Srečko Kosovel was born on the very day of the academy in 1904, while the UP celebrates its founding the day before. His poetry was set to music by the Karst musician Boštjan Pertinač, and in an original choreography, he was accompanied between songs by two ballerinas who began their dance careers in the Divača dance society—Katarina Jurišević and Nika Lipolt, both UP alumni—the former from UP FTŠ Turistica, the latter from UP FAMNIT.

At this year’s ceremony, the rector, together with the presenters, awarded sixteen prizes, which we present below.

RECIPIENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PRIMORSKA AWARDS 2025

Svečana listina Univerze na Primorskem - Doc. dr. Nuša Zadravec Šedivy, UP FAMNIT & UP IAM

At the proposal of UP FAMNIT and UP IAM, the UP Solemn Charter for 2025 is awarded to Assist. Prof. Nuša Zadravec Šedivy for her significant contribution to the fields of suicidology and mental health, with a focus on vulnerable groups and loneliness.

Assoc. Prof. Nuša Zadravec Šedivy has developed an outstanding and internationally recognized research path in suicidology and mental health, with an emphasis on vulnerable groups and loneliness. She led a postdoctoral project on loneliness among the elderly and is the coordinator of national prevention programmes for adolescents. She is the editor-in-chief and author of the central Slovenian monograph Suicidal Behaviour of Adolescents, a key reference work for professionals that introduces scientifically grounded preventive approaches into the Slovenian context. At the national level, she has collaborated with the National Institute of Public Health in developing protocols for the early identification of distress and for professionals. She also participates in major international conferences and is a member of relevant national and international associations. Her work meets the highest international standards and makes a significant contribution both to the advancement of science and to the improvement of the population’s mental health.

2025 Gold medal of the University of Primorska - Assist. Prof. Peter Glasnović, UP FAMNIT and UP IAM

At the proposal of UP FAMNIT and UP IAM, the 2025 Gold Medal of the University of Primorska is awarded to Assist. Prof. Peter Glasnović for his outstanding contribution to the development of botany and strengthening the reputation of UP in this field.

Through many years of dedicated work, Assist. Prof. Peter Glasnović has established, collected, prepared and curated the University of Primorska Herbarium, which now includes nearly 6,000 herbarium specimens of plants and algae and represents a key research and educational resource. Thanks to his efforts, the herbarium was entered in the international register Index Herbariorum in 2024. His extensive research focuses on the conservation of plant species and the study of the flora of the sub-Mediterranean region. Among his notable achievements is his co-authorship in the discovery of a new genus of Lamiaceae, Petrolamium crnojevicii, which has significantly contributed to the understanding of biodiversity in Southeast Europe. As a university lecturer, he successfully carries out his teaching responsibilities, while demonstrating scientific excellence through active participation in international projects and European networks. He is an important promoter of the natural sciences and was awarded the Prometheus of Science Award in 2025 for his work in science communication.

2025 University of Primorska Scientific Excellence Award - Prof. Elena Bužan, UP FAMNIT and UP IAM

At the proposal of UP FAMNIT and UP IAM, the 2025 UP Scientific Excellence Award is presented to Prof. Elena Bužan for the publication of a scientific article in the journal Nature.

Prof. Elena Bužan’s research spans several interconnected disciplines, with a particular focus on the use of molecular biology techniques in basic and applied research in the fields of evolution, population genetics and conservation biology. She is also actively involved in the field of citizen science. She leads a number of national and international projects and is a member of several relevant professional associations. Last year, she co-authored a scientific article in the journal Nature titled Global meta-analysis shows action is needed to halt genetic diversity loss. It is based on a landmark study conducted by an international team of researchers. In what is the most comprehensive global analysis of genetic diversity to date, the team found that genetic diversity is declining worldwide; however, certain conservation measures have proven effective in helping preserve species.

2025 University of Primorska Scientific Excellence Award - Assist. Prof. Aleksandar Tošić, UP FAMNIT and UP IAM

At the proposal of UP FAMNIT and UP IAM, the 2025 UP Scientific Excellence Award is presented to Assist. Prof. Aleksandar Tošić for his exceptionally impactful research in computer science and information technology.

Assist. Prof. Aleksandar Tošić completed his doctoral studies in 2022 at UP FAMNIT, where he is currently employed. He is an extremely incisive researcher in computer science and information technology, with publications spanning a wide range of interdisciplinary topics, from distributed computing and blockchain to air quality, NFT ecosystems and solutions for AI infrastructures. He enjoys high international recognition as the leader of international projects and a guest lecturer at prestigious conferences. At the national level, he makes an important contribution as a member of several expert bodies, including the Digital Transformation Council, a task force for the acquisition of a supercomputer and the expert group of the Financial Stability Board at the Bank of Slovenia. In addition to his research excellence, he contributes to the development of early-career researchers and has long been involved in organizing programming competitions.

 2025 Srečko Kosovel Award for University of Primorska Students - Dr. Meta Lavrič, UP FAMNIT in UP IAM

At the proposal of UP FAMNIT and UP IAM, the 2025 Srečko Kosovel Award for UP Students goes to Dr. Meta Lavrič for her doctoral thesis Experiencing storytelling: developing and sharing written stories as an intervention to strengthen mental health in gatekeepers under supervisor Prof. Vita Poštuvan.

Dr. Meta Lavrič completed the doctoral study programme in Suicidology and Mental Health at UP FAMNIT. In her doctoral dissertation she examined experiences with suicidal behaviour from the perspective of gatekeepers – employees who encounter suicidal behaviour at work but for whom this is not their primary responsibility. Her study included prison officers, a vulnerable and often overlooked professional group, thereby demonstrating a high level of ethical sensitivity, empathy and research integrity. After gaining insight into their experiences, she introduced a psychological intervention aimed at improving the participants’ well-being and mental health, based on a written storytelling approach. By synthesising the collected data, she developed a theoretical model that provides a novel and comprehensive understanding of the usefulness and underlying mechanisms of this intervention. The dissertation represents an above-average achievement and a pioneering contribution with clear practical applications for the development of psychological interventions, thus constituting a valuable contribution to psychology and related disciplines.

2025 Srečko Kosovel Award for University of Primorska students - Adela Horvat, UP FAMNIT

At the proposal of UP FAMNIT, the 2025 Srečko Kosovel Award for UP Students goes to Adela Horvat for her final thesis The impact of environmental factors on the breakdown of the incompatible reproductive system of the invasive Bermuda buttercup (Oxalis pes-caprae L.) in the Mediterranean under supervisor Assist. Prof. Peter Glasnović and co-supervisor Assoc. Prof. Živa Fišer.

Adela Horvat completed the first-cycle study programme in Conservation Biology at UP FAMNIT. Her final thesis deals with the current and scientifically demanding topic of reproductive biology of invasive plants, demonstrating an exceptional understanding of the mechanisms that affect the spread of non-native species in a changing environment. The thesis stands out for its topical focus on the reproductive biology of invasive plants, its methodological precision and its in-depth analysis of the influence of climatic factors on the morphological characteristics of flowers. When drafting the thesis, the student demonstrated high research maturity, independence and the ability to critically interpret the results. She voluntarily joined and actively participated in large-scale international research within the COST project ConservePlants, where she played a key role in the morphometric analysis of samples from twelve Mediterranean countries. The results of her work have been presented at several conferences, and the findings will also be included in a scientific publication.

Wednesday, 18 March 2026 Important recognition for Slovenian science: Dr. Tilen Genov among the editors of a world-leading journal

Dr. Tilen Genov ( Department of Biodiversity at UP FAMNIT) was appointed Associate Editor of the prestigious international scientific journal Marine Mammal Science in December 2025. Dr. Genov, also President of Morigenos – the Slovenian Marine Mammal Society, is responsible in this role for maintaining the scientific quality and integrity of published research. His work includes evaluating submitted manuscripts, selecting expert reviewers, coordinating the peer-review process, and making recommendations regarding publication. This is a highly responsible and respected position that requires in-depth expertise, extensive research experience, and a high level of trust within the international scientific community.

»I accept this invitation with a great sense of responsibility and honor. Marine Mammal Science holds a special reputation within our field, and I see this appointment above all as a sign of trust and an opportunity to actively contribute to maintaining high scientific standards,« said Dr. Genov upon his appointment.

Published since 1985, Marine Mammal Science is regarded as the leading scientific journal in the field of marine mammal research. It publishes key findings on the biology, ecology, behavior, conservation, and management of marine mammal populations, and plays an important role in shaping the development of the discipline at a global level.

The appointment represents an important international recognition for Dr. Genov, UP FAMNIT, the Morigenos Society, and the wider Slovenian research community. It also confirms that the Society’s research work extends beyond national boundaries and actively contributes to the advancement of marine mammal science worldwide.

For a country with a relatively short coastline, such recognition further strengthens Slovenia’s visibility and integration within the international scientific community.


Foto: Morigenos

Wednesday, 18 March 2026 Fourteen full professors inaugurated at UP

Today, 17 March 2026, the Vice-Rector for Scientific Research and Development, Prof. Dr. Štefko Miklavič, joined by the Deans of the University of Primorska's member faculties, presented the decrees of election to the title of Full Professor to fourteen new professors at the ceremony of inauguration.

   

Among the newly inaugurated are also long-time faculty members of UP FAMNIT and UP IAM:

Dr. Matjaž Kljun, full professor in the field of »Computer science and informatics«

He obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Faculty of Computer and Information Science at University of Ljubljana, with both theses focusing on Human–Computer Interaction. He completed his PhD in Computer Science in the same field in 2014 at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom. He closely linked his academic career with the University of Primorska, working initially at the Faculty of Education and later at UP FAMNIT.

In his scientific research, he focuses on topics at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction, XR/AR, user experience, and technologies for learning and creative work.

Dr. Jernej Vičič, full professor in the field of »Computer science and informatics«

He obtained his Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees from the Faculty of Computer and Information Science at University of Ljubljana. He has been  employed at the University of Primorska since 2001, initially at the Faculty of Education, and since 2007 at UP FAMNIT, where he is the course coordinator and lecturer for computer science subjects. He collaborates with the University of Nova Gorica and Urgench State University (Uzbekistan). As part of an academic exchange, he also lectured at Charles University in Prague.

In his scientific research, he is actively dedicated primarily to language technologies. He also works with distributed systems, particularly DLT and sensor networks.

Dr. Andraž Legat, full professor in the field of »Built environment«

He graduated in the field of technical physics at the University of Ljubljana and received the SOZD Iskra award for his thesis. He was named Innovator of the Year in 1987 while employed at Iskra in Kranj. While working as a young researcher at the Jožef Stefan Institute, he earned a master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Ljubljana in 1991 and a doctorate in chemical technology from the University of Maribor in 1995.

His scientific research focuses on the durability of building materials and structures, the development of new materials, the measurement and characterization of corrosion processes, and the development of methods for monitoring corrosion.

Dr. Urban Šilc, full professor in the field of »Biology«

He obtained his Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees from the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana. Since 1996, he has been employed at the Jovan Hadži Institute of Biology at ZRC SAZU, where he served as Head of the institute since 2018. He is a lecturer and course coordinator for subjects in the fields of ecology and vegetation science at UP FAMNIT since 2014. He also lectures at the Postgraduate School of ZRC SAZU. He also taught various courses at the Higher Vocational College of the Biotechnical Centre Naklo.

His research focuses primarily on the syntaxonomy and ecology of vegetation, with particular emphasis on anthropogenic vegetation and sand dune ecosystems. 

Tuesday, 17 March 2026 Vice-rector promoted fourteen new doctors of science

At the solemn ceremony, which traditionally takes place during UP Week, on Monday, March 16, 2026, the Vice-Rector for Scientific Research and Development, prof. dr. Štefko Miklavič , promoted fourteen new UP Doctors of Science. As of today, the University of Primorska has 400 Doctors of Science.

Dr. Barbara Švagan, dr. Branka Bizjak Zabukovec, dr. Marko Grgurovič, dr. Andreja Kociper, dr. Rok Gomezelj, dr. Primož Režko, dr. Nika Ferbežar,  dr. Lea Primožič, dr. Ajda Cenčič, dr. Aljaž Kosmač, dr. Lei Han, dr. Mateja Erce Paoli and dr. Marko Petrović besedilo, were graduated at the ceremony.

In (excused) absence: Dr. Jordan Aiko Deja.

Marko Grgurovič defended his doctoral dissertation at the UP FAMNIT entitled »Optimization and graphs: efficiency of some algorithms in theory and practice« under the mentorship of prof. dr. Andrej Brodnik and co-mentorship of izr. prof. dr. Rok Požar.

Doctoral dissertation summary

The dissertation presents new efficient algorithms for finding shortest paths between all pairs of vertices in a graph. It introduces a method that builds on single-source algorithms and another based on a dynamic programming approach, achieving better average-case performance for large graphs in practice than prior work. The dissertation also studies the parallel ant system algorithm when used to solve the traveling salesman problem. It includes theoretical analysis and empirical experiments that confirm the improvements in both theory and in practice.

Jordan Aiko Deja defended his doctoral dissertation at the UP FAMNIT entitled »Designing Augmented Reality Training Systems for Piano and Jazz Improvisation« under the mentorship of prof. dr. Matjaž Kljun and co-mentorship of izr. prof. dr. Klen Čopič Pucihar.

Doctoral dissertation summary

This doctoral dissertation explores how augmented reality (AR) can holistically support the teaching and learning of piano improvisation, an underrepresented yet essential skill in piano pedagogy. Through interviews with educators, a survey of augmented piano technologies, and iterative co-design with improvisation experts, a novel AR-based training system was developed. The research culminated in a controlled experimental study evaluating its pedagogical impact, offering evidence-based insights into integrating AR to enhance creativity, confidence, and improvisational competence in piano education.

Lea Primožič defended her doctoral dissertation at the UP FAMNIT entitled »Sustainability-focused communication about the built environment: improving practices and impacts« under the mentorship of prof. dr. Andreja Kutnar and co-mentorship of doc. dr. Rok Prislan.

Doctoral dissertation summary

This doctoral dissertation examined strategic ways of communicating new concepts of sustainable construction to targeted stakeholders in order to foster its wider use. The effectiveness of this approach was tested on the new sustainable construction concept Restorative environmental and ergonomic design (REED). The dissertation combines five studies that together contribute to a deeper understanding of appropriate communication approaches for improving sustainability across sectors and support targeted communication for professional stakeholders in the wood industry.

Aljaž Kosmač defended his doctoral dissertation at the UP FAMNIT entitled »On smooth spline spaces and isogeometric methods for solving high-order partial differential equations over multi-patch domains« under the mentorship of prof. dr. Vito Vitrih.

Doctoral dissertation summary

The dissertation belongs to the field of isogeometric analysis, which intertwines the areas of numerical mathematics and computer-aided geometric design, and thus represents a modern approach to numerically solving partial differential equations. The dissertation presents several new methods for the construction of approximation spaces of splines over multi-patch domains and their use within the framework of collocation and Galerkin methods, thereby importantly upgrading existing approaches. The results of the dissertation are published in four articles in prestigious journals in the first quartile of SCI journals.

Lei Han defended his doctoral dissertation at the UP FAMNIT entitled »Viscoelastic properties of thermo-hydro-mechanically (THM) densfied wood« under the mentorship of prof. dr. Andreja Kutnar and co-mentorship of prof. dr. Dick Sandberg.

Doctoral dissertation summary

Dissertation examines viscoelasticity and fire-relevant loading of THM densified wood. Beech and Scots pine are benchmarked against untreated, resin-impregnated and thermally modified wood. Tests: bending 25–175 °C, 14-day bending creep at RH, and short-term creep at 170 °C. THM densification increases MOE/MOR and reduces creep, but response is moisture-dependent, suggesting Eurocode 5 safety factor needs material-specific values. It also develops a moisture-activated self-tightening densified-wood dowel (set-recovery) for high-tolerance joints in DLT.

Mateja Erce Paoli defended her doctoral dissertation at the UP FAMNIT entitled »Addressing psychosocial needs with building design to encourage healthy and active ageing« under the mentorship of izr. prof. dr. Michael David Burnard.

Doctoral dissertation summar

The work examines how older adults’ psychosocial wellbeing is linked to the built environment. A literature review identified reliable tools for measuring wellbeing and environmental perceptions, but found that objective assessments often overlook indoor spaces and are rarely combined with residents’ perceptions. A study of retirement homes on the Slovenian coast showed that residents’ wellbeing shapes how they view their surroundings and that specific environmental domains influence wellbeing. Overall, the findings suggest that targeted improvements to the environment can support wellbeing and inform better retirement home design.

Monday, 16 March 2026 Strengthening cooperation with Stellenbosch University (South African Republic) at the SIAN26 conference

Between March 8 and March 14, Tanja Labus (International Office, UP FAMNIT) and Sanja Sandić (Communications Service, UP FAMNIT) attended the SIAN26 conference: Stellenbosch University international academic network. The event brought together representatives of academic institutions from around the world and offered numerous opportunities for exchanging experiences and strengthening international cooperation.

At the conference, participants discussed several key topics, including building partnerships in Africa within international consortia, the role of scientific diplomacy in collaboration across the African continent, and practical approaches to internationalization at universities. During panel discussions, they addressed students’ experiences with the integration of international students on campus, the exchange of best practices for involving staff in international activities, and the development and implementation of global and regional partnerships. Participants also attended the formal address of the university’s new rector, Prof. Deresh Ramjugernath, and took part in a Study Abroad fair where representatives from various universities promoted their study programmes.

The visit represented an important opportunity for our faculty to strengthen cooperation with Stellenbosch University. Recently, a delegation of students and researchers from our Department of Information Sciences and Technologies visited Stellenbosch University as part of the Erasmus+ KA171 program. They were hosted by Prof. Daniel Le Roux, head of the Cognition and Technology Research Group, who has previously been a guest at our faculty.

Stellenbosch University is a globally recognized institution with which UP FAMNIT has already established collaborations in the field of computer science and information technologies. Currently, we are also connecting with the Forestry Operations Research Unit (FOR), which is part of the Forest Engineering discipline within the Department of Forestry and Wood Science at Stellenbosch University. In further strengthening this cooperation, we aim to increase the exchange of both students and staff as much as possible.


Monday, 16 March 2026 UP published the call for young researchers, generation 2026

UP has published a call for young researchers who will train for the profession of researcher and carry out doctoral studies at UP in the next four years. In 2026, four vacancies are announced under following mentors, UP faculties/institute and research fields:

  • Assist. prof. dr. Slobodan Filipovski, UP IAM (Mathematics),
  • Dr. Aleksander Simonič, UP FAMNIT (Mathematics),
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Michael Burnard, UP IAM (Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, Architecture, Design),
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jana Hojnik, UP FM (Administrative and organisational sciences).

Candidates who have completed a second-level study program in the last four years and have an average grade in all exams and coursework including the grade of the Master's thesis of at least 8.00, can apply for the call until June 16, 2026.

One young researcher will be selected for each mentor. UP will enter into a full-time, fixed-term employment contract with the selected young researchers.

LINK to the call: https://www.upr.si/en/about-the-university/open-calls--tenders/call-for-employment/call-for-young-researchers-at-the-university-of-primorska-in-2026

    

Saturday, 14 March 2026 Slovenia’s best young biologists competed in Izola today

Today our faculty hosted the National Biology Competition for the Proteus Award in Izola, organized by the Association for Technical Culture of Slovenia (ZOTKS). For the past 25 years, the competition has brought together the most successful secondary school students from across Slovenia and encouraged interest in biology and the natural sciences.

The competition is held in two stages – first at the school level and then at the national level. Each year, the four best competitors form the Slovenian biology olympiad team, which represents Slovenia at international competitions.

This year, 2,032 students participated in the school-level competition, and 483 students reached the threshold to qualify for the national round. They competed today in Izola, in the Livade 1.0 and InnoRenew facilities.

At the opening of the competition, participants were welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Živa Fišer, Head of the Department of Biodiversity at UP FAMNIT, Milan Bogatič, Mayor of the Municipality of Izola, Prof. Dr. Ademir Hujdurović, Dean of the faculty, Jožef Školč, Secretary General of ZOTKS, and Margareta Obrovnik (ZOTKS).

While the students were solving the competition tasks, colleagues from the Department of Biodiversity and the Department of Applied Natural Sciences organized a short professional lecture and a guided tour of the laboratories in the Livade 1.0 building for more than 50 mentors.

Hosting the national competition represents an important opportunity to connect young talents, mentors, and researchers, as well as to encourage young people’s interest in biology and the natural sciences, which is why we were pleased to host the event.

We wish all competitors the best of luck and every success in their future challenges.








Friday, 13 March 2026 The International Mathematics Competition Naboj at UP FAMNIT brought together 165 high school students from all over Slovenia

Today, 13 March 2026, UP FAMNIT hosted the international mathematics competition Náboj, which brought together 165 secondary school students from across Slovenia. They competed in a two-hour challenge testing their mathematical knowledge.

In addition to encouraging creativity and logical thinking, the event also highlighted cooperation and teamwork among peers, as emphasized byAssist. Prof. Ana Zalokar, the organizer and coordinator of the event from the Department of Mathematics at UP FAMNIT.

“We at the Department of Mathematics are very satisfied with the organization of this year’s 2nd team mathematics competition, Náboj. The event was successfully organized, as we hosted more than 160 students from across Slovenia – from Maribor, Celje, Ljubljana, Novo Mesto, and the local area. The students were very pleased, and many of them returned, which shows that they clearly enjoy it,” she said.

She added: “We will certainly organize the competition again next year, and we may even expand the number of participants.”

The competition began with the presentation of the rules and instructions for the participating students. This was followed by the competition itself, which took place in two categories: Junior (for 1st- and 2nd-year students) and Senior (for 3rd- and 4th-year students).

At the end of the event, the winning teams were announced.

In the Junior Slovenia category, Gimnazija Bežigrad achieved first place, ranking 8th internationally. Second place in the same category went to II. gimnazija Maribor, and third place to I. gimnazija v Celju.

In the Senior Slovenia category, Gimnazija Bežigrad also won first place, ranking 22nd internationally. Second place was taken by Gimnazija Koper, and third place by Gimnazija Nova Gorica.

 

The winning teams also received certificates and a monetary prize of €500.

Since 2005, the Náboj mathematics competition has been held simultaneously in several countries. It offers secondary school students a unique opportunity to compare their skills and knowledge with peers from other countries. Although the results are primarily evaluated at the local level, international comparison provides additional motivation and a competitive spirit.

We sincerely congratulate all teams and wish them continued success in the future!

The publicly available results can be found here: Junior category and Senior category.

More about the Náboj competition can be found here.

 

  

    

Tuesday, 10 March 2026 Presentation of the topic of the doctoral dissertation of Maša Frleta Valić

We invite you to the presentation of the topic of the doctoral dissertation Estimating the abundance and distribution of large marine vertebrates in the Adriatic Sea from aerial surveys  of the student Maša Frleta Valić, enrolled in the doctoral study programme Conservation Biology (in English).

The presentation will take place on Monday, 16 March 2026 at 13.00 via Zoom on link:

https://upr-si.zoom.us/j/64014336344

Meeting ID: 640 1433 6344

Tuesday, 10 March 2026 GOmini: Hidden Natural Heritage of the Cross-Border Area for Younger Generations

On January 1, the project GOmini: Hidden Natural Heritage of the Cross-Border Area for Younger Generations began at the Department of Biodiversity at UP FAMNIT. The project addresses a key challenge of the cross-border region of Goriška and Friuli Venezia Giulia: the low visibility and underestimation of certain green and aquatic habitats which, despite their small size, play an important role in maintaining biodiversity.

These environments—such as coastal wetlands, rock faces, forest soils, agricultural landscapes, and urban centers—are exposed to various environmental pressures, including urbanization, pollution, and invasive species. At the same time, they represent significant potential for sustainable tourism, environmental education, and strengthening cross-border identity.

Through this project, we aim to contribute to greater awareness among residents and visitors of all ages, with a particular focus on the younger generation, and to encourage behavioral changes that will support nature conservation.

The project is led by Assoc. Prof. Živa Fišer and is funded by the European Union through the Small Project Fund GO! 2025 of the Interreg VI-A Italy–Slovenia 2021–2027 program, managed by EZTS GO.



 

 

Thursday, 5 March 2026 When numbers cause stress: T4EU science café discusses mathematical anxiety

On Thursday, 5 March 2026, a Transform4Europe (T4EU) science café titled “Anxious about mathematics? Is that even real? ” took place at UP FAMNIT. The event, organized by the University of Primorska within the Transform4Europe (T4EU) university alliance, aimed to bring current scientific topics closer to the general public and to encourage discussion among researchers, students, and other interested participants.

The main guest of the evening was Assoc. Prof. Krzysztof Cipora from Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland, is a recognised researcher in the field of mathematical cognition and learning. In his lecture, he presented the phenomenon of mathematical anxiety—feelings of tension, worry, or fear that may arise when dealing with numbers or mathematical tasks—and explained how such emotions can influence mathematical achievement and young people’s career choices. Jana Beguš and Živa Žvanut, third-year Biopsychology students at UP FAMNIT, took part in the discussion.

The lecture shed light on how widespread mathematical anxiety is, how it manifests in various everyday situations—from classroom settings to decision-making in daily life—and why understanding this phenomenon is important for developing a more positive relationship with mathematics. Special attention was also given to ways in which the education system, teachers, and students themselves can help reduce negative emotional responses to mathematics.

Dr Cipora is visiting UP as part of the T4EU Visiting Professorship Programme, which brings distinguished experts to partner universities to strengthen teaching and research collaboration. The initiative promotes knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary cooperation, and joint responses to social, digital, and environmental challenges in Europe.

This event was held as part of the “Čajanka s psihologi” series. Events in this series, organised by the Department of Psychology at UP FAMNIT, are intended for anyone interested in psychology and mental health, regardless of prior knowledge. Each meeting is designed to be interactive, and events are held in both English and Slovene.

We invite you to follow all events in this series here.

   

 

Thursday, 5 March 2026 Sead Jahić, new Doctor of Science

Today, 5 March 2026, we welcomed another Doctor of Science at UP FAMNIT.

Sead Jahić, student of the doctoral study programe Computer Science (in Slovene) at UP FAMNIT has successfully defended his doctoral thesis Sentiment Analysis of the Bosnian Language; under the mentorship of Prof. Jernej Vičič, PhD and co-mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Branko Kavšek, PhD.

We sincerely congratulate the new Doctor of Science and wish him much success in his future research!

   

Tuesday, 3 March 2026 The doctoral thesis defence of Sead Jahić

Sead Jahić, student of the doctoral study programe Computer Science (in Slovene) at UP FAMNIT will defend her doctoral thesis Sentiment Analysis of the Bosnian Language; under the mentorship of Prof. Jernej Vičič, PhD and co-mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Branko Kavšek, PhD.

The defence will take place on Thursday, 5 March 2026 at 12:00 on ZOOM:

https://upr-si.zoom.us/j/65406723561

The doctoral disertation is available in the University Library.

You are kindly invited!