University of Primorska Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies
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Wednesday, 30 April 2025 Increased project applications and new projects in the first third of 2025

In the first third of the year, the UP Project Office reported an intensive and increased activity of project applications, which shows the outstanding work of UP researchers, whose research excellence and international commitment increase the chances of excellent project work. In the first four months, a total of 176 applications were submitted to various calls - both to ARIS and other national calls (mostly in the area of line ministries), while in the international context, applications ranged from cross-border applications (Interreg programme Slovenia-Croatia 2021-2027) to applications to Horizon, Erasmus+ and other programmes.

However, three projects were approved in the reporting period:

ARIS – PAKET 23 (23 PACKAGE)

  • High-Performance Computer and XR Technology sets for Advanced Education and Personalization in Mixed Reality Environments   (lead partner, UP lead dr. Matjaž Kljun, UP FAMNIT) 

 The proposed hardware includes a state-of-the-art workstation with a graphics processor customised for deep learning, a cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) headset, and a set of laptops to support multiple simultaneous research tasks. This equipment is aligned with the latest trends in XR and machine learning technology and provides robust capabilities to conduct innovative studies in mixed reality. The equipment enables the exploration of new areas: Applications of XR in education, such as chemistry teaching, language learning and personalisation of education. The proposed hardware includes a state-of-the-art workstation with a graphics processor suitable for deep learning, a cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) headset, and a set of laptops that support multiple simultaneous research tasks. This equipment is aligned with the latest trends in XR and machine learning technology and provides robust capabilities to conduct innovative studies in mixed reality. The acquisition of these devices will enable research that is not possible with current resources, such as real-time data analysis in XR environments, educational content customisation and experimentation in immersive environments. The powerful hardware will significantly improve our ability to learn and deploy models for personalised learning experiences. The device supports interdisciplinary collaboration and brings together fields such as data science, XR technology, education and cognitive psychology. This equipment will promote partnerships with other national and international research institutions and enable joint projects and the exchange of research results.

  •  Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) beamline at Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste (partner, lead partner:UM MF, dr. Dean Korošak, UP lead dr.Štefko Miklavič, UP; included UP members: UP IAM, UP FAMNIT and UP FVZ)

Elettra - Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A. and the Graz University of Technology, which already cooperate in the operation of the SAXS beamline at the Elettra Multidisciplinary Research Centre of Excellence, have expressed their joint interest in the University of Maribor entering into a partnership with them to build a new beamline and use it for research purposes. The University of Maribor responded positively to the invitation with the initiative to involve several Slovenian research organisations on the Slovenian side in this Italian-Austrian-Slovenian partnership. The University of Primorska recognised the University of Maribor's initiative as an important opportunity for further development breakthroughs.

The synchrotron is a device that accelerates electrons to high energies using ultraviolet and X-ray light sources. The high-energy electrons are then used in various research applications, e.g. in the investigation of fundamental particles. When they are accelerated, light is emitted by electron clusters travelling in circular paths at almost the speed of light. The properties of synchrotron light, such as its high intensity, good collimation and the ability to choose the wavelength of the light, make research possible that would otherwise be impossible. It is possible to study the dynamics of certain physical and chemical processes, take measurements on samples that do not exist and has the advantage of saving a lot of time.

The Elettra synchrotron is located at Bazovica near Trieste and is the heart of a scientific centre for research in the fields of biology, chemistry, medicine, physics, materials and more. The circular accelerator is designed as a synchrotron light source and has a central storage ring of 260 metres.

EIT HEI INITIATIVE

 BIKE HEI -  Boosting Innovative and Knowledge-based Entrepreneurship of HEIs (partner,UP lead dr. Michael Mrissa)

The project partners include several members of the European university Trasform4Europe (Mariupol State University, Ukraine, University of Saarland, Germany, University of Alicante, Spain), to which UP also belongs, which shows excellent partnership synergies. Other partners include UP FM, Association of Balkan Eco Innovation, RSR, CESIE ETS, Italy, META Group Srl, Italy.

BIKE-HEI aims to improve business opportunities for innovative and knowledge-based entrepreneurs by using AI in the area of Environmental Protection, Climate Action and Green Economy, 2 promoting entrepreneurship and spin-off support services in HEIs, and strengthening the HEIs’ role in the regional innovation ecosystem.