University of Primorska Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies
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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.