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If you disagree with the above, please kindly inform the organisers at: ern@um.si. Be sure to attach a high-quality scan of the photo from your ID to the e-mail so that the organiser can exclude you from all records and photos. The authorised person for data protection of the University of Maribor is assistant professor Ph. D. Miha Dvojmoč. (dpo@um.si).

The authors are solely responsible for the content and views presented on the project website, expressed in the media, publications, social networks, pre-events, the main event, and all other communication forms of the Science for all project, European Researchers’ Night 2021. They do not reflect the views of the European Research Executive Agency, which is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information they contain.

MARIBOR

Location: University of Maribor main building, Slomškov trg 15, 2000 Maribor, 10:00 - 12:40

New opportunities for international research and innovation cooperation

Agenda and more information

 

Assoc. Prof. Draško Veselinovič, PhD, President of the Management Board of the Slovenian Business & Research Association (SBRA) in Brussels. 

MARIBOR Location: shopping centre EUROPARK Maribor 9:00–21:00

EU Corner

EU corner provides general information about the European Union and how the EU funds science and education cooperation within Europe and beyond. The EU corner will provide permanent presence of personnel who will be able to answer public questions about the EU policies and programmes and how the promoting of the European role in research and innovation is assured (Horizon Europe NCPs from the Ministry of Science, Education and sport, UM Career Centre staff, Europe Direct Information representatives from local institutions). Also, some of the incoming and outgoing researchers funded by the EU (in particular Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions) will present their activities and the funding mechanisms, as well as take part in the activities organized outside the EU corner. These researchers are Mirjana Kljajić Borštnar (ENviSION, 645791), Branko Lobnikar (IMPRODOVA, 787054, MSCA Fellow: Viola Hobiger (PhotoEmulsion,765341), Aleš Ferčič (JM Chair 2018-1674). EU corner in Maribor also includes the EU Green Deal Exhibition and cooperation of SBRA representatives. 

Researchers: Prof. Mirjana Kljajić Borštnar, Prof. Branko Lobnikar, Viola Hobiger, PhD, Prof. Aleš Ferčič, Horizon Europe NCPs from the Ministry of Science, Education and Sport, UM Career Centre staff, representatives of EUROPE DIRECT Podravje, Information representatives from local institutions, SBRA representatives.  

Youth for the Advancement of Maribor – results of research projects and innovation ideas

The results of research projects and innovation proposals will be presented by young authors who participated in the project Youth for the Advancement of Maribor. They will prepare presentations, experiments, presenting the conclusions of their tasks. All activities will bring diverse scientific branches (natural sciences, social sciences, etc.) closer to a broad audience. 

Researchers: 70 secondary school students involved in the project Youth for the Advancement of Maribor 2021. 

List of all participants: click here.

Lego robotics for children

This educational workshop for children will use LEGO bricks to teach children about the basics of robotics and programming. Together, we will tackle different educational tasks and interesting ideas. Children will build LEGO robots and learn a lot through play. 

Are you curious? Join us and meet LEGO robots that dance, sing, walk and more. 

http://maliustvarjalci.si/ 

Researcher: Jure Pikl 

Observation of the Sun, Saturn and Jupiter (Europark’s upper parking lot), demonstration of sundials and the construction of simple sundials (the interior of Europark)

During the daytime we will observe the Sun through the telescopes, and in the evening the Saturn and Jupiter. During the observation, we will present the main characteristics of the Sun and the two planets and their special features. The interested participants will also be able to record the Sun and both planets using smartphones and Canon or Nikon DSLR cameras. As to the workshops inside Europark, the participants will make different types of sundials and get acquainted with the principles of sundial construction and its functioning. Some results of the AD Orion members’ activities will also be presented. 

Researchers: Assist. Prof. Igor Žiberna, Nataša Petelin 

http://www.orion-drustvo.si/ 

Clean energy for all Europeans

The exhibition will present in a visually interesting way the framework of the new EU energy policy, which sets regulative conditions for transition to clean energy and leads the EU towards the realization of the Paris Agreement commitments. 

Researchers: Assist. Prof. Aleš Ferčič, Prof. Nives Dolšak, PhD, University of Washington, Prof. Maja Brkan, PhD, University of Maastricht, Prof. Stefan Storr, PhD, Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien (online) 

https://www.eu-energylaw.com/

Simple electronics for kids

The participants will build different simple electronic circuits by using pre-prepared building blocks and by following the instructions. The activity is intended for primary school students. 

Researchers: Assoc. Prof. Anita Praprotnik Brdnik 

Traveling salesman problem

By using an interactive board, the participants will learn what the traveling salesman problem is. The salesman starts his journey in one city, must visit certain number of other cities and finish his journey in the initial city. The salesman must choose the order of visiting cities in such a way that the travelled distance or time of the travel is minimal. The participants will experience the steep rise in difficulty of the problem with the increase in the number of cities that the salesman has to visit. Through the traveling salesman problem, the participants will be introduced to optimization algorithms and the principles of some of those algorithms will be explained to them in in plain terms. The activity is intended for secondary school students and adults. 

Researchers: Assoc. Prof. Anita Praprotnik Brdnik 

Seesaw for butterflies and bouncing monkeys

The participants will hang weights shaped like butterflies on a seesaw. Butterflies of different weights will be marked with different colours. The participants will have to find out on which spots they have to hang the butterflies so that the seesaw will stay in horizontal position. Additionally, weights in shapes of small and large monkeys will swing on springs. Participants will have to figure out the influence of a monkey’s weight on how far the spring stretches and how “fast” the monkey oscillates.  The demonstrators will explain to participants how these findings can help people (how clocks work and how to lift heavy objects). Activity is intended for younger students. 

Researchers: Assoc. Prof. Anita Praprotnik Brdnik 

Self-supporting bridges

The participants will build two types of self-supporting bridges. First bridge type is the so-called Da Vinci bridge and is made only of rods that are intertwined together in a specific way to get a strong supporting construction. Second bridge type is a bridge in a shape of catenary. Participants will build a bridge on a horizontal surface from prepared building blocks. If built correctly, the bridge will stand after having been set in vertical position. The activity will help the participants to learn that the shape of the bridge can importantly contribute toward reaching sufficient load capacity with less building material. Activity is intended for broad audience – from primary school students to adults. 

Researchers: Assoc. Prof. Anita Praprotnik Brdnik 

PhotoEmulsion (H2020) project presentation

Project PhotoEmulsion will be presented; the project includes research of new methods for the preparation of innovative materials using light. Activity will be performed as a demonstration, combined with informal talks with researchers.

Researchers: Researcher assist. Viola Hobiger, Assoc. Prof. Muzafera Paljevac, assist. Stanko Kramer (Early-Stage Researcher)

https://www.photo-emulsion.uha.fr/

PhotoEmulsion project, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks, Agreement No: 765341, Financed by: EC, H2020.

Math can be fun! – the promotion of mathematics as a useful, fun and important science

Nowadays, mathematics is all too often presented as a complex science, full of obscure and complex procedures. Students, and often teachers, do not see the meaning and beauty of mathematical facts and tools at the forefront. The programme, led by active researchers and students, will include a) Designing mathematics as a useful and entertaining science b) Motivating and raising the awareness of the importance of mathematics as a science c) active participation of participants in the quiz d) solving various logical tasks e) learning about mathematics as a historically important science g) making sense of teaching at a distance as a potentially interesting and successful way to teach. During the workshop, participants will learn about the mathematical tool Zometool, which enables the development of children’s spatial representations in a fun way. During the workshop, participants will gain and renew their knowledge about various mathematical and natural science achievements that have marked our history (Tales from Miletus, Archimedes, Pythagoras) and set out on a journey into the past. They will put themselves in the role of famous mathematicians and try to find their own knowledge, ideas and methods, when they have so drastically influenced the development of mathematical thinking and the development of mathematics as such. All together it will be implemented in the form of a virtual math escape room. In addition, in the escape room, the participants will face interesting and everyday mathematical and logical questions and challenges. Through logical clues, participants in collaboration with the Little Prince will discover a great secret known only to Antoine de Saint-Exupery and will save themselves from the virtual back to the real world.

Researchers: Full Prof.  Alenka Lipovec, Assist. Simon Brezovnik  

https://pef.um.si     

Children explore chemistry

The essence of our workshop is to ignite a spark of creative spirit and research in children and possibly adults. As part of the workshop, we will explore everyday things around us with simple chemical experiments. The workshops will be at the level of pre-school education and classroom teaching. With simple experiments, we will take a closer look at the world of chromatography, the structure of substances, acids and bases, and some similar biochemical processes. The workshop will be aimed at the entire age population.

Researchers: Assist. Marjeta Capl, M.A., Assoc. Prof. Nikolaja Golob  

https://pef.um.si/  

Discovering Social Studies Through Play

Discovering Social Studies Through Play

The active programme, led by two active researchers, will include a demonstration of discovering social studies content through didactic games. The programme will be of interest to all age groups – from children, who are likely to prefer playing didactic games, to the elderly, who will in this way learn about didactic play, as one of the didactic methods of modern teaching in which students are involved. Visitors will also be able to view the posters with the presentation of didactic games, which will be supplemented by the opinions and experiences of the users of these games.  

Researchers: Full Prof. Vlasta Hus, Assist. Polona Jančič Hegediš, M.A.

https://pef.um.si/  

I do research and save lives

Visitors will test their existing knowledge of providing resuscitation and first aid procedures to an adult in the form of an attractive Kahoot quiz, and then use the simulation manikin/pillow to learn the skills that are essential in providing basic life support procedures. We will perform activities to empower the public about the importance of disinfection and hand washing to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and activities to improve recognition of early signs of chronic non-communicable diseases. Therefore, we will present the hand washing and disinfection technique, and visitors will be able to check the effectiveness of proper handwashing and disinfection under ultraviolet light. We will also measure visitors’ various parameters, such as blood pressure, pulse and blood sugar and present the importance of the researcher’s work in preventive activities relating to the protection of the health of the population.

Researchers: Assist. Nino Fijačko, mag. Anton Koželj, mag. Barbara Donik, Assist. Lucija Gosak   https://www.fzv.um.si/  

WATER CRIMES – inventory, outlook, and assessment of emerging environmental crimes against water in Europe.

The goal of the WATER CRIMES research project is to provide the first strategic analysis of crimes against water resources in Europe. While awareness of environmental crimes is gaining momentum at international level, crimes against water are an emerging issue. Such crimes have significant impacts, although intelligence is scarce, and information fragmented.

Researchers: Assist. Prof. Katja Eman, Saša Kuhar, PhD

http://www.watercrimes.eu/

WATER CRIMES, Financed by EC, Coordinator: Italian Research Center SiTI – Istituto Superiore sui Sistemi Territoriali per I’Innovazione.

Forensic and criminal investigation knowledge to detect offenders

Attendees will be able to learn about the modern techniques used in criminalistics to detect and secure evidence at the crime scenes. They will be able to participate in detecting papillary line traces and securing them. They will be introduced to the basics of dactyloscopy.

Researchers: Assoc. Prof. Boštjan Slak, Full Prof. Branko Lobnikar, Assist. Eva Bertok

https://www.fvv.um.si/

IMPRODOVA – Improving Frontline Responses to High Impact Domestic Violence

IMPRODOVA is a project that focuses on the gap between what we know and what we do when domestic violence occurs. The project examines cooperation between police officers and representatives of other intervention services (for example, doctors, nursing, social work centres, etc.). We want to analyse why domestic violence in police officers’ work is often seen in practice as a low-level problem on their scale of priorities. We want to answer the questions why the level of reporting of such crimes by victims is so low and what are the factors that influence the effective response of the police and represent examples of best practices of police work in networks formed by police officers together with other first responders, such as health professionals, social services, schools, and youth services.

Researchers: Full Prof. Branko Lobnikar, Assoc. Prof. Boštjan Slak, Assist. Karmen Jereb

https://www.improdova.eu/

IMPRODOVA, Agreement No: 787054, Horizon 2020

Exploring the use of geothermal energy through the project GEOFOOD

The GEOFOOD project shows the possibilities of direct use of geothermal energy to increase food production in highly productive circular systems. As a partner of the project, the UM Faculty of Tourism will present the course of the research and the results. The participants will also be able to participate in a quiz with “sustainable” awards.

Researchers: Assist. Barbara Pavlakovič, Assist. Prof. Maja Turnšek

Geofood: Geothermal Energy for Circular Food Production, Agreement No: 73117, Financed by: Geothermica Era-net, Republic of Slovenia, Slovenija, Ministry of Infrastructure, Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning.

Researching sustainable tourism through the BEST MED project

How to conserve natural resources to ensure the quality of life of citizens without giving up tourism as a source of wealth and the driving force of the economy? The BEST MED project is addressing this issue. As a partner of the project, the UM Faculty of Tourism will present the course of the research, and participants will also be able to participate in a quiz with “sustainable” awards.

Researchers: Assist. Tomi Špindler, Assist. Tjaša Alegro, Assist. Vita Petek, Assist. Mateja Kuntarič, Assist. Prof. Maja Turnšek

https://best-med.interreg-med.eu/, https://www.ft.um.si/raziskovanje/bestmed/Strani/default.aspx

BEST MED, Agreement No:5987, Financed by: European Regional Development Fund, Interreg Mediterranean.

Treatment of environmentally problematic waste and development of added value products

The presentation will be focused on various synthetic and biodegradable materials’ decomposition process in the sea over time. Degradation products such as nano- and micro-plastics will be analysed by measuring the Tyndall effect and turbidity, also particle size will be presented. The discussion will take place against the background of the needs and latest trends in bioplastics production, e.g., the use of PLA composites. The concept of developing a biodegradable starch film with the addition of extracts to extend the shelf life of food will also be presented. The concept of developing stable films and edible films will be emphasized (e.g., for packaging and preparation of coffee).

Researchers: Olivija Plohl, PhD, Klementina Pušnik Črešnar, PhD, Full Prof. Lidija Fras Zemljič

http://lcpp.fs.um.si/, http://lcpp.fs.um.si/napredne-obdelave-biomase-kot-osnova-za-reciklirane-materiale/

Organizational sciences in theory and practice: what is new in digital era?

Research area of the Faculty of Organizational Sciences covers complex dynamic management systems, covering aspects from human resources, information systems, business processes, and general management. Research at faculty contributes to the advancement of knowledge within a wide area of organization and management through basic and applied research (e.g., IoT, data analytics/data-driven decision-making, sustainable development, management of cyber-physical platforms for micro-logistics simulation etc.). To move from looking digital to being digital, organizations should engage in a deep shift in the way they usually do business. For leadership, that shift requires as much attention to organization as it does to the technology itself. Innovative approaches of organizational sciences will be demonstrated to illustrate different ways in which organizations can facilitate their shift to digital enterprise.

Researchers: Assoc. Prof. Damjan Maletič, Assist. Prof. Mirjana Kljajić Borštnar, Full Prof. Andrej Škraba, Assoc. Prof. Alenka Baggia, Assoc. Prof. Gregor Lenart

https://www.fov.um.si

Technology and life in the (near) future

Researchers from the department will use didactic models to present various technical elements with an emphasis on energy production. We will also allow visitors to try programming robots and assembling various electrical circuits. They will also have the opportunity to learn about modern machining technologies, as they will be able to observe the operation of a laser engraving machine.

Researchers: Assist. Dejan Zemljak

Coloured chemistry

Colours affect us, influence our mood, our functioning … That is why we want to include chemical experiments that also look attractive in our presentation. We will conduct uncomplicated experiments and show which colours are hidden in seemingly unattractive colours. We will also observe more complex redox reactions, delve into coordination chemistry and learn about the colour diversity of chemical compounds.

Researchers: Assoc. Prof. Brina Dojer

http://www.fnm.um.si/; https://fizika.fnm.um.si/; https://omr.fnm.um.si/; http://biologija.fnm.uni-mb.si/; https://www.facebook.com/FNMFIZIKA/

Intspray – System for the smart application of plant protection products

As part of the European Researchers’ Night, we will present our views on the modern agricultural challenges and our answers to them. Thus, we will present the research work of individual researchers, interdisciplinary extracurricular work with students, and prototype solutions that we are developing to increase the accuracy and efficiency of agriculture and, at the same time, to be used to educate potential staff working in agriculture in the future.

Researchers: Assoc. Prof. Jurij Rakun, Assist. Prof. Miran Lakota, Full Prof. Denis Stajnko, Assoc. Prof. Peter Vindiš, Assist. Damijan Kelc, PhD, Peter Berk, PhD, Marinko Grbić.

http://biosistemsko-inzenirstvo.si/, http://farmbeast.um.si, http://fre2015.um.si, http://fkbv.um.si

Passive Floating Probe

An autonomous Passive Floating Probe supports remote control and programming and captures data on ocean location, water temperature, marine activity, images of the environment (surface dirt inspection) and air quality.

Researchers: Assist. Jernej Kranjec

https://zzz.feri.um.si/

Universal photovoltaic off-grid power supply system

An alternative self-supply system for the efficient supply of electricity to consumers uses photovoltaics as its primary source and is supported by a battery-powered energy storage. An efficient use of available energy is ensured by an advanced control system.

Researchers: Mag. Marijan Španer, Assoc. Prof. Darko Hercog

https://iro.feri.um.si/lee

NEONART, financed by EU from Interreg Adrion (OIAS-AIR).

Fraud prevention and verifiable origin in short food supply chains

One of the biggest challenges in short food supply chains is verifiable origin and fraud prevention, which are hard to cope with given today’s manual processes. We will present a solution based on decentralized digital identities, verifiable credentials, and blockchain. 

Researchers: Assoc. Prof. Muhamed Turkanović, Blaž Podgorelec 

https://blockchain-lab.um.si

Smart Villages (project No. 623), financed by EU from Interreg Alpine Space Programme. 

Digitalization of natural fiber-based SMEs

The current topic of digital transformation is inevitable even for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), whose primary activities are not related to the use of information and communication technologies. Among them are companies operating in the natural fibers industry, such as wood, paper, etc. For the natural fiber-based SMEs, digitalization means not only straightforward benefits related to communication, but some advanced benefits as well. Such benefits result from the use of tools and systems for managing electronic documents, promoting products and services on social networks, e-commerce systems, and advanced Big Data technologies. In addition, digitalization represents a competitive advantage for the companies, especially when their business is part of a value chain. An example of such a value chain in the natural fibers’ domain is the eco-construction value chain, where the final product (a house or various types of furniture) is made from wood. In this case, the construction process includes several steps, from cutting to designing and finally selling the product. 

Researchers: Assoc. Prof. Aida Kamišalić Latifić, Assist. Tina Beranič, PhD, Assist. Martina Šestak, Assist. Špela Pečnik, Assist. Katja Kerman, Assist. Patrik Rek 

https://smartsmes.um.si/

Smart SME’s, financed by the EU from ARPAF scheme (Alpine Region Preparatory Action Fund). 

Use of simulations in green energy production, fruit growing and forestry

Presentation of research for the determination of buildings’ energy potential and the use of simulation in fruit growing and forestry. 

Researchers: Assoc. Prof. Simon Kolmanič, Assoc. Prof. Niko Lukač, Assist. Marko Bizjak, PhD,  Assoc. Prof.  Štefan Kohek 

https://gemma.feri.um.si/

Model of a Slovenian power system, the path of energy production to consumers

We are usually not interested in how electricity reaches our sockets and who produces it, therefore we will present the operation of the system on an interactive model. The focus will be on production units and the possibility of replacing some production units with cleaner energy sources. 

Researchers: Assoc. Prof. Miloš Bekovič, Assist. Dr. Nevena Srečkovič, Assist. Marcel Topler, Assist. Jakob Vizjak, Jurček Voh 

https://ime.feri.um.si/

Presentation of research projects in renewable energy

We will present research activities and projects regarding the development of alternative wind turbines and photovoltaic tracking systems.  

Researchers: Assist. Iztok Brinovar, Assoc. Prof. Matej Fike, Assist. Marko Pezdevšek, Assist. Prof. Sebastijan Seme, Assist. Klemen Sredenšek, Assist. Gregor Srpčič, Bojan Stergar.    

https://www.fe.um.sihttp://fe.um.si/ie/,  https://www.facebook.com/FakultetazaenergetikoUniverzavMariboru/,  https://www.instagram.com/fakultetazaenergetiko/     

Location: Maribor, Vetrinjski dvor

18:30 – 18:45

Musical surprise

18:45 – 19:00

Announcement of winners of the national competition.

The Friends of Youth Association

https://zpm-mb.si/

Cooperation: Urša Žiger (ZPM), Univerza v Mariboru.

 

 

20:00 – 23:00

Researchers and Students of the University of Maribor

Concert of the music groups of researchers and students from the University of Maribor

Meet the UM researchers, who not only work in labs but also rock on stage!

20:00

Strici iz ozadja

The Strici iz ozadja band is composed of both students and professors. They play surf music.

Members:
Metka Zadravec, izr. prof. dr. Andrej Naterer (bass),
Prof. dr. Victor Kennedy (guitar),
Zmago Pavličič (drums),
Matic Ačko (guitar and vocal).

21:00

The PhD Big Bang Band

PhD Big Bang Band joined their musical forces in 2006, when they premiered at Researchers’ Night, which they also attend regularly. The band is composed of employees of the University of Maribor and their friends who decided to spice up various cultural and scientific events with their musical performance.

Members:
Vesna Pinterič – vocals,
Said Bešlagić – guitar,
Doc. Dr. Milan Ambrožič – guitar,
Zmago Pavličič – drums,
Izr. prof. dr. Teodor Petrič – bass,
Doc. Dr. Robert Repnik – saxophone,
Prof. dr. Samo Kralj – keyboard.

 

22:00

Vroči cilindri (“hot cylinders”)

In the past, all band members explored different areas of musical expression. Especially in their youth, they gathered experience as rockers. Samo, former dean of the Faculty of Education (University of Maribor) and now a professor at the same faculty, as well as Frank and Toni, were members of the legendary rock group Nima Smisla (“senseless”) nearly 40 years ago. They performed in Maribor and its surrounding during the same time as many famous and successful bands like Lačni Franz (“hungry Franz”) and Preporod (“rebirth”) were formed. Tina and Dani, the younger band members, were also fond of rock and metal, and they are just as experienced as the “grey-haired” band colleagues are. Tina, the lead singer, is also a professional opera singer in Maribor, which is nothing to sneeze at. After a thirty-year long pause, the band reunited a year ago in order to “search for their youth”. They discovered the “balm for their soul” in old and new rock hits, which they interpret in their own cover songs, thus “blowing off steam” on their path towards the second half of their lives!

In short: worth seeing, hearing … and blowing off steam!

Members:
prof. dr. Samo Fošnarič – rythm guitar, vocal,
Martina Ledinek Nikić – synth, vocal,
Dani Krunič – solo guitar,
Frenk Roth – bass,
Toni Žilavec – drums.