University of Nova Gorica Day in Ajdovščina: Living Science and Art
Yesterday, the University of Nova Gorica celebrated its second University Day, which this year took place in Ajdovščina.
At Lavrič Square, the University’s educational and research units presented themselves to the wider public through experiments, workshops, demonstrations and interactive activities.
Visitors had the opportunity to discover the diversity of the University’s research and educational work, ranging from atmospheric and environmental sciences, robotics, materials science, physics and astrophysics to viticulture and oenology, humanities, linguistics, arts and cultural heritage.
In the field of technology, the School of Engineering and Management and the Center for Information Technologies and Applied Mathematics showcased robots and sensor technologies. The Center for Astrophysics and Cosmology, together with researchers involved in the SMASH project, offered interactive astronomy activities, quizzes and a LEGO model of the Vera Rubin Observatory.
The School of Science, the Laboratory of Organic Matter Physics and the Laboratory of Quantum Optics introduced visitors to the world of materials, electronics and superconductivity through engaging demonstrations involving liquid nitrogen, as well as research on carbon dioxide capture. The Materials Research Laboratory presented its research on porous monoliths designed to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Particular interest was generated by the activities of the Graduate School and the Laboratory for Environmental and Life Sciences, where visitors explored the world of proteins and living cells, observed stained cells under a microscope and learned about protein isolation techniques.
The School of Viticulture and Enology and the Wine Research Centre presented the workshop MicroLab: The Invisible World of Wine, where visitors observed yeasts under a microscope and learned about their role in the winemaking process. On this occasion, a TSM device for precision soil scanning, intended for modern and sustainable vineyard management, was also presented to the public for the first time.
The Research Centre for Humanities, the Center for Experimental, Formal and Theoretical Linguistics, the School of Humanities and the Center for Cognitive Modeling of Language also took part in the event. Through linguistic puzzles, computer-based experiments, EEG demonstrations of brain signal measurements and the PISMA project, visitors gained insight into research in language, history and the humanities. At the School of Humanities stand, visitors could also test their knowledge in a quiz on coffee heritage.
The School of Arts presented the process of creating an animated film, while representatives of the graduate programme in Cultural Heritage Studies showcased projects, exhibitions and study activities that connect cultural heritage, art and contemporary research approaches.
Visitors also learned about the University’s international activities, including the ACROSS European University Alliance and the opportunities offered through Erasmus+ and other forms of international mobility. The University of Nova Gorica Foundation presented its scholarship opportunities for students, while the University Press introduced a selection of its publications.
The event was further enriched by external organisations and partners, including Arctur, BETA Garage, Primorska Technology Park, Ljudska univerza Ajdovščina and Incom, which presented their activities and opportunities for collaboration.
The event was also attended by the Mayor of the Municipality of Ajdovščina, Tadej Beočanin, highlighting the strong cooperation between the University of Nova Gorica and the local community, as well as the importance of collaboration among educational institutions, local authorities and the wider public.
According to the Rector of the University of Nova Gorica, Prof. Dr. Boštjan Golob, the main message of the event is that the University is an integral part of the local community and seeks to remain connected with it in an open and inclusive way.
“It is important that we get to know one another and that people are aware that the University is here with them and for them,” he emphasised.
He added that the primary goal of the event is to further strengthen the University’s role within the local environment. Two aspects are particularly important in this regard: mutual understanding and two-way cooperation. By presenting its faculties, laboratories and research centres, the University opens its doors to the public while also actively addressing local challenges and creating opportunities for citizens to engage in University activities.
The Rector also highlighted the University’s successful development within the region and its excellent relationships with local residents, public authorities and economic stakeholders.
This year’s University Day once again demonstrated the University of Nova Gorica’s ability to connect science, art and society while making knowledge accessible to a broader audience through engaging and interactive activities. The event represents an important opportunity for intergenerational exchange, knowledge sharing and the promotion of creativity, further strengthening the University’s mission as an open and innovative educational institution.
Prepared by: Andreja Leban
