European Researchers Night 2023

European Researchers' Night, the largest science awareness event in Europe, took place this year on Friday, 29 September 2023.

Supported by the European Commission, the event aims to connect the public with scientists and researchers and to spark interest in science and innovation. This year's theme was "Discover the World of Science." The University of Novo mesto also marked the occasion by bringing its work, projects, results and the importance of research closer to the public, while especially encouraging young people to pursue scientific careers in the future.

In the centre of Novo mesto, numerous students, professors and researchers shared their passion for scientific discovery with visitors and answered questions. They were particularly pleased by the large number of young participants whose curiosity and enthusiasm show that the future of Slovenian science is bright and promising.

The event featured a series of interactive workshops, lectures, presentations and experiments:

• Workshop "Children Explore: Why Do We Need to Wash Our Hands?" where preschool children learned why proper handwashing is important and examined their hands under the Didaktobox educational tool.
• Training session "Statistics in Research: Parametric and Non-Parametric Tests" attended by university staff as part of lifelong learning, delivered by Prof. Dr. Janez Vogrinc.
• Lecture "Artificial Intelligence Is With Us: Use at the University," where Igor Makovec, MSc, presented responsible approaches to using AI in education.
• "Science Under the Arcades," where we ignited sparks of curiosity through hands-on adventures, experiments, conversations with researchers, physical activities, painting and various other activities. Students of the Secondary School of Nursing presented the international mental health promotion project carried out by the University in cooperation with Novo mesto School Centre.
• Roundtable "Perspectives on Holistic Patient Care," where distinguished experts and researchers discussed understanding patient needs, how to address them, and the extent to which different complementary approaches can contribute. Guests included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bojana Filej, Assist. Prof. Dr. Luka Kristanc, Prof. Dr. Igor Jerman and Simona Pelko, with the roundtable moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nevenka Kregar Velikonja. You can watch the recording HERE.