European Researchers' Night 2025 at the University of Novo mesto Attracts More Than 700 Visitors

On 20 September 2025, the University of Novo mesto opened its doors to the international and Slovenian public and hosted the European Researchers' Night, an annual event organised as part of the national Science Month, dedicated to promoting research, innovation and science within society. This year, we welcomed more than 700 high school pupils, students, teachers, researchers and visitors of all generations, once again confirming that science in Novo mesto is truly within everyone's reach.

Science Within Reach: More Than 12 Interactive Workshops

In the morning programme, visitors participated in a series of interactive workshops and presentations prepared by researchers and academic staff of the University of Novo mesto. Participants explored a wide range of topics, including:

Sustainability and Energy

• Renewable energy – How we can harness the power of the sun
• Sustainable engineering: methods, challenges and opportunities

Health, Safety and Well-Being

• Energy drinks – turbo boost or silent danger?
• Informed means safe: a workshop on healthy sexuality
• Acting correctly can save a life (CPR)
• Warm-up – the foundation of safe and effective training (World Physiotherapy Day workshop)

Digital Competences and the Future of Education

• Artificial intelligence after two years of use in learning – experiences and new developments
• Crypto for beginners: how digital money works and what you should know

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

• From business idea to income
• Are you a born entrepreneur? – Test yourself
• Everyone can be an innovator

Environment and Community

• Eco Patrol – exploring environmental pollution in Novo mesto

High school pupils and primary school students learned about practical applications of science, explored current challenges and tested their knowledge in real-life situations. The atmosphere was vibrant, and the workshops were exceptionally well attended.

Prof. Dr. Karmen Erjavec, Vice-Rector of the University of Novo mesto, highlighted at the event:

"We are delighted that the European Researchers' Night at our university attracted such a large audience, especially young people. This shows that they are interested in science and recognise its importance for societal development. Science is not something distant and abstract—it is part of our everyday lives. I believe that events like this inspire young people to take their first steps into research and contribute to a better world."

International Programme: StudyEU Amber Road

A special highlight of the event was the international programme held within the StudyEU Amber Road university alliance, which brings together ten European universities. Visitors attended:

• presentations of joint research projects,
• a roundtable with established researchers from European universities,
• a discussion among young researchers from nine EU countries on the challenges and opportunities of modern research.

The international segment underscored the importance of collaboration among young researchers and the exchange of knowledge across Europe.

Silver Day – Intergenerational Exchange During Science Month

As part of Science Month, the University of Novo mesto also organised Silver Day on 8 October 2025, dedicated to retirees and the wider public. The event was held in cooperation with:

• the Seniors' Section of the GZDBK,
• the Novo mesto Pensioners' Association,
• the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.

The programme included:

• A roundtable "Changes in the Economy Over Time: What Can Students Learn from Comparing Past and Present?" featuring Mojca Novak, Ivo Longar and Dr. Boris Dular.
• A professional lecture "Workshop on Incontinence" delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ljiljana Leskovic and Nataša Koprivnik, in cooperation with the Pensioners' Association.
• A cultural closing programme (opening of the art exhibition "Nature Heals", musical performance by the duo Z andahtjo, and a social gathering in the university atrium).

The event emphasised the importance of intergenerational cooperation and knowledge exchange—values that the University of Novo mesto actively nurtures.

The event was held with the financial support of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation within the framework of the Science Month 2025 programme.