Slovenian academic projects make a landmark victory in securing grants from a highly competitive European research initiative. The University of Ljubljana and the University of Maribor have successfully navigated the competitive landscape to obtain funding for their innovative endeavors from the European Researchers’ Night and Researchers in Schools 2024-2025, part of the Horizon Europe framework, MSCA & Citizens.
Emphasizing humanistic research and its societal contributions, the project ‘Humanistika, to si ti!’ led by Sašo Jerše, showcases the significance of humanities in both social and economic contexts. Intertwining with numerous disciplines across ten different faculties, the project also tackles the integration of artificial intelligence into daily life, highlighting opportunities as well as potential risks associated with the technology. The initiative’s engagements will be accessible online and through social media, offering year-round events, including scientist visits to educational institutions.
Maribor’s university spearheads its eleventh innovative project called ‘Lažne novice in teorije zarote? Opolnomočimo (se za) znanost!’, aimed at reinforcing the positive image of researchers and their vital role in society. The endeavor, endorsed by the President of Slovenia, features an intensive public awareness campaign and immersive educational experiences for students, functioning from May to April 2026.
The overarching European Researchers’ Night, as highlighted by Stojan Sorčan of the Ministry for Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, is a continent-wide initiative sponsored by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie actions. It fills the streets of Slovenia with experiments and science-themed discussions every September, also cooperating closely with schools to engage the younger generation in the wonders of scientific pursuit.
Key Challenges and Controversies:
Securing European funding for research is an intensely competitive process, and universities across the continent vie for the limited resources available. For Slovenian universities, competing in such a crowded environment presents several challenges:
1. Stiff Competition: Remaining competitive among larger universities with more significant research infrastructures can be challenging for smaller institutions like those in Slovenia.
2. Funding Utilization: Managing and deploying funds effectively to maximize the impact of research and awareness programs is vital to ensure the continuation of funding and to obtain future grants.
3. Research Impact Assessment: Measuring the actual societal impact of research programs, especially in humanistic studies, is complicated and often subject to debate.
4. Collaboration and Independence: While interdisciplinary cooperation can enhance research outcomes, it may also lead to conflicts regarding intellectual independence or differences in methodological approaches.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
– Increased Visibility: Participation in European-funded projects raises the profile of Slovenian academic institutions on both a European and international level.
– Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Funding encourages collaboration across various academic disciplines, which can lead to more holistic and impactful research results.
– Community Engagement: Initiatives like European Researchers’ Night foster public engagement with science and research, promoting wider appreciation and understanding of the scientific community’s work.
Disadvantages:
– Dependency on External Funds: Reliance on European funding may make institutions vulnerable to changes in funding policy or the political landscape.
– Project Limitations: The scope of research may inadvertently become influenced by the funding body’s priorities rather than being solely determined by researchers.
Related Links:
For information related to European funding for research and awareness programs:
European Commission
For details concerning Horizon Europe:
Horizon Europe
For more about the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions:
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Any relevant updates or advancements in the funded Slovenian projects would need to be consulted through official university websites or press releases from the institutions: the University of Ljubljana and the University of Maribor.