From November 30 to December 4, 2025, Prof. Aleksandar Kukrić from the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport at the University of Banja Luka was a guest of Assist. Prof. Matej Plevnik. He gave a lecture to students in the Didactics, Pedagogy, and Andragogy course, where he presented the competency model for physical education teachers and sports coaches as understood at their faculty. Prof. Kukrić is also the leader of a bilateral project in which their faculty is collaborating with UP Faculty of Health Sciences. Together with Assist. Prof. Žiga Kozinc, they also held a research meeting on the analysis of project data, from which topics for master’s theses for students of kinesiology and physical education have already been submitted.

From November 3 to 7, 2025, Dr. Marko Joksimović from the University of Montenegro, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, visited UP Faculty of Health Sciences. He presented the possibilities of interdisciplinary integration and internationalization to students of applied kinesiology. Together with Dr. Matej Plevnik, he held several research meetings in preparation for future project and research collaboration. In addition to his work at the faculty, Dr. Marko Joksimović also works as a fitness trainer at the Budućnost Podgorica basketball club.

From October 20 to October 24, 2025, Prof. Saša Jovanović, PhD from the University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, was a guest lecturer at UP Faculty of Health Sciences. He gave several lectures and conducted exercises for students as part of the Dance Didactics and Group Exercise course in the Physical Education program. During his visit, Prof. Jovanović also attended the defense of the master’s thesis of his mentee, student Sara Zgonc, who successfully defended her work entitled “The Effects of Dance Training on Health Indicators in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis.” With her successful defense, she earned the title of Master of Physical Education.

From 8 July to 11 July 2025, we were visited by Assoc. Prof. Patrick Orlando from the Polytechnic University of Marche (Universita Politechnica delle Marche) in Ancona, in the framework of Erasmus+ KA131. During his visit, he gave a lecture and a practical workshop on the quantification of bioactive compounds by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The collaboration between Assoc. Prof. Patrick Orlando and Assoc. Prof. Nina Mohorka, Assist. Prof. Ana Petelin and Assoc. Prof. Zala Jenko Pražnikar is also carried out in the framework of a joint marketing project. During the visit, the researchers evaluated the results and prepared a joint report for the company. Discussions were also held on a future clinical study to be carried out by the researchers with the University of Ancona and the Community Health Centre Koper in autumn 2025.

Between 15 May and 15 June 2025, PhD student Maja Živanović from the Food Institute in Novi Sad visited the UP FVZ as part of the bilateral Slovenia-Serbia project. Together with Assis. Prof. Ana Petelin, Assoc. Prof. Zala Jenko Pražnikar and Assoc. Prof. Saša Kenig, she tested the cytotoxicity of astaxanthin in various solvents on the colon cancer cell line Caco-2 and a human melanoma cell line A375.

As part of the Erasmus+ exchange program, the Faculty of Health Sciences hosted professors from Portugal and Turkey on May 20 and 21, 2025. We welcomed Dr. Duygu Mataraci Degirmenci from Ordu University (Turkey), as well as Dr. Antonio Manuel Martins Lopes Fernandes, Helena Maria Mourão Felizardo, and Dr. Ana Filipa dos Reis Marques Cardoso from the University of Coimbra (Portugal). The visit was organized in cooperation with the Department of Nursing and the Department of Nutritional Counseling – Dietetics.

The guests were introduced to the operations of the Faculty of Health Sciences, after which we visited the Valdoltra Orthopaedic Hospital, where they learned about outstanding practices in the field of orthopaedics. As part of their visit, the guests participated in a seminar led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Klemen Širok, where they shared their professional knowledge and experiences with both local and international students.

Following the visit, the guests expressed their satisfaction with the hospitality and professionalism of our staff and students. The discussions also focused on exploring opportunities for future collaboration, particularly in the context of joint research projects and student exchanges.

Prof. Dr Aleksandra Klisič from Podgorica visited the UP FVZ between 28.4. and 1.5.2025 as part of the bilateral projekt Slovenia-Montenegro. Prof. Dr. Aleksandra Klisič is a doctor of medicine, a specialist in clinical biochemistry, as well as sub-specialist in laboratory endocrinology. She is professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Montenegro and head of the Center for Laboratory Diagnostics at the Health Center of the Capital City. With assitant professor Ana Petelin, associate professor Zala Jenko Pražnikar, associate professor Saša Kenig and Nebojša Đurišić, MD., she is participating in the project entitled “Predictors of increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk among adult population – the role of novel inflammatory biomarkers, carotid intima-media thickness and cardiovascular risk scores”.

In April, Dr. Marc Elmeua González, a former doctoral student at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, conducted a professional training session during his visit to the faculty, titled Integrative Kinesiology and Technology in Equine Training. The event, attended by numerous experts in the field, included both a theoretical component and hands-on practical work in the laboratory.

At the same time, we also hosted Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gianluca Cantoni from the University of Trieste, who delivered a lecture titled Fall Risk and Fall Prevention in Specific Orthopaedic Patients of the Older Adults Population as part of the postgraduate Physiotherapy program. The lecture served as an excellent example of the ongoing collaboration with the University of Trieste, aimed at further knowledge exchange and strengthening inter-institutional cooperation.

On April 23 and 24, 2025, Jožo Krajina, Head of the Accounting and Finance Department at the Faculty of Education in Osijek, and Ana Krajina from the Accounting and Finance Department at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University in Osijek, paid a visit to our institution.

Between April 22 and 26, 2025, the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Primorska hosted Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nina Sládeková from the University of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Slovakia, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elena Žiaková from the Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Slovakia. As part of the visit, Dr. Elena Žiaková delivered a lecture titled Development of Kinesiology: Central Coordination Disorder and the Vojta Method.

Between March 31 and April 4, 2025, the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Primorska hosted Dr Nyambura Mwagiru, Head of Tygerberg International (TI), and Paul Beresford, International Undergraduate Electives Coordinator at Tygerberg International (TI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University (South Africa).

They participated in a UP Staff Week under the title “Student Engagement”.

Their visit further strengthened the ties between our institutions and enhanced collaboration in the areas of mobility, internationalisation, and student support.

Between April 7 and April 11, 2025, the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Primorska hosted Assist. Prof. Dr. Tomáš Hlinský from the Department of Sport Performance and Exercise Testing, Faculty of Sports Studies Masaryk University (Czech Republic).

During his visit, he delivered lectures titled Cooking skills as a vital part of good sports nutrition, Dietary nitrates and other supplements promoting athlete’s performance, and Supplements – Friend or foe? He also presented his research work to the staff of the Applied Kinesiology programme.

On 21 August 2024, the Departement of Nutritional Counseling – Dietetics hosted our colleagues Danuta Gajewska, PhD and Joanna Myszkowska-Ryciak, PhD, from the University of Life Sciences (WULS) Department of Dietetics Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences Warsaw, Poland, as well as our colleague Stojan Kostanjevec, PhD, from the Faculty of Education, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. The topic of the visit was to discuss the possibilities of pedagogical exchanges and research cooperation in the field of nutrition and dietetics. They visited the RKS Debeli Rtič Health Resort, where a recovery programme for overweight children “Camp My Challenge” is currently being co-implemented, which was presented to them by the Head of the Health Sector, Breda Prunk Franetič, PhD, Specialist in School Medicine.rysum and carry out further studies.

Between 17 June and 19 June 2024, the Faculty of Health Sciences hosted Dr. Alena Stupar and Dr. Aleksandra Mišan from the Institute of Food Technology in Novi Sad, who are collaborating with Associate Prof. Dr. Zala Jenko Pražnikar, Associate Prof. Dr. Saša Kenig, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ana Petelin, Dr. Katja Kramberger and Karin Šik Novak from the UP Faculty of Health Sciences on a joint bilateral project entitled “Sustainable Food for Healthy Future”. The project analysed extracts of caper leaves, artichoke leaves and smut from both a chemical and biological point of view. In the future, we will work together to develop a functional food drink with bioactive compounds from Helichrysum and carry out further studies.

On Tuesday, 18 June 2024, UP FVZ hosted colleagues from Comenius University in Bratislava (Slovakia). We were visited by Prof. Viktor Bielik, Dean of the Faculty of Sport Education, Dr. Ľubor Tománek, Vice Dean for Legislation (Department of Sport Games) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Milan Sedliak (Department of Sport Kinanthropology, Aging and Lifestyle Diseases). The main topic of the discussion was our experience with the inclusion of kinesiologists in the list of professions of health care professionals and the transfer of good practices to Slovakia. At the same time, it was agreed that the two faculties will sign a mutual cooperation agreement which, in addition to the existing Erasmus+ bilateral agreement, will further strengthen cooperation in both teaching and research.

Between 4 and 7 June 2024, Prof. Dr. Elisabetta Damiani from the Politechnic University of Marche, Ancona, visited the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Primorska in the framework of UniAdrion. During her visit, Prof. Damiani gave lectures entitled “THE SCIENCE BEHIND SUNSCREENS” and “TEA AND OTHER BEVERAGES: WHY THEY ARE PREPARED AFFECT THEIR NUTRACEUTICAL PROPERTIES?”. In addition, the mobility also produced three draft project proposals, which will be finalised in the academic year 2024/2025.

During the week of 13-17 May 2024, we hosted Dr Martin Červený and Dr Lenka Šedová from the University of South Bohemia in České Budejovice. During the visit, we showed them around and presented our simulation centre, learning facilities and discussed further cooperation. They also gave lectures on “Evidence-Based Practices in Healthcare: Enhancing Patient Outcomes” and “Preventive Skills in Nursing”.

Dr. Miloš Petrović from the University of Iceland visiting UP FVZ: a good example of a kinesiology expert who works in research and teaching in the field of movement problems of patients with diabetes

After a diploma and a master’s degree in his native Serbia, Assoc. Prof. dr. Miloš Petrović’s career path led to the United Kingdom (Manchester Metropolitan University), where he received his doctorate, and then to Iceland, where he is currently employed as a university teacher/researcher and head of one of the research centers. Among other things, dr. Petrović is involved in research on changes in movement patterns and movement capacity in patients with diabetes, as well as opportunities for exercise and other support for diabetes patients.

This topic was also the content of his guest lecture to Physiotherapy Master’s students at the Faculty of Health Sciences (UP), hosted by prof. dr. Nejc Šarabon. During the visit of dr. Petrović at UP our faculty we also discussed the opportunities for more permanent cooperation in the field of research. He visited Slovenia and the Faculty of Health Sciences (UP) between March 27 and April 4, 2024.

New good energy and thus the basis for the development of partnership and friendship. Miloš, thank you! Welcome!

Research-pedagogical visit of prof. dr. Marc Elmeua Gonzalez at the University of Primorska – Faculty of Health Sciences

The development path followed by prof. dr. Marc Elmeua Gonzalez is a model example of the kind we want even more of in the future at the Faculty of Health Sciences (University of Primorska). Marc, originally from Spain, was a doctoral student at our faculty, spent a good three years in Slovenia and prepared a very exemplary doctoral thesis in the field of horse riding biomechanics. He then returned to Spain and took a job at the Institut Nacional d`Educacio Fisica de Catalunya as a teacher and researcher. He maintained close contact with our institution (UP FVZ) and became a member of the KINSPO research group, led by prof. dr. Nejc Šarabon.

During this visit (from April 5 to 12, 2024), he gave a lecture for students of the 2nd level of Physiotherapy and co-led a research study on the mechanical loads of individual body segments/joints during the performance of jumps and hops. It is an original research in which we transfer the methodology of evaluation of segmental absorption of mechanical stress, which we used for the first time during Marc’s doctoral research and now apply it to the example of plyometric actions of the lower body.

Visit – effective working days and continuation of great personal relationships! Thanks Marc – always welcome!

Research visit of Serbian sport science PhD students on Erasmus+ exchange at University of Primorska – Faculty of Health Sciences

Between 10^th and 19^th April 2024 we had an opportunity to host PhD students from Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Belgrade (Igor Zlatović, Marko Kapeleti, David Nikolić, and Aleksandar Rajković) through Erasmus+ short-term PhD Mobility.

They participated in data acquisition within the research “Absorption of mechanical stress along the kinetic chain during different jumping tasks and its relationship with maximal strength and performance indices”. The study was a part of KINSPO research program led by prof. dr. Nejca Šarabon.

With great teamwork we placed the ground for future scientific publications and collaborations. The students had a great social and learning experience and have met the expectations of the host.

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On January 18, 2024, representatives from Nord University in Norway visited us at the University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences.
Their faculty was represented by the dean, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gøril Ursin, Prof. Dr. Gørill Haugan, Prof. Dr. Kari Ingstad, and Vesna Forbergskog.
During the visit, we discussed the establishment of collaboration in the areas of student/professor exchange and research.
Prof. Dr. Gørill Haugan also gave a lecture titled “Spiritual nursing care in the Intensive care unit” as part of the visit.

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On November 27th and 28th, 2023, we hosted Cindy Heremans and Karel Matthys, department coordinators for international mobility at Thomas More University in Belgium, at UP Faculty of Health Sciences. The purpose of the visit was mutual acquaintance of both faculties with the aim of discussing possibilities for collaboration in the field of student mobility in the nursing program, staff mobility, and cooperation on projects.

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Between the 11th of October 2023 and the 13th of October 2023, the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, hosted Sen. Lect. Hano Repo Jamal from Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, who was here on an Erasmus+ training programme. As part of her exchange, she delivered a lecture entitled ‘Cultural Competence and Patient Education’. She also participated in a healthcare simulation training, where she shared her knowledge and experience, highlighting the potential for future collaboration between the two faculties.

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Between the 9th and 13th of October 2023, we hosted Assoc. Prof. Dr. Miloš Marković. He delivered lectures to second-degree students in the programs of Sports Education, Physiotherapy and Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition on two topics. The first lecture was titled “The Connection between Physical Education and Sports Education,” where he established a connection between these two subject titles in schools in Serbia and Slovenia. In the second lecture, titled “Bioethics in sport,” basic topics related to bioethics in sports were presented to the students, such as fair play, doping substances, transgender issues, and more.

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As part of the Erasmus+ program, between October 16, 2023, and October 20, 2023, we were visited by 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐁𝐨𝐣𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐢ć 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐢š, 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲, 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞. The purpose of the visit was to acquaint her with colleagues from the PSD department and mobility coordinators at UP FVZ. We showed her our facilities and work in various laboratories and the nutritional counselling centre. We provided a detailed presentation of our undergraduate programme in Nutritional Counselling – Dietetics and postgraduate programme in Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, as well as research our research areas and research results.

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Between October 2 and October 6, 2023, the UP Faculty of Health Sciences hosted Assoc. Prof. Timea Németh, an English professor at the Medical School of the University of  Pécs, who was here for an Erasmus+ training. The University of Pécs in Hungary is proud to be the oldest university in Central Europe. Dr. Barbara Jurša Potocco hosted her at UP Faculty of Health Sciences, and the purpose of the visit was to exchange knowledge and experiences about teaching.

Trimesečno gostovanje je vključevalo neposredno raziskovalno delo ter pisanje znanstvenih člankov na podlagi preteklih sodelovanj. V sklopu gostovanja je bila izvedena študija v kateri so proučevali zanesljivost in ponovljivost merjenja zavitih šprintov z GPS tehnologijo.

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During the period from April 1, 2023, to June 30, 2023, we hosted a researcher from the University of Granada and continued our collaboration with the mentioned institution. Researcher Sergio Miras Moreno conducted a 3-month research visit under the mentorship of Assist. Prof. Darjan Smajla.

The three-month visit included direct research work and the writing of scientific articles based on previous collaborations. As part of the visit, a study was conducted in which the reliability and repeatability of measuring curved sprints using GPS technology were examined.

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Through the Erasmus+ exchange, we were visited by guests from the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport at the University of Banja Luka: Assoc. Prof. dr. Aleksandar Kukrić, Vice-Dean for Research, and Assoc. Prof. Saša Jovanović, who also collaborates with UP FVZ in the field of dance didactics. They participated in a program focused on Outdoor physical activity, conducted by second-year kinesiology students in Bovec and its surroundings. The faculties also applied for a bilateral project through the ARIS call.