Univerza na Primorskem Fakulteta za matematiko, naravoslovje in informacijske tehnologije
Awards and recognitions
Employees and students of UP FAMNIT are recipients of various awards and recognitions, reflecting their outstanding achievements in their respective fields.
Awards and recognitions are granted by the state, various institutions, and professional associations. Here, we present information about UP FAMNIT employees and students who have received the following awards and recognitions:
- Zois Award and Recognition,
- Republic of Slovenia Award in the Field of Education, and
- Awards and Recognitions conferred by the University of Primorska.
We also publish information about students who are recipients of commendations awarded by UP FAMNIT.
Zois Award and Recognition
The Zois Award is the highest national award in the Republic of Slovenia for achievements in scientific research and development activities. It has been awarded since 1998 (until 1997, the Republic of Slovenia Awards for Scientific Research were granted). The Zois Award is named after the Slovenian entrepreneur and researcher Žiga Zois. The award is conferred by a committee appointed by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.
In addition to the award, the committee annually decides on the recipients of the Zois Recognition, the title Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia in Science, and, since 2006, the Puh Recognition. The Zois Recognition is the highest distinction for achievements in scientific research and development activities and has been awarded since 1998.
We are proud that among the recipients of Zois recognitions and awards are also higher education teachers and researchers of UP FAMNIT.
Since the 2011/12 academic year, faculties have prepared independent reports, which are then incorporated into the joint self-evaluation report of the University of Primorska. The reports of the University of Primorska are available here, while the reports of UP FAMNIT are published below:
2025
2025: prof. dr. Tomaž Pisanski, Zois Award for lifetime achievement in the field of discrete mathematics
More information and a brief justification of the award can be found here.
prof. dr. Tomaž Pisanski in the photo.
Photo: Matjaž Tavčar (for MVZI)
2025: prof. dr. Urban Bren, Zois Certificate of Recognition for significant achievements in the field of biomolecular simulations
More information and a brief justification of the award can be found here.
prof. dr. Urban Bren in the photo.
Photo: Matjaž Tavčar (for MVZI)
2024
2024: prof. dr. Vito Vitrih, Zois Award for important achievement in the field of numerical mathematics
More information and a brief justification of the award can be found here.
prof. dr. Vito Vitrih in the photo.
2024: prof. dr. Igor Klep, Zois Prize for outstanding achievement in the field of algebra and its applications
More information and a brief justification of the award can be found here.
prof. dr. Igor Klep in the photo.
2022
2022: prof. dr. Bojan Kuzma, Zois Award for outstanding achievement in the field of linear algebra
More information and a brief justification of the award can be found here.
Photograph from the 2022 Zois Awards and recognitions ceremony.
2021
2021: prof. dr. Vita Poštuvan, Zois Certificate of Recognition for important scientific achievements in the field of suicidology and mental health
More information and a brief justification of the award can be found here.
In the photograph: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vita Poštuvan.
2021: prof. dr. István Kovács, Zois Prize for outstanding achievement in algebraic graph theory
More information and a brief justification of the award can be found here.
Photograph from the 2021 University of Primorska Awards and recognitions ceremony.
2020
2020: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lara Lusa, Zois Award for scientific achievements, namely for scientific achievements in the development of the methodology of medical statistics
More information and a brief justification of the award can be found here.
Excerpt from the documentary film “Highlights of Slovenian Science in the Light of the 2020 Award Winners for Exceptional Achievements”, photo: rtvslo.si
2019
2019: Prof. Dr. Enes Pašalić, Zois Prize for outstanding achievement in field of cryptography
More information and a brief justification of the award can be found here.
Group photograph with Dr. Jernej Pikalo, Minister of Education, Science and Sport
2018
2018: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Andreja Kutnar, Zois Award for significant scientific achievements in the field of woodworking
More information and a brief justification of the award can be found here.
In the photograph: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Andreja Kutnar and Prof. Dr. Dragan Marušič, Rector of UP
2017
2017: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Martin Milanič, Zois Award for important scientific achievements in the field of discrete mathematics
More information and a brief justification of the award can be found here.
In the photograph: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Martin Milanič.
2015
2015: Prof. Dr. Tomaž Pisanski, Zois Award for outstanding achievements in scientific research in the field of discrete mathematics and its applications
More information and a brief justification of the award can be found here.
In the photograph: Prof. Dr. Tomaž Pisanski receiving the Zois Award.
(Photo: MIZŠ)
2013
2013: Prof. Dr. Dušanka Janežič, Zois Prize for outstanding achievements in mathematics and science
More information and a brief justification of the award can be found here.
In the photograph: Prof. Dr. Dušanka Janežič receiving the Zois Award.
(Photo: Tamino Petelinšek, STA)
2012
2012: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Štefko Miklavič, Zois Award for important scientific achievements in mathematics
More information and a brief justification of the award can be found here.
In the photograph: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Štefko Miklavič receiving the Zois Award.
(Photo: Daniel Novakovič, STA)
2002
2002: Prof. Dr. Dragan Marušič, Zois Prize for outstanding achievements in scientific research in the field of graph theory and algebra
More information and a brief justification of the award can be found here.
Na fotografiji prof. dr. Dragan Marušič ob prevzemu Zoisove nagrade.
2001
2001: Prof. Dr. Matjaž Omladič, Zois Award for outstanding achievements in scientific research in the field of mathematics
More information and a brief justification of the award can be found here.
The Republic of Slovenia Award in the Field of Education
The Republic of Slovenia Awards in the field of education are granted for outstanding achievements in education and teaching, as well as for lifetime achievement in this field. They may be awarded to an individual, a group, an institution, or another organization operating in the field of education.
The awards are conferred by the Committee for Awarding the Republic of Slovenia Awards in Education, which is appointed by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia upon the proposal of the Minister of Education
2012
2012: Prof. Dr. Andrej Brodnik, Award for outstanding achievements in higher education
More information and a brief justification of the award can be found here.
In the photograph: Prof. Dr. Andrej Brodnik receiving the award.
Awards and Recognitions of the University of Primorska
Decisions on the awarding of individual recognitions are made by the Senate of the University of Primorska (UP) upon the proposal of the UP Awards Committee. In accordance with the Rules on UP Awards, the university grants the following recognitions, which are ceremonially presented each year during the University of Primorska Week.
With the aim of encouraging teaching and research excellence among higher education teachers and researchers, UP established the Research Excellence Fund and the Teaching Excellence Fund in 2009. Through this award system, the university seeks to recognize outstanding research achievements produced at the university, as well as the quality and dedication to teaching and the development of new teaching methods. Accordingly, each year the university also awards
- Awards of the Research Excellence Fund, and
- Awards of the Teaching Excellence Fund.
Since 2018, acknowledgements have also been awarded to professional staff who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in their field of work in the past year.
Honorary Doctor of the University of Primorska (UP)
The title “Honorary Doctor of the University of Primorska (UP)”, which may be awarded to an individual for outstanding achievements in the fields of science and the arts, or for notable contributions to strengthening interpersonal relations
Honorary Senator of the University of Primorska (UP)
The title “Honorary Senator of the University of Primorska (UP)”, which may be awarded to an individual for significant contributions to the development and reputation of UP.
Professor Emeritus of the University of Primorska (UP)
The title “Professor Emeritus of the University of Primorska (UP)”, awarded to a retired higher education teacher for outstanding achievements in the development of a scientific or artistic field, for dedicated teaching and mentoring within UP, and for contributions to strengthening the reputation and recognition of UP.
Ceremonial Charter of the University of Primorska (UP)
The Ceremonial Charter of the University of Primorska (UP), which may be awarded to a young higher education teacher or associate of UP, or to a young scientist or research associate of UP, for achievements in scientific, artistic, or pedagogical work
Gold Plaque of the University of Primorska (UP)
The Gold Plaque of the University of Primorska (UP) may be awarded to higher education teachers, higher education associates, scientists, or research associates of UP for an exceptional contribution to the development of scientific, artistic, or pedagogical work at UP, as well as for contributions to strengthening the reputation and recognition of UP.
The Gold Plaque of UP for donors is awarded to individuals or legal entities that have made a significant contribution—through financial support or work—to the material development of UP or to the training of its staff
Srečko Kosovel Award
The “Srečko Kosovel” Award for students of the University of Primorska (UP) may be granted to undergraduate or postgraduate students for exceptional achievements in the preparation of their bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral thesis in the previous academic year, or to a student who, through their work and above-average achievements in educational, research, or artistic activities, has contributed to the recognition of UP.
University of Primorska (UP) Recognition for Students
The University of Primorska (UP) Recognition for Students may be awarded to undergraduate or postgraduate students who, through their work and above-average achievements in extracurricular activities (such as sports, student organizations, culture, the arts, volunteering, etc.), have contributed to the development of the UP.
With the aim of encouraging teaching and research excellence among higher education teachers and researchers, the University of Primorska (UP) established the Research Excellence Fund and the Teaching Excellence Fund in 2009. Through this award mechanism, the university seeks to recognize outstanding research achievements produced at the university, as well as the quality and dedication to teaching and the development of new teaching methods. Accordingly, each year the university also awards:
- Awards of the Research Excellence Fund, and
- Awards of the Teaching Excellence Fund.
Since 2018, acknowledgements have also been awarded to professional staff who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in their field of work in the past year.
Recipients of Awards and Recognitions of the University of Primorska
A list of higher education teachers, researchers, professional staff, and students of the University of Primorska, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies (UP FAMNIT), who have received awards, recognitions, and acknowledgements from the University of Primorska.
Download the PDF document
Faculty Commendations
Since the 2012/13 academic year, the Senate of the University of Primorska, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies (UP FAMNIT), has awarded commendations to its students for outstanding achievements in their studies and/or research, as well as to those who have made a particularly significant contribution to the development of the faculty’s extracurricular activities.
Students with achievements in academic and/or research fields are nominated by the departments of UP FAMNIT, with each department typically proposing up to two students per year. Students who have particularly distinguished themselves in the development of extracurricular activities are nominated by the UP FAMNIT Student Council.
Students receive these commendations during the formal graduation ceremony of UP FAMNIT, which the faculty organizes each year in June.
Recipients of Commendations
A list of students who have received commendations from the University of Primorska, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies (UP FAMNIT).
2024/25
Recipients of commendations 2024/25 with the Dean of UP FAMNIT, Prof. Dr. Ademir Hujdurović (15th UP FAMNIT Graduation Ceremony – Koper, 17 June 2025) – from left: Diar Gashi, Erazem Derenčin, Laura Ogrin, Anja Popović, Špela Možgan Nose.
2023/24
Recipients of commendations 2023/24 with the Dean of UP FAMNIT, Prof. Dr. Ademir Hujdurović (14th UP FAMNIT Graduation Ceremony – Koper, 6 June 2024) – from left: Andrej Erjavec, Miha Rupar, Ajla Šehović, Adela Horvat, Matic Bončina, Staša Simčič, Lina Šenica, Elara Udvanc, Aljaž Kosmač.
2022/23
Recipients of commendations 2022/23 with the Dean of UP FAMNIT, Prof. Dr. Ademir Hujdurović (13th UP FAMNIT Graduation Ceremony – Koper, 8 June 2023) – from left: Dorotea Redžepi, Sara Milovanova, Kaja Vereš, Blas Fernandez, Katarina Marjanović, Katarina Ćosić, Lucia Nikolić, Pavle Mihailovski.
2021/22
Recipients of commendations 2021/22 with the Dean of UP FAMNIT, Prof. Dr. Ademir Hujdurović (12th UP FAMNIT Graduation Ceremony – Koper, 10 June 2022) – from left: Cita Jenko, Manca Vodopivec, Ajla Šehović, Nadeen Al Hawamdeh, Inga Raič, Niki Hrovatin, Marjana Tomažič.
2020/21
Recipients of commendations 2020/21 with the Dean of UP FAMNIT, Prof. Dr. Ademir Hujdurović (11th UP FAMNIT Graduation Ceremony – Koper, 28 May 2021) – from left: Ana Kuder, Hana Remešová, Luka Duniš, Robert Logar, Matija Zagoranski.
2019/20
Recipients of commendations 2019/20 with the Dean of UP FAMNIT, Prof. Dr. Ademir Hujdurović (11th UP FAMNIT Graduation Ceremony – Koper, 28 May 2021) – from left: Sara Brglez, Petra Slavinec, Besfort Shala, Nuwan Tharanga Attygalle, Amar Bapić, Anuradhi Maheshya Weerasi.
2018/19
Recipients of commendations 2018/19 with the Dean of UP FAMNIT, Prof. Dr. Klavdija Kutnar (9th UP FAMNIT Graduation Ceremony – Koper, 7 June 2019) – from left: Taja Pajmon Rak, Aja Bončina, Urška Gerič, Nina Klobas, Đorđe Mitrović, Otilija Dajč, Nives Žunec, Špela Bizjan, Anja Zupanc, Urša Mele, Maša Žerjav, Katja Valjavec.
2017/18
Recipients of commendations 2017/18 with the Dean of UP FAMNIT, Prof. Dr. Klavdija Kutnar (8th UP FAMNIT Graduation Ceremony – Koper, 8 June 2018) – from left: Dijana Džamastagić, Anej Marušič, Roman Solodukhin, Prof. Dr. Klavdija Kutnar, Nevena Mitrović, Jakob Sajovic, Goran Tubić.
2016/17
Recipients of commendations 2016/17 with the Dean of UP FAMNIT, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Klavdija Kutnar (7th UP FAMNIT Graduation Ceremony – Koper, 9 June 2017) – from left: Andreja Grobiša, Milica Jovanović, Leo Gombač, Patrik Kocjančič, Dr. Klavdija Kutnar, Nevena Mitrović, Borut Umer, Ana Kuder, Martin Senič.
2015/16
Recipients of commendations 2015/16 with the Dean of UP FAMNIT, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Klavdija Kutnar (6th UP FAMNIT Graduation Ceremony – Koper, 16 June 2016) – from left: Klavdija Kutnar, Domen Stanič, Maryana Potitska, Špela Križanec, Ivan Bartulović, Vladan Jovičić, Eva Žunec, Lucija Česnik.
2014/15
Recipients of commendations 2014/15 with the Dean of UP FAMNIT, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Klavdija Kutnar (5th UP FAMNIT Graduation Ceremony – Koper, 12 June 2015) – from left: Urša Bernardič, Andrej Koprivec, Sandra Hasić, Marko Posavčević, Marko Rajković, Klavdija Kutnar, Tomaž Sabadin, Martin Senič, Tanja Štular, Aleksandar Todorović, Anja Rudež.
2013/14
Recipients of commendations 2013/14 with the Dean of UP FAMNIT, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Klavdija Kutnar (4th UP FAMNIT Graduation Ceremony – Koper, 11 June 2014) – from left: Klavdija Kutnar, Matej Filipović, Nataša Fujs, Olga Kaliada, Nina Kočar, Marko Palangetić, Roman Solodukhin, Tomaž Tomažinčič, Teja Zakotnik, Patrik Zlatić.
2012/13
Recipients of commendations 2012/13 with the Dean of UP FAMNIT, Assist. Prof. Dr. Klavdija Kutnar (3rd UP FAMNIT Graduation Ceremony – Koper, 14 June 2013) – from left: Gregor Benko, Miha Šaberl, Eva Praprotnik, Klavdija Kutnar, Julija Podbevšek, Emina Glavaš, Ratko Darda, Anastasya Tanana.