On Wednesday, 22 April 2026, the graduation ceremony and awards of the Faculty of Polymer Technology took place at the Cultural Centre Slovenj Gradec. The event was dedicated to graduates, their families, staff, and partners of the faculty, and once again represented an important milestone for a new generation of experts in the field of polymer materials.

Since the last graduation ceremony, held on 9 May 2025, 36 students have successfully completed their studies. In total, 312 students have graduated from both study programmes to date.

The ceremony was marked by addresses from the Dean of the faculty, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Blaž Nardin, the Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Slovenj Gradec Martina Šisernik, and the State Secretary for Higher Education at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Urban Kodrič, who delivered encouraging words to the graduates as they enter their professional careers.

On behalf of the graduates, Jernej Izda, the best graduate of this year’s second-cycle programme, addressed the audience. On behalf of employers, Tatjana Ivanovič, Director of Kopur d.o.o. and Vice-Chair of the FTPO Governing Board, also spoke.

Kopur d.o.o. is a co-founder of the faculty and a long-standing and reliable partner. The company operates in the field of polymer material processing and the development of innovative solutions from recycled materials for various industrial sectors – from the automotive industry and household appliances to construction. The company cooperates with the faculty in research and development projects, knowledge transfer into industrial practice, and in creating opportunities for students through professional excursions, practical training, student work, and employment.

The programme was also enriched this year by musical performances from the Slovenj Gradec Music School.

Awards presented

Based on the Rules on Awards and Honorary Titles of the Faculty of Polymer Technology, eight awards were presented this year.

• The award for an important contribution to the development of the faculty was received by CAP d.o.o.
• The award for an important contribution to the reputation, quality, and sustainable growth of the FTPO community was received by Nejc Ozimic.
• The award for achievements in research activity was received by Aljaž Kolar.
• The award for engagement in extracurricular activities was received by Nejc Buh.
• The award for the best final thesis in the first-cycle higher professional study programme Polymer Technology was received by Jure Omahen for the thesis Optimization of the process and selection of materials for the production of a motorhome lifting roof.
• The award for the best final thesis in the second-cycle master’s study programme Polymer Technology was received by Luka Racman Knez for the thesis The influence of compatibilizer combinations on the properties of thermoplastic composites with a PA66 matrix.
• The award for the most successful graduate of the first-cycle higher professional study programme Polymer Technology was received by Jure Omahen with an average grade of 8.36.
• The award for the most successful graduate of the second-cycle master’s study programme Polymer Technology was received by Jernej Izda with an average grade of 9.68.

We sincerely congratulate all graduates and award recipients.

You are also kindly invited to view the photographs by Nika Hölcl, Fotobeležnica.