UP FTPO Researchers Attend T4EU Matchmaking Event in Saarbrücken
Between 22 and 23 September 2026, Saarland University (Saarbrücken, Germany) hosted a matchmaking event for researchers in chemistry and related sciences (Matchmaking Event – Chemistry related Sciences within T4EU). The gathering brought together researchers and professors from member universities of the Transform4Europe (T4EU) European University Alliance. The University of Primorska was represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Irena Pulko and Asst. Prof. Dr. Kaja Kupnik from the UP Faculty of Polymer Technology (UP FTPO).
The primary objective of the event was to foster mutual connections and identify shared research and educational interests. Participating institutions included Saarland University, Jean Monnet University (Saint-Étienne), Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", University of Alicante, University of Silesia in Katowice, Vytautas Magnus University (Kaunas), Catholic University of Portugal, and the University of Primorska.
For UP FTPO, this represented the first international networking activity within the T4EU framework since joining as the seventh member faculty of the University of Primorska in June 2026. The University of Primorska was featured through three key presentations:
-
University of Primorska (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Irena Pulko): A presentation of UP FTPO as the only faculty in Slovenia and Southeastern Europe entirely dedicated to the field of polymer materials.
-
From Biomaterials to Intelligent Composites: Research at UP FTPO (Asst. Prof. Dr. Kaja Kupnik): An overview of the faculty’s three core research pillars—development of sustainable polymers (covalently adaptable networks, functional biopolymers), advanced manufacturing and digitalization (including AI-supported innovations), and material circularity and life cycle management (chemical and mechanical recycling). The presentation also highlighted research infrastructure and opportunities for joint projects.
-
Study Programs at UP – Degrees, Key Fields, and Exchange Opportunities (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Irena Pulko): A comprehensive overview of degree programs across all UP member faculties, English-taught courses, and mobility pathways ranging from Erasmus+ and CEEPUS to T4EU exchanges.
The program also included presentations from partner faculties and research groups, a poster session, and informal networking opportunities where discussions on future cooperation continued. Attendees were introduced to the joint study program POLYNOVA—one of the educational initiatives established within T4EU—as well as various alliance funding opportunities.
The event demonstrated how closely the partners' research domains complement one another, spanning smart polymers, hybrid materials, biotechnology, and analytical chemistry. Participants agreed to maintain active communication, jointly seek opportunities for research projects, student and staff exchanges, and collaborative educational activities to further build upon this partnership.