Engagement of students in research and project work
Participating in various forms of research and project work enables students to acquire various types of knowledge, competencies, skills and practical experience, often in real working environments, already during studies. It significantly contributes to the professional and personal development of students, has a long-term effect on their career development and can facilitate the transition to the labour market.
Students can engage in research and project work in all study cycles in various forms. Some approaches for promoting the cooperation of students with potential working environments are also implemented as part of international and national projects and initiatives.
Problem-based learning for students in the workplace
On June 21st, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation in Slovenia launched the call “Problem-based learning for students in the workplace: industry, non-economic and non-profit sector in the local/regional environment 2024-2027”. The aim of the call is to enable students to gain practical experience, skills and competences in the professional/working enviroment. It aims to strengthen cooperation, networking and knowledge transfer between the higher education system and the working environment, including the industry, the non-industry and the non-profit sector.
Individual Student Challenges
In September 2023, the University of Maribor published the Call for Individual Student Research Challenges of the University of Maribor (ISRI:UM) for the academic year 2023/2024. In line with the Development Objectives of the Scientific Research Activities of the University of Maribor 2023-2027 (RSF ZRD UM 2023-2027), which include the promotion of students’ involvement in scientific research and project work through the development of innovative forms of collaboration, the aim is to encourage the involvement of students in scientific research and project work. The Individual Student Research Challenge involves a mobility placement, which is possible at any university in European Union, United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Turkey, Serbia and North Macedonia.
Student Challenges
By tackling student challenges of the local environment and using an innovative, problem-oriented and joint approach, the students will be provided with an adequate environment for developing competencies as well as acquiring practical knowledge and experience. In interdisciplinary groups and under the supervision of a pedagogical and work mentor, students will tackle challenges encountered in companies and other organizations. Thus, the implementation of project assignments will bring a social benefit to everyone involved as well as a later possibility for long-term cooperation.
During the application procedure, students will be able to identify themselves as seekers of new knowledge and engage themselves in the implementation of project proposals.
Student Challenges NOO
Within the project »Single Entry Point for Employers and Innovative Forms of Cooperation with Students« the Student Challenges of the University of Maribor (NOO) (ŠI:UM (NOO)) were implemented. These activities aimed to promote collaboration and strengthen the connection between the higher education system and the broader community, with a particular focus on integrating and addressing the content related to the digital and green transitions.
Other forms of student involvement in scientific research and project work
In addition to the general forms presented above, which are offered and coordinated at the Rectorate UM, it is important to highlight other, specific forms of student involvement in scientific research and project work, which are offered to students at individual UM member institutions. The aim of these is to provide students with opportunities for successful entry into the world of research, development, project work and practical work.
