The year 2025 was an exceptionally successful and groundbreaking year for the University of Maribor, Faculty of Health Sciences. With a series of achievements in scientific research, international cooperation, pedagogical excellence, infrastructural development, and engagement with the local and broader community, the faculty further strengthened its position as an important centre of knowledge, innovation, and development in the field of health sciences.
This period was marked by a significant infrastructural step toward the faculty’s future — the foundation stone for the expansion and renovation of UM FZV was laid. The event symbolizes the faculty’s strategic commitment to continued development, improved conditions for study, research, and work, and the creation of a modern, stimulating learning and research environment.
In the scientific domain, the faculty reached an important milestone with the awarding of five new doctoral degrees, confirming the high quality of its doctoral study programmes and the successful mentorship of its higher education teachers and researchers. Research activity was exceptionally vibrant, with as many as 33 research projects active in 2025 at both national and international levels, addressing key challenges in contemporary healthcare, nursing, public health, and digital health.
Another important indicator of the faculty’s scientific excellence is its publication output. In 2025, UM FZV researchers published 44 scientific articles in journals with an impact factor, significantly contributing to the faculty’s visibility in the international research arena. Particularly noteworthy is the achievement of Prof. Dr. Sabina Fijan, Prof. Dr. Gregor Štiglic, and Dr. Max Topaz, who were ranked among the top 2% of the most cited scientists in the world in their respective research fields — an exceptional recognition of their scientific work and a confirmation of the high level of research excellence at UM FZV.
The faculty also devoted considerable attention to the exchange of scientific findings and professional dialogue. It successfully organized five Research Afternoons, which provided opportunities to present research results and foster connections among researchers, students, and the professional public. Among the events, special recognition goes to the successfully organized international scientific conference, as well as the hybrid conference and round table INOTEH-ZDRAV, which encouraged discussion on innovation and technological development in healthcare and strengthened cooperation between academia, industry, and healthcare practice.
In the field of education, the faculty successfully carried out its fourth combined intensive programme, enabling students to acquire in-depth knowledge in an international and interdisciplinary environment. A significant contribution to the development of pedagogical competencies was also made through the implementation of the mentoring school, aimed at strengthening mentoring skills and supporting both students and early-career researchers.
Special emphasis was placed on the transfer of knowledge into practice and lifelong learning. The faculty successfully organized the traditional TPO event, which brought together more than 300 participants, demonstrating the strong need for additional education and professional development in the field of health sciences. In addition, UM FZV actively collaborates with the local community and organizes intergenerational meetings that contribute to social cohesion, the exchange of experiences, and the strengthening of solidarity between generations.
The achievements of 2025 clearly reflect the commitment of the University of Maribor, Faculty of Health Sciences, to excellence, innovation, and social responsibility. By successfully integrating science, education, and practice, the faculty makes an important contribution to the development of the healthcare system and to improving the quality of life in both the local and broader environment.
