University of Primorska

University of Primorska is the third state university in Slovenia and at the same time also the smallest one. It was established in year 2003 when some independent colleges and research centres that already existed in the region merged under a common organisational structure. This historical background is in part still reflected in the procedures, governance and management of the University and its members. However, the structure in the last accreditation period has been changed significantly, as an important founding part of the University - The Science and Research Centre (ZRS) become independent again. A few years after that decision, the University has overcome a drop in research staff and results that was inevitably related to this decision. At the same time, the University is now more financially stable and ready for new partnerships, such as recently established cooperation with the State University Lomonosov from Moscow. The orientation of the University towards internationalisation is one of the mainstream goals also for the future. The University is very appreciatively accepted in the region, where some new buildings are on disposal for its further development. Moreover, the study process is also performed in some more distant cities across Slovenia, where the presence of the University with some niche study programs is also appreciated. University of Primorska is a small university where good and open collaboration between the students and administrative staff as well as a direct and genuine contact between the teaching staff and the students is something natural and as such, a great advantage for all parties. The students are coming not only from the coast region but also from other parts of Slovenia and abroad. Their activities and the University as a whole represent a strong benefit to the region and local community. To enhance this impact more student dormitories will need to be provided, especially because the region is also very popular touristic place.