The summer school provided participants with a unique opportunity for learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange through expert-led site visits, hands-on workshops, and international networking. Participants were mentored by Dr. Andreja Kutnar, Head of Department, and Dr. Mohammad Derikvand, researcher at the UP IAM InnoRenew CoE.

Over the course of two weeks of intensive group learning and project work, students visited a range of UP partner companies, where they gained first-hand insight into each company's contribution to the circular economy. The participating companies included Yaskawa, iQwood, Jelovica Homes, MSora, LIP Bohinj, CBD d.o.o. (Umag), Profiles d.o.o., Solis Timber d.o.o., Stilles d.o.o., and Ledinek.

The programme combined advanced technologies and innovative industrial approaches with Slovenia's rich natural and cultural heritage. Participants visited the Kočevje Forest, Volčji Potok Arboretum, Bovec, the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, and culturally significant locations including the capital city of Ljubljana, Piran, Maribor, Kobarid (World War I Museum), and the village of Velika Nedelja near Ormož, where they toured the 19th-century Trop Antiques House.

The study visits also showcased several notable examples of sustainable architecture and adaptive reuse, including the InnoRenew CoE building, the wooden kindergarten in Selnica ob Dravi, and Center Rog, a former textile factory later converted into a bicycle factory and now transformed into a vibrant creative hub. Beyond the academic programme, the two weeks also offered excellent opportunities for networking, strengthening team spirit, and inspiring participants for future international collaborations.

The summer school also demonstrated the strength of cooperation within the Transform4Europe (T4EU) Alliance. In addition to students from the University of Primorska and Saarland University—both T4EU member universities—the programme also welcomed students from Oregon State University, a global partner of the alliance. As such, the summer school represents an important step in further strengthening collaboration between the T4EU Alliance and its international partners.

Participants' reflections

"Slovenia truly surprised me. I looked forward to every part of the programme and each company visit. The entire timber value chain management system was incredibly impressive, and I'm grateful to have experienced it firsthand. What impressed me most wasn't just the technological efficiency, but the broader systems perspective—a way of thinking I hadn't really encountered before and one that I'll definitely take with me."
Finn Monz, Master's student, Advanced Materials Science and Engineering, Saarland University and Luleå University of Technology

"This experience highlighted the advantages of vertical integration and automation in timber manufacturing. I was especially impressed by the smaller production facilities where innovative technologies, such as dowel-laminated timber, are being developed and tested. I was also struck by how different the built environment is compared to the United States, and I'm grateful for the new perspective I gained on sustainable development and innovation."
Quentin Beers, Master's student in Civil Engineering, Oregon State University

"It was incredibly valuable to gain insight into the work of so many companies across Slovenia and to learn not only about their production processes but also about their values, development strategies, and ways of thinking. The experience was enriched even further by spending time with students from different countries. I learned a great deal from their perspectives, formed new friendships, and gained a deeper understanding of the differences between our countries."
Zoja Mohorčič, Master's graduate in Sustainable Built Environment, University of Primorska