UP projects featured at the Citizen Science Exhibition
On Thursday, July 31, 2025, the exhibition "Discover, Participate, Explore – Citizen Science in Slovenia" opened on Krakovski nasip in Ljubljana and will be on display until August 31, 2025. Guided tours will also be available on August 7 and 21.
The interactive outdoor exhibition presents the best examples of slovene citizen science and, with 30 projects on 22 posters, takes visitors through current research projects in which all residents can participate – not just scientists.
Citizen science is a form of scientific research in which anyone can participate as a non-professional researcher, regardless of age, education, or professional knowledge. The only important thing is that they are driven by curiosity and a desire to contribute to scientific research. Citizen science enables people to actively participate in scientific research at various stages of the research process: from planning research to observing phenomena, collecting data, analyzing results, communicating discoveries to the world, etc. This makes science more inclusive and open to the public.
Among the projects presented, there are five projects in which the UP is participating:
- Searching for alien flatworms in Slovenia
- STEP CHANGE – Srna
- Development of wood composites with higher impact noise protection to improve quality of life
- Servite monastery – old maternity hospital in Koper
- Protection of bronze monuments in a changing environment
- Looking for Cowslips
How can I participate?
Searching for alien flatworms in Slovenia
If you have encountered flatworms from the turbellaria group while gardening or engaging in other activities, please do not touch them (you can lift them with sticks), record your observation (take a photo and, if possible, catch it), and report your find to: ploskicrvi@upr.si,, via the Facebook group “Tujerodni ploski črvi v Sloveniji”, the form > HERE, or by landline (05 663 58 07; weekdays).
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STEP CHANGE ‒ Srna
The SRNA app helps recording the presence of selected wild mammal and bird species in Slovenia. In addition, the app includes a visual quiz to test mammal identification skills, a field guide to help with the recognition of animal species. It also enables communication with researchers. You can participate by downloading the app and starting to enter your animal sightings whenever you encounter them in nature, whether during a challenging climb or a walk in the woods!
Development of wood composites with higher impact noise protection to improve quality of life
Citizen researchers took part in a listening test in which they were exposed to impact noise and vibrations. Initial findings show that people can actually perceive loud impact sounds in objects as vibrations, which also makes these sounds more annoying. Based on these findings, it will be possible to improve the acoustic comfort of the living environment. You can participate by signing up for the test and sharing your impressions.
Servite monastery – old maternity hospital in Koper
Today’s inhabitants of the Istrian-Karstic region know the Servite Monastery in Koper as the old maternity and pediatric hospital (between 1946 and 1997). People linked to the building - former employees, women in labour, those born there - can record their memories of the building in a memory book. First in a paper one, since 2024 also in an online one.
Protection of bronze monuments in a changing environment
Bronze monuments develop different patinas depending on the substances used, rainwater and other environmental factors. To preserve these monuments for future generations, it is crucial to understand the processes of material decomposition. By collecting photographs from citizen researchers, scientists and restorers can better understand the wear of bronze and decide on the most appropriate method to preserve and protect cultural heritage. Thus, you can upload a photo on a dedicated webpage.
Looking for Cowslips
Did you know that cowslips have two types of flowers and can only reproduce if pollen from one type of flower is transferred to the pistil of another? In nature, the ratio of the two flowers is supposed to be approximately the same, but a European study conducted in collaboration with citizen scientists has shown that this balance is disrupted in some areas, which may pose a local threat to the species.
Take photos of cowslips in nature and share them at: https://nurmenukk.ee/en
The exhibition was prepared by the Citizen Science Network, which brings together individuals and institutions that run various projects, organize events, share knowledge, or provide space for research. In 2023, the Central Technical Library of the University of Ljubljana (CTK) launched the website citizenscience.si, which features a selection of the best Slovenian citizen science projects. Today, the network connects more than 60 partners.