The Renowned and Successful Erasmus+ ISH Summer School Becomes a Tradition

Alma Mater Europaea-ISH, in collaboration with the Department of Archaeology of the University of Ljubljana, the National Museum of Slovenia, the Park of Military History Pivka, and the company Krasen Kras, conducted a five-day summer school titled "Heritology," focusing on the importance and impact of cultural heritage. The program included lectures by renowned experts, excursions, museum visits, workshops, and experimental archaeology.

Professor Dr. Ludvik Toplak, Rector of Alma Mater, emphasized that the university's study programs combine rich cultural heritage in humanities with addressing modern challenges through an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating digital, medical, and environmental humanities.

As the honorary patron of the summer school, former President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor highlighted that Europeans must be aware of their identity based on rich cultural heritage, shared values, and historical experiences that connect us and enable us to face contemporary challenges. This is crucial for overcoming political instability and conflicts.

"The summer school aimed to open dialogue and connect people," emphasized Professor Dr. Anja Hellmuth Kramberger, head of the ISH summer school, adding that thirty heritage experts from all over Europe presented their research, including Dr. Jelka Pirkovič (University of Ljubljana, New University), Dr. Goran Zlodi (University of Zagreb), Dr. Emilio Marin (emeritus professor, retired ambassador), Professor Aleksander Ostan (University of Ljubljana), Dr. Rosvita Pesek, and Slovenian historian Professor Dr. Mitja Ferenc.

More than 50 participants of the Erasmus+ summer school came from all over Europe, further enhancing the international dimension of the event. "This led to Alma Mater Europaea University's decision to organize a similar summer school yearly. The first summer school will likely focus on European cultural heritage, also intended for non-European nations," emphasized Rector Dr. Toplak.

General Assembly of the European Union of Private Higher Education at Alma Mater in Maribor

Alma Mater Europaea University hosted the European Union of Private Higher Education (EUPHE) leadershipin Maribor. This network connects independent higher education institutions across Europe and strives for excellence in education, research, and service to humanity. "The meeting with distinguished guests and higher education experts at our university was an opportunity to exchange ideas, enhance the quality of education, promote research, and contribute to the social development of an autonomous and socially responsible university. The Union improves cooperation among its members and forms common approaches and strategies for developing the European higher education area," said Professor Dr. Barbara Toplak Perovič, the new Vice President of EUPHE.

Foto: Andrej Petelinšek

Presentation of New Study Programs:

Psychotherapeutic Propedeutics: A two-semester program that provides essential knowledge for further education in psychotherapy or psychosocial counseling. "The program, starting in October 2024, will enable students to acquire fundamental skills and knowledge to enter method-specific training for psychotherapists or psychosocial counselors. Participation in group therapy will contribute to understanding the motivation and suitability of the psychotherapist or psychosocial counselor profession," explained Professor Dr. Robert Oravecz, MD, psychiatrist and psychotherapist. The program is led by higher education teachers and researchers specializing in psychotherapy, psychology, neuroscience, psychiatry, and related disciplines.

Cybersecurity in Special Business and Public Systems: "In today's global world, full of challenges at geopolitical and national levels, it is crucial that companies, large systems, organizations, and critical infrastructure are adequately prepared for modern security challenges. Our cybersecurity program is designed to provide the highest quality knowledge and skills in this field, accessible and tailored to various large systems and critical infrastructure, such as the economy, energy, healthcare, railways, public organizations, security forces, and others," emphasized Professor Dr. Matej Mertik, head of study programs in artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

The program is based on the curriculum of English universities and has a dual nature: it is part of a master's degree program and intended as a lifelong education for users from various fields. "The program follows the top scientific achievements of world elite universities and best practices implemented by special systems to transfer the latest knowledge to users and students directly," added Rector Dr. Toplak.

Autism: Alma Mater Europaea University has established a postgraduate program in autism within its Health Sciences study program. "With the new academic year, we will begin implementing enhanced content of the lifelong learning program, aimed at training individuals for interdisciplinary treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) using proven effective methods," said Rector Dr. Ludvik Toplak. "We will transfer world-class scientific knowledge and best practices through top experts."

In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that one in 36 children has an autism spectrum disorder, representing more than a 300% increase in the past 20 years. "The goal of the study is for students to become competent professionals and master methods for diagnosing and treating autism spectrum disorders, thereby improving the lives of individuals with ASD and their families," emphasized Professor Dr. Vladimir Trajkovski.