Faculty of Medicine, Maribor

Research activities

Research is one of the fundamental pillars of the Faculty of Medicine UM — firmly embedded in the international arena and characterized by interdisciplinarity, innovation and close links with clinical practice.
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Scientific research activities

Research at MF UM

Research is one of the fundamental pillars of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, and a key complement to its mission of educating future healthcare professionals and improving patient care. Our scientific activity is firmly embedded in the international research arena and is characterized by interdisciplinarity, innovation and close links with clinical practice.

At the organizational level, research is carried out by ten research groups in medicine, pharmacy, microbiology and immunology, biochemistry and molecular biology, medical informatics, metabolic and hormonal disorders, neurobiology, cardiovascular diseases and human reproduction.

The results of this joint work are evident in the Faculty's outstanding scientific output. In the last five years, researchers of the Faculty of Medicine have published more than 950 articles in the most prestigious international peer-reviewed journals, often in those ranked highest in their fields. Citation indicators also confirm the importance and impact of this research.

An important part of the research environment is the Faculty's own scientific journal, Acta Medico-Biotechnica (AMB), published in open access. AMB is the official scientific and professional journal of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, intended for a broad readership as it covers medicine and biotechnology. The journal publishes original research, review articles and case reports.

Beyond the numbers, the Faculty of Medicine is proud of a culture based on curiosity, critical thinking and academic integrity. Its research groups provide fertile ground for interdisciplinary collaboration, foster innovation through partnerships with clinical institutions, research institutes and industry, and offer many opportunities for international networking.

The Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, remains committed to strengthening its role as a center of research excellence in the region and beyond. By combining cutting-edge scientific research, teaching innovation and patient-centered values, it contributes both to the advancement of medical science and to better health for individuals and communities.

A researcher wearing protective gloves processes samples in a closed laboratory cabinet.
Pipetting liquid over a sample plate in a laboratory cabinet.
Laboratory bench with devices for preparing and processing samples.
Prepared Petri dishes, pipettes, test tubes and other equipment on a laboratory bench.
A measuring device in an open sound-insulated chamber next to computer equipment.
Two researchers at a microscope examine a sample image on a screen.
10
research groups
950+
scientific articles in the last five years
31
average citations per article (Web of Science)
AMB
our own scientific journal, Acta Medico-Biotechnica
Research fields

By topic and field

Research topics are divided into basic and applied research and clinical topics and fields. Selecting a topic shows what exactly is being researched, which departments and institutes are involved, and selected publications.

Basic and applied research
What we research
  • research on gut, skin and oral microbiota
  • functional in vitro models of microbiota–host interactions
  • we advise on your project and perform microbiota sequencing and data analysis
  • Clostridioides difficile infections
Participating departments and institutes
Selected publications
Department of Microbiology — Prof. Dr. Maja Rupnik
What we research
  • Modeling metabolic and signaling pathways in pancreatic alpha and beta cells.
  • Network analyses and the study of collective activity in biological systems.
  • Development of advanced computational models to describe and explain complex biological processes and cell signaling.
  • Non-equilibrium thermodynamics, the maximum entropy production principle and enzyme reactions, the origin of life.
  • Advanced time-series analyses of cellular and physiological signals.
Participating departments and institutes
Institute of PhysiologyCenter for Human Molecular Genetics and PharmacogenomicsDepartment of MicrobiologyDepartment of Anatomy
Selected publications
Department of Biophysics — Prof. Dr. Marko Marhl
What we research
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms of disease development and treatment response
  • Multi-omic biomarkers of disease course and drug response
  • Discovering new molecular targets for designing new drugs that would be effective in patients who do not respond to existing drugs
  • Development of functional cell models and organs-on-chips for research into the molecular mechanisms of response to biologics
  • We currently have the most powerful infrastructure in the country for multi-omic analyses aimed at discovering biomarkers for personalized medicine, enabling genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, epigenomic and metabolomic analyses in one place.
  • Development of an automated and digitalized biobank of clinical samples in line with the highest international standards for more than 20 different chronic diseases, including chronic immune diseases (inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, psoriasis), cancer (breast cancer, head and neck cancer, endometrial cancer) and rare hereditary diseases
Participating departments and institutes
Selected publications
Department of Biochemistry and Center for Human Genetics and Pharmacogenomics — Prof. Dr. Uroš Potočnik
What we research
  • research into the genetic background of monogenic and complex rare diseases
  • WES (whole-exome sequencing)
  • WGS (whole-genome sequencing)
Participating departments and institutes
Selected publications
Department of Molecular Biology — Assist. Prof. Dr. Špela Stangler Herodež
What we research
  • morphology and functional organization of the human body
  • research on anatomical variations and their significance in clinical practice
  • molecular tissue markers and mathematical modeling for predicting the course of prostate cancer
  • advanced in vitro liver models for assessing cell function and toxicological response
  • psychological and pedagogical aspects of learning anatomy: the experience of dissection and the formation of the professional identity of future physicians
  • modern approaches to teaching anatomy using a combination of traditional and virtual methods
  • in cooperation with UKC Maribor, we organize and run professional workshops to develop clinical and surgical skills
Participating departments and institutes
Department of Anatomy, Histology and EmbryologyDepartment of Psychology, UM MFInstitute of Physiology, UM MFUKC Maribor departments and clinicsDepartment of Macroscopic and Clinical Anatomy, Medical University of Graz
Selected publications
Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology — Assist. Prof. Dr. Lidija Kocbek Šaherl
What we research
  • Analysis of the structure and fine structure and the functional morphology of different cell types of invertebrates and vertebrates;
  • Testing specific active substances on selected cell types in cell culture.
Participating departments and institutes
Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of MariborCenter for Human Genetics and Pharmacogenomics; Faculty of Medicine, University of MariborDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of MariborDepartment of Chemistry, Laboratory for Organic and Polymer Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of MariborDepartment of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of LjubljanaDivision of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of GrazInstitute of Electron Microscopy and Nanoanalysis, Graz University of Technology
Selected publications
  • LIPOVŠEK DELAKORDA, Saška, VAJS, Tanja, DARIŠ, Barbara, NOVAK, Tone, KOZEL, Peter. Autophagic activity in the midgut cells of three arachnids responds selectively to different modes of overwintering in caves. Protoplasma. 2025, vol. 262, iss. 3, pp. 531-544, illus. ISSN 0033-183X.
  • LIPOVŠEK DELAKORDA, Saška, DOLENŠEK, Jurij, DARIŠ, Barbara, VALLADOLID-ACEBES, Ismael, VAJS, Tanja, LEITINGER, Gerd, STOŽER, Andraž, SKELIN, Maša. Western diet-induced ultrastructural changes in mouse pancreatic acinar cells. Frontiers in cell and developmental biology. 2024, vol. 12, [article no.] 1380564, 17 pp. ISSN 2296-634X.
  • KOZEL, Peter, NOVAK, Tone, JANŽEKOVIČ, Franc, LIPOVŠEK DELAKORDA, Saška. Starvation hardiness as preadaptation for life in subterranean habitats. Scientific reports. 2023, vol. 13, article no. 9643, 18 pp., illus. ISSN 2045-2322.
  • LIPOVŠEK DELAKORDA, Saška, NOVAK, Tone, DARIŠ, Barbara, HOFER, Ferdinand, LEITINGER, Gerd, LETOFSKY-PAPST, Ilse. Ultrastructure of spherites in the midgut diverticula and Malpighian tubules of the harvestman Amilenus aurantiacus during the winter diapause. Histochemistry and cell biology. Jan. 2022, vol. 157, iss. 1, pp. 107-118, illus. ISSN 0948-6143.
Department of Cell Biology — Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saška Lipovšek

A detailed description of this field is in preparation.

A detailed description of this field is in preparation.

Clinical topics and fields
What we research
  • Quality and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Integrated care
  • Quality indicators
Participating departments and institutes
Selected publications
  • Willems S, Vanden Bussche P, Van Poel E, Collins C, Klemenc-Ketis Z. Moving forward after the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons learned in primary care from the multi-country PRICOV-19 study. Eur J Gen Pract. 2024 Dec;30(1):2328716. doi: 10.1080/13814788.2024.2328716. Epub 2024 Mar 21. PMID: 38511848; PMCID: PMC10984223.
  • Tušek-Bunc K, Rakovič MP, Gorenjec NR, Klemenc-Ketiš Z. Patient perspectives on the quality of primary care for chronic conditions in Slovenia: evidence from the PaRIS survey. Int J Qual Health Care. 2025 Jul 4;37(3):mzaf088. doi: 10.1093/intqhc/mzaf088. PMID: 40900624.
  • Mihevc M, Mori Lukančič M, Zavrnik Č, Virtič Potočnik T, Ružić Gorenjec N, Petek Šter M, Klemenc-Ketiš Z, Poplas Susič A. Impact of 12-Month mHealth Home Telemonitoring on Clinical Outcomes in Older Individuals With Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes: Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2025 May 29;13:e59733. doi: 10.2196/59733. PMID: 40440692; PMCID: PMC12140507.
  • Van Poel E, Vanden Bussche P, Collins C, Lagaert S, Ares-Blanco S, Astier-Pena MP, Gabrani J, Gomez Bravo R, Hoffmann K, Klemenc-Ketis Z, Mallen C, Neves AL, Ožvačić Z, Tkachenko V, Zwart D, Willems S. Patient safety in general practice during COVID-19: a descriptive analysis in 38 countries (PRICOV-19). Fam Pract. 2025 Feb 7;42(2):cmae059. doi: 10.1093/fampra/cmae059. PMID: 39475357.
  • Virtič Potočnik T, Mihevc M, Zavrnik Č, Mori Lukančič M, Ružić Gorenjec N, Poplas Susič A, Klemenc-Ketiš Z. Evaluation of a specialist nurse-led structured self-management training for peer supporters with type 2 diabetes mellitus with or without comorbid hypertension in Slovenia. BMC Nurs. 2024 Aug 15;23(1):567. doi: 10.1186/s12912-024-02239-7. PMID: 39148069; PMCID: PMC11328385.
Department of Family Medicine — Prof. Dr. Zalika Klemenc Ketiš
CERTAIN — certification and safety of artificial intelligence systems in healthcare
  • CERTAIN lays the foundations for certifying artificial intelligence and develops safety tools to ensure the reliable use of artificial intelligence (AI) in practice
  • It focuses on digital support systems for the early diagnosis and monitoring of psychiatric disorders in childhood and adolescence
  • The possibility of using a socially assistive robot (FRIDA) and AI in clinical work is being tested
  • Digital biomarkers from the patient's environment are being determined
  • The aim is to improve diagnostic and treatment monitoring pathways and to ensure the safe, compliant and certified use of AI in clinical settings
PROMIS — an AI-assisted screening interview for identifying features of mental disorders
  • development of a screening interview to support the early detection of mental disorders
  • study of the content validity of clinical questions
  • testing the feasibility of three interview modes: (1) tablet + chatbot, (2) expert, (3) the humanoid robot FRIDA
  • analysis of the impact of the interview mode on willingness to participate, social desirability of answers, acceptability and participant satisfaction
  • supporting, accelerating and improving the diagnostic process for mental disorders in childhood and adolescence
Participating departments, institutes and partners
UKC Maribor – Clinic of Pediatrics, Unit of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryFaculty of Medicine – Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Maribor – FERI, FFInternational partners – DEXAI, NVISIONUKC Maribor — Clinic of Pediatrics, Unit of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryDepartment of PsychiatryUniversity of Maribor – FERI
Selected sources and publications
Department of Psychiatry — Prof. Dr. Hojka Gregorič Kumperščak
What we research
  • Rare kidney diseases
  • Arterial hypertension and obesity in childhood
  • Research in child psychiatry
  • Adolescent medicine and the transition from childhood to adulthood
  • Celiac disease
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
Participating departments, institutes and partners
Center for Human Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, MF MariborInstitute of Biomedical Sciences, MF MariborUniversity of Maribor – FERIDepartment of Laboratory Diagnostics, UKC MariborClinical Institute of Genetic Diagnostics, UKC Maribor
Selected publications and activities
  • Močnik M, Golob Jančič S, Marčun Varda N. Liver and kidney ultrasound elastography in children and young adults with hypertension or chronic kidney disease. Pediatr Nephrol. 2023; 38(10): 3379-87.
  • Golob Jančič S, Klavž J, Filipič M, Močnik M, Marčun Varda N. Comparison of different eGFR formulas to measured glomerular filtration rate using iohexol in children and adolescents with mild chronic kidney disease. Eur J Pediatr. 2024; 184(1): 107.
  • Filipič M, Stangler Herodež Š, Močnik M, Golob Jančič S, Marčun Varda N, Krgović D. Case report: wide spectrum of SALL1 variants – a rare cause of pediatric chronic kidney disease. Front Pediatr. 2025; 13: 1649707.
  • Andrejašič N, Blejc Novak A, Močnik M, Marčun Varda N, Stangler Herodež Š, Krgović D, et al. A 15-year experience highlighting the spectrum of Alport kidney disease in the pediatric population and novel genetic variants in COL4A3-5. Pediatr Nephrol. 2025; 40(7): 2215-23.
  • Participation in establishing the European Rare Kidney Disease Registry ERKReg.
  • Marčun Varda N, Golob Jančič S, Močnik M. Obesity and body composition in relation to liver and kidney ultrasound elastography in paediatric patients with either hypertension or chronic kidney disease. Children (Basel). 2023; 11(1): 18.
  • Petek M, Hertiš Petek T, Potočnik U, Marčun Varda N. PBMC proteome is altered in children with high body fat percentage. Sci Rep. 2025 [in press].
  • BIO-STREAMS: international study on the management of children with obesity in Europe.
  • PROMIS: study of an AI-assisted screening interview for identifying features of mental disorders.
  • Mlakar I, Šafran V, Plohl N, Gregorič Kumperščak H, Močnik S, Smogavc Ž, Smrke U. Technology-mediated screening interviews for youth mental health: content validation, randomized controlled trial, and expert evaluation (preprint). 2025. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.10.13.25337952.
  • Močnik M, Golob Jančič S, Marčun Varda N. Transition of chronic pediatric nephrological patients to adult care excluding patients on renal replacement therapy with literature review. Children (Basel). 2022; 9(7): 959.
  • Močnik M, Golob Jančič S, Filipič M, Marčun Varda N. The role of urate in cardiovascular risk in adolescents and young adults with hypertension, assessed by pulse wave velocity. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2022; 9: 867428.
Department of Pediatrics — Prof. Dr. Nataša Marčun Varda
What we research
  • A. Celiac disease research
  • B. Inflammatory bowel disease
  • C. Management of functional gastrointestinal disorders
A. Celiac disease
  • Riznik P, Gyimesi J, Klemenak M, Koletzko B, Koletzko S, Korponay-Szabó IR, Krencnik T, Not T, Palcevski G, Sblattero D, Vogrincic M, Werkstetter KJ, Dolinsek J. Diagnostic Delays in Children With Coeliac Disease in the Central European Region. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2019 Oct;69(4):443-448. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000002424. PMID: 31219933.
  • Riznik P, Balogh M, Bódi P, De Leo L, Dolinsek J, Guthy I, Gyimesi J, Horváth Á, Kis I, Klemenak M, Koletzko B, Koletzko S, Korponay-Szabó IR, Krencnik T, Not T, Palcevski G, Pollák É, Sblattero D, Tokodi I, Vogrincic M, Werkstetter KJ, Dolinsek J. The Use of Biopsy and "No-Biopsy" Approach for Diagnosing Paediatric Coeliac Disease in the Central European Region. Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2019 Nov 15;2019:9370397. doi: 10.1155/2019/9370397. PMID: 31827506; PMCID: PMC6885281.
  • Husby S, Koletzko S, Korponay-Szabó I, Kurppa K, Mearin ML, Ribes-Koninckx C, Shamir R, Troncone R, Auricchio R, Castillejo G, Christensen R, Dolinsek J, Gillett P, Hróbjartsson A, Koltai T, Maki M, Nielsen SM, Popp A, Størdal K, Werkstetter K, Wessels M. European Society Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Guidelines for Diagnosing Coeliac Disease 2020. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2020 Jan;70(1):141-156. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000002497. PMID: 31568151.
  • Riznik P, De Leo L, Dolinsek J, Gyimesi J, Klemenak M, Koletzko B, Koletzko S, Korponay-Szabó IR, Krencnik T, Not T, Palcevski G, Sblattero D, Werkstetter KJ, Dolinsek J. Clinical Presentation in Children With Coeliac Disease in Central Europe. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2021 Apr 1;72(4):546-551. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003015. PMID: 33306584.
  • Wessels M, Dolinsek J, Castillejo G, Donat E, Riznik P, Roca M, Valitutti F, Veenvliet A, Mearin ML. Follow-up practices for children and adolescents with celiac disease: results of an international survey. Eur J Pediatr. 2022 Mar;181(3):1213-1220. doi: 10.1007/s00431-021-04318-2. Epub 2021 Nov 24. PMID: 34817672.
  • Roberts SE, Morrison-Rees S, Thapar N, Benninga MA, Borrelli O, Broekaert I, Dolinsek J, Martin-de-Carpi J, Mas E, Miele E, Pienar C, Ribes-Koninckx C, Thomassen RA, Thomson M, Tzivinikos C, Thorne K, John A, Williams JG. Systematic review and meta-analysis: the incidence and prevalence of paediatric coeliac disease across Europe. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2021 Jul;54(2):109-128. doi: 10.1111/apt.16337. Epub 2021 Jun 11. PMID: 34115894.
  • Riznik P, De Leo L, DolinseRiznik P, De Leo L, Dolinsek J, Gyimesi J, Klemenak M, Koletzko B, Koletzko S, Koltai T, Korponay-Szabó IR, Krencnik T, Milinovic M, Not T, Palcevski G, Sblattero D, Werkstetter KJ, Dolinsek J. The Knowledge About Celiac Disease Among Healthcare Professionals and Patients in Central Europe. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2021 Apr 1;72(4):552-557. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003019. PMID: 33346575.
  • Mearin ML, Agardh D, Antunes H, Al-Toma A, Auricchio R, Castillejo G, Catassi C, Ciacci C, Discepolo V, Dolinsek J, Donat E, Gillett P, Guandalini S, Husby Md DMSc S, Koletzko Md S, Koltai T, Korponay-Szabó IR, Kurppa K, Lionetti E, Mårild K, Martinez Ojinaga E, Meijer C, Monachesi C, Polanco I, Popp A, Roca M, Rodriguez-Herrera A, Shamir R, Stordal K, Troncone R, Valitutti F, Vreugdenhil A, Wessels M, Whiting P; ESPGHAN Special Interest Group on Celiac Disease. ESPGHAN Position Paper on Management and Follow-up of Children and Adolescents With Celiac Disease. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2022 Sep 1;75(3):369-386. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003540. Epub 2022 Jun 27. PMID: 35758521.
  • Szajewska H, Shamir R, Auricchio R, Chmielewska A, Dolinsek J, Kivelä L, Koletzko S, Korponay-Szabo IR, Af Segerstad EMH, Mearin ML, Meijer-Boekel C, Konickx CR, Rodriguez-Herrera A, Stordal K, Troncone R, Wessels M. Early diet and the risk of coeliac disease. An update 2024 position paper by the ESPGHAN special interest group on coeliac disease. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2024 Aug;79(2):438-445. doi: 10.1002/jpn3.12280. Epub 2024 Jun 7. PMID: 38847232.
  • Riznik P, Carnohorski I, Dolinsek J, Dragutinovic N, Gyimesi J, Hauer AC, Klemenak M, Korponay-Szabo IR, Krencnik T, Masic M, Misak Z, Pavkov V, Popp A, Raba T, Szitanyi P, Dolinsek J. Uncovering the gap: Coeliac disease knowledge among healthcare professionals in the Danube region. BMC Gastroenterol. 2024 Aug 9;24(1):254. doi: 10.1186/s12876-024-03349-x. PMID: 39123100; PMCID: PMC11312701.
B. Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Klemenak M, Zupan M, Riznik P, Krencnik T, Dolinsek J. Evolving Landscape of Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Insights from a Decade-Long Study in North-East Slovenia on Incidence, Management, Diagnostic Delays, and Early Biologic Intervention. Diagnostics (Basel). 2024 Jan 15;14(2):188. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics14020188. PMID: 38248065; PMCID: PMC10813920.
  • Miele E, Benninga MA, Broekaert I, Dolinsek J, Mas E, Orel R, Pienar C, Ribes-Koninckx C, Thomassen RA, Thomson M, Tzivinikos C, Thapar N. Safety of Thiopurine Use in Paediatric Gastrointestinal Disease. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2020 Aug;71(2):156-162. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000002802. PMID: 32520827.
C. Functional gastrointestinal disorders
  • Groen J, Gordon M, Chogle A, Benninga M, Borlack R, Borrelli O, Darbari A, Dolinsek J, Khlevner J, Di Lorenzo C, Person H, Sanghavi R, Snyder J, Thapar N, Vlieger A, Sinopoulou V, Tabbers M, Saps M. ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN guidelines for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain-not otherwise specified in children aged 4-18 years. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2025 Aug;81(2):442-471. doi: 10.1002/jpn3.70070. Epub 2025 May 30. PMID: 40444524; PMCID: PMC12314588.
  • Puoti MG, Assa A, Benninga M, Broekaert IJ, Carpi FJM, Deganello Saccomani M, Dolinsek J, Homan M, Mas E, Miele E, Tzivinikos C, Thomson M, Borrelli O. Drugs in Focus: Domperidone. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2023 Aug 1;77(2):e13-e22. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003822. Epub 2023 May 9. PMID: 37159421.
  • Vlieger AM, Assa A, Borrelli O, Broekaert I, Deganello Saccomani M, Dolinsek J, Carpi de JM, Mas E, Miele E, Thomson M, Tzivinikos C, Benninga MA; Gastroenterology Committee of ESPGHAN. Hypnotherapy in Pediatric Gastroenterology. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2023 Jan 1;76(1):9-13. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003617. Epub 2022 Sep 14. PMID: 36103277.
  • Gordon M, Benninga MA, Borlack R, Borrelli O, Chogle A, Darbari A, Dolinsek J, Groen J, Khlevner J, Di Lorenzo C, Person H, Saps M, Sinopoulou V, Snyder J, Tabbers M, Thapar N, Vlieger A. ESPGHAN and NASPGHAN 2023 protocol for paediatric FAPD treatment guidelines (standard operating procedure). BMJ Paediatr Open. 2023 Dec 20;7(1):e002166. doi: 10.1136/bmjpo-2023-002166. PMID: 38128947; PMCID: PMC10749037.
Supporting literature on the management of gastrointestinal foreign bodies
  • Krencnik T, Jalsovec T, Klemenak M, Riznik P, Dolinsek J. Safety beyond Sight: Handheld Metal Detectors as Diagnostic Allies in the Management of Children Suspected to have Ingested Foreign Bodies. Diagnostics (Basel). 2024 Feb 6;14(4):356. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics14040356. PMID: 38396396; PMCID: PMC10887526.
  • Mubarak A, Benninga MA, Broekaert I, Dolinsek J, Homan M, Mas E, Miele E, Pienar C, Thapar N, Thomson M, Tzivinikos C, de Ridder L. Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Button Battery Ingestion in Childhood: A European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition Position Paper. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2021 Jul 1;73(1):129-136. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003048. PMID: 33555169.
  • Nugud AA, Tzivinikos C, Assa A, Borrelli O, Broekaert I, Martin-de-Carpi J, Deganello Saccomani M, Dolinsek J, Homan M, Mas E, Miele E, Thomson M, Benninga MA; Gastrointestinal Committee of ESPGHAN. Pediatric Magnet Ingestion, Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention: A European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Position Paper. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2023 Apr 1;76(4):523-532. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003702. Epub 2023 Mar 22. PMID: 36947000.
Department of Pediatrics — Prof. Dr. Jernej Dolinšek
What we research
  • Epidemiology of sports injuries
  • Regenerative surgery of cartilage injuries
  • Sports injury prevention – ACL
Participating departments, institutes and partners
Department of PhysiologyDepartment of OrthopedicsUEFA (ACL prevention in football project)FIFA (the Institute of Sports Medicine is part of the FIFA Medical Centres of Excellence network (FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence Maribor, Slovenia)NZS (Football Association of Slovenia)OKS (Olympic Committee of Slovenia) OKS Reference Sports Medicine Center
Projects
  • ARIS: With Science to the Medal; review of the medical, nutritional and psychological support of the Olympic team 23/25
  • ARIS: Prospective analysis of sports injuries in elite athletes; epidemiology, prediction and safe return to sport 21/25
  • ERASMUS SPORT (EU) ACL-Prevent – Development of a European football knee injury awareness, prevention, and management model for youth. 25/26
Selected publications
  • KALC Miloš, ŠKARABOT Jakob, DIVJAK Matjaž, URH Filip, KRAMBERGER Matej, VOGRIN Matjaž, HOLOBAR Aleš. Motor unit identification in the M waves recorded by high-density electromy 2023 IEEE transactions on bio-medical engineering. – ISSN 0018-9294. – Vol. 70, iss. 5, pp.1662-1672, COBISS.SI-ID 131436291.
  • Paravlić, Armin ; Šimunič, Boštjan ; Pišot, Saša ; Kleva, Matej ; Teraž, Kaja ; Vogrin, Matjaž ; Marušič, Uroš ; Pišot, Rado. Lower-limb muscle contractile properties, explosive power and the subjective response of elite soccer players to the Covid-19 lockdown, 2022. International journal of environmental research and public health – ISSN 1660-4601. – Vol. 19, iss. 1, pp. 1-13 COBISS.SI-ID 92186115.
Orthopedics — research on biomaterials and arthroplasty
  • research on the healing of articular cartilage lesions
  • research on biomaterials in orthopedic surgery
  • safety risks in hip and knee arthroplasty
Participating institutions (orthopedics)
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of MariborDepartment of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of MariborInstitute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of MariborFaculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of MariborJožef Stefan Institute, LjubljanaBiotechnical Faculty, University of LjubljanaSlovenian Arthroplasty Register, Valdoltra Orthopaedic Hospital
Selected publications (orthopedics)
Department of Medicine and Sport and Institute of Medicine and Sport — Prof. Dr. Matjaž Vogrin
What we research
  • Study of the clinical, morphological, immunophenotypic and molecular characteristics of mature T-cell lymphomas from Slovenia
  • An attempt to understand the mechanisms important for the development of T-cell lymphomas, which are important for establishing an accurate diagnosis and discovering target molecules for innovative, modern therapeutic approaches
Participating institutions
Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Maribor, SloveniaInstitute of Oncology Ljubljana, SloveniaUniversity Hospital Basel, Switzerland
Selected publications
Department of Pathology — Assoc. Prof. Dr. Veronika Kloboves Prevodnik
What we research
  • We research the psychological processes that contribute to health and well-being – from sleep, health-related behavior, recovery and emotion regulation to stress responses to work and life.
  • Highlights: sleep and recovery, health-related behavior, employee well-being and health, work–home boundaries, psychophysiological stress indicators, resilience and mental health.
  • Our research connects general health psychology and occupational health psychology. We study how work demands and circumstances relate to sleep, recovery and health. We also research factors associated with trust in the healthcare system, perceptions of vaccination and acceptance of preventive measures. Using experimental, diary-based and other quantitative approaches, we link subjective assessments, behavior and psychophysiological health indicators.
  • Key research topics: work stress, sleep and sleep quality, recovery from work, work–home boundaries, burnout and well-being, emotion regulation and social buffering, attitudes toward vaccination, adherence to health recommendations.
Participating departments and institutes
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine UMDepartment of Psychology, Faculty of Arts UM
Selected publications
Department of Psychology — Assist. Prof. Dr. Katja Kerman
What we research
  • quality and safety of orthopedic implants – the effect of orthopedic implants on loss of surrounding bone
  • the body's immune response to microparticles released from orthopedic implants
Participating departments and institutes
Department of Sports Medicine,Institute of Biomedical Sciences,Jožef Stefan Institute (IJS)UKC Maribor,Faculty of Mechanical Engineering UM (UM FS)
Selected publications
  • Podlipec R, Punzón – Quijorna E, Pirker L, Kelemen M, Vavpetič P, Kavalar R, Hlawacek G, Štrancar J, Pelicon P, Fokter SK. Revealing inflammatory indications nduced by titanium alloy wear debris in periprosthetic tissue by label – free correlative high – resolution ion, electron and optical microspectroscopy . Materials (Basel). 2021 Jun 3 ; 14(11):3048. doi : 10.3390/ma14113048.
  • Fokter SK, Ledinek Ž, Kljaić Dujić M, Novak I. Extreme serum titanium concentration induced by acetabular cup failure : Unveiling a unique ccenario of titanium alloy debris accumulation . Bioengineering (Basel). 2024 Feb28 ; 11(3):235. doi : 10.3390/bioengineering11030235.
  • Godicelj Ž, Kastelic J, Levašič V, Krajnc Z, Moličnik A, Novak I, Naranđa J, Zajc J, Fokter SK. Comparison of mid -term survival of uncemented total knee arthroplasties with modular tibial components made of porous tantalum vs . cemented total knee arthroplasties . Expert Rev Med Devices. 2025 Dec ; 22(12):1415-1423. doi : 10.1080/17434440.2025.2569571. Research programs and projects.
Research programs and projects

Research programs and projects

By fostering cooperation with healthcare institutions, research organizations and industry, the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Maribor creates an open and stimulating space for innovation. Involvement in national and international development and research initiatives, programs and projects enables knowledge transfer, the development of new solutions and active co-creation of the future of medicine.

8
programs in 2026
21
national projects in 2026
5
EU / international projects in 2026

Select programs or projects, then a year — all those running in the selected year are shown.

Completed projects 82

List of completed research projects by year of completion. Projects running in a given year can also be found above by selecting the year.

National projects 53
EU and international projects 29
  • 2025GESEA4EUGynaecological Endoscopic Surgical Education and Assessment for EuropePrincipal investigator at UM MF: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Branka Žegura Andrić · Duration: February 1, 2023 – January 31, 2025
  • 2025IPANEMAIntegration of PAper – based Nucleic acid testing mEthods into Microfluidic devices for improved biosensing ApplicationsPrincipal investigator at UM MF: Dr. rer. nat. Boštjan Vihar · Duration: January 1, 2020 – August 31, 2025
  • 2025NOOGreen and digital biomedical knowledge for interdisciplinary inter-faculty continuing educationPrincipal investigator at UM MF: Prof. Dr. Uroš Potočnik · Duration: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2025
  • 2024BI-FR/23-24-PROTEUS-007Topological connectivity of microvascular networks and its changes due to diabetes and associated comorbiditiesProject leader: Dr. Marko Gosak · Duration: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2024
  • 2024BI-US/22-24-105Physiomimetic model of the enterohepatic circulationProject leader: Dr. Jan Rožanc · Duration: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2024
  • 2024EMPOWER FOR 21Empowering for work in the 21st century through life skills, wellbeing promotion and prevention of mental disordersPrincipal investigator at UM MF: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hojka Gregorič Kumperščak; Asst. Dr. Monika Sobočan · Duration: July 1, 2022 – April 30, 2024
  • 2023SiOHCA: advancing the prototype to pilotPrincipal investigator at UM MF: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Matej Strnad · Duration: December 1, 2022 – April 30, 2023
  • 2023PERMEABLEPERsonalized MEdicine Approach for Asthma and Allergy Biologicals SeLEctionPrincipal investigator at UM MF: Prof. Dr. Uroš Potočnik · Duration: June 1, 2019 – May 31, 2022 (extended until May 31, 2023)
  • 2023RIUMCell sorterPrincipal investigator at UM MF: Prof. Dr. Uroš Potočnik · Duration: October 1, 2019 – September 30, 2023
  • 2023RIUMInverted confocal microscope for super-resolution cell physiologyPrincipal investigator at UM MF: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Andraž Stožer · Duration: October 1, 2019 – September 30, 2023
  • 2023RIUMAcquisition of a 3D X-ray nanomicroscope for advanced digital visualization of material samplesPrincipal investigator at UM MF: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uroš Maver · Duration: October 1, 2019 – September 30, 2023
  • 2023RIUMAcquisition of a next-generation sequencer and a DNA and RNA microarray analysis systemPrincipal investigator at UM MF: Prof. Dr. Uroš Potočnik · Duration: October 1, 2019 – September 30, 2023
  • 2023RIUMUpright confocal microscope for single- and multiphoton optophysiologyPrincipal investigator at UM MF: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Andraž Stožer · Duration: October 1, 2019 – September 30, 2023
  • 2023RIUM – equipment upgrade 2023Acquisition of a depletion laser with an emission wavelength of 592 nm (STED)Principal investigator at UM MF: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Andraž Stožer · Duration: October 1, 2019 – September 30, 2023
  • 2023RIUM – equipment upgrade 2023Acquisition of an in situ mechanical test unit in an X-ray microscopePrincipal investigator at UM MF: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uroš Maver · Duration: October 1, 2019 – September 30, 2023
  • 2022Integration of 3D bioprinting and “organ-on-a-chip” scaffolds for small intestine tissue engineeringPrincipal investigator at UM MF: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uroš Maver · Duration: April 1, 2019 – March 31, 2022
  • 2022Molecular genetic biomarkers and predictive models for the diagnosis, monitoring and personalized treatment of chronic immune diseasesPrincipal investigator at UM MF: Prof. Dr. Uroš Potočnik · Duration: April 1, 2019 – March 31, 2022
  • 2022Development of a smart sensor for the simultaneous measurement of glucose and insulinPrincipal investigator at UM MF: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uroš Maver · Duration: April 1, 2019 – March 31, 2022
  • 2022The effect of the geometry, morphology and chemistry of materials on stem cell differentiationPrincipal investigator at UM MF: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uroš Maver · Duration: April 1, 2019 – March 31, 2022
  • 2022DID ‑ ACTDeveloping, implementing, and disseminating an adaptive clinical reasoning curriculum for healthcare students and educatorsPrincipal investigator at UM MF: Asst. Dr. Monika Sobočan · Duration: January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2022
  • 2021EATRIS ‑ TRI.siDevelopment of the EATRIS – TRI.si research infrastructure for the international competitiveness of translational research in biomedicine and drug development in SloveniaPrincipal investigator at UM MF: Prof. Dr. Uroš Potočnik · Duration: June 1, 2018 – August 31, 2021
  • 2021WIBRANTWearable Integrated smart Brace for Rehabilitation monitoring And diagNostic of disorders in muscular funcTionsPrincipal investigator at UM MF: Prof. Dr. Matjaž Vogrin · Duration: October 1, 2018 – September 30, 2021
  • 2020BiofunKAT(Bio)functionalization of PVC material surfaces for catheter developmentPrincipal investigator at UM MF: academic mentors: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uroš Maver; Prof. Dr. Lidija Fras Zemljič; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Matjaž Finšgar · Duration: October 1, 2019 – July 31, 2020
  • 2020GraPhyComputer interface tool for modeling human body function in health and diseasePrincipal investigator at UM MF: academic mentors (several participants) · Duration: October 1, 2019 – July 31, 2020
  • 2020ModGenImunoAdvanced predictive models based on genomic and other molecular data for the diagnosis and monitoring of chronic immune diseasesPrincipal investigator at UM MF: academic mentors: Prof. Dr. Uroš Potočnik; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mario Gorenjak · Duration: October 1, 2019 – July 31, 2020
  • 2019SysPharmPediASystems pharmacology approach to difficult – to – treat pediatric asthmaPrincipal investigator at UM MF: Prof. Dr. Uroš Potočnik · Duration: May 1, 2016 – April 30, 2019 (extended until November 30, 2019)
  • 2017AEROWOODWood-based aerogelsPrincipal investigator at UM MF: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uroš Maver · Duration: May 1, 2014 – April 30, 2017
  • 2017BIOSHAPESPolysaccharide bioshapes — chemical design and shaping into new biomaterialsPrincipal investigator at UM MF: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uroš Maver · Duration: May 1, 2014 – April 30, 2017
  • 2017ECsafeSEAFOODContaminants in seafood and their impact on public health (The Ocean of Tomorrow)Principal investigator at UM MF: Prof. Dr. Marjan Slak Rupnik · Duration: February 1, 2013 – January 31, 2017
Student involvement

Student research

The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Maribor offers students many opportunities to become actively involved in various forms of scientific research and project work.

Co-authorship of papers

Participation in the preparation and publication of scientific and professional papers.

Research projects

Participation in national and international research and development projects carried out at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor.

Projects with the community

Gaining practical experience, knowledge and competencies in a work environment through knowledge transfer between the higher education system and the work environment (business, non-business and non-profit sectors).

Independent projects

Proposed and carried out by the student, without a call, with the support of a mentor.

Practical work

Practical laboratory, field or other research work in a chosen field.

Select a year — the student projects that ran in it are shown.

Infrastructure

Research infrastructure

Digital environments or institutional partnerships that bring together researchers, industry and the public. They serve data exchange, the search for funding, the publication of results and networking.

1. Online social networks

Online social networks connect scientists and enable the sharing of articles and projects.

ResearchGate ↗

Provides access to and publication of literature, tracking of metrics and citations, participation in discussions, networking with experts and information on vacancies in the research sector.

Academia.edu ↗

A platform for publishing and sharing scientific work and tracking the reach (reading statistics) of contributions.

Mendeley ↗

An online network for managing references, searching literature and connecting researchers.

LinkedIn ↗

Used for networking, finding new research opportunities and presenting professional achievements.

2. Scientific and research platforms

Online hubs that enable the systematic collection, processing, analysis and dissemination of scientific data.

Open Research Europe ↗

A European data and open-access platform with collections for publishing research data and studies.

OpenAIRE ↗

A European infrastructure that links global scientific publications, data and software and supports the principles of open science.

National Open Science Portal ↗

A Slovenian portal that links the repositories of universities and research organizations and provides free access to scientific publications and research data.

3. Infrastructure and innovation platforms

They connect academia with industry for knowledge transfer and cooperation in calls for proposals.

Crowdhelix ↗

Opportunities for interdisciplinary cooperation in joint project applications, participation in thematic communities and knowledge exchange.

Pivot-RP ↗

Opportunities to search for international funding, connect with other institutions and manage research projects (overview of opportunities and preparation of reports).

Achievements

Scientific excellence

Publications

Most prominent research

A selection of the most prominent scientific publications by MF UM researchers — title, authors and a link to the publication.

→ View all publications

Excellent in Science

A selection of the most visible and groundbreaking achievements of Slovenian researchers that make an important contribution to scientific progress and to solving societal challenges, compiled by the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS).

Overview of the bibliographies of higher education teachers and research projects

The bibliography is an indicator of the scientific and professional activity of higher education teachers and of the research performance of the Faculty as a whole, and at the same time a tool for evaluating achievements and for strategic planning of further development.

Events

Scientific and professional events

Scientific and professional events are an important part of the academic and research environment, enabling the exchange of knowledge, the presentation of the latest research achievements and closer cooperation among researchers, professionals and students.

TV and radio programs — 2023
TV and radio programs — 2025
Partners

Collaborations

Collaboration with academic institutions and industry is an important foundation for developing knowledge and research excellence and for transferring findings into practice. By working together, we create opportunities for innovation and joint projects and strengthen our impact in the wider social and economic arena.

Bodies

Committee for ScientificResearch Affairs

The Committee for Scientific Research Affairs (KZRZ) deals with matters relating to research appointments, scientific research activity and doctoral studies and prepares proposals for the Senate of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor. The committee has 7 members, including 2 student representatives; it is chaired by the Vice-Dean for Research. The committee is appointed for a term of four years; the students' term is one year. Materials for a session must be submitted by the 20th of the month to be considered at the next session.

Appointments

Research appointments

Procedure for appointing researchers to a research title at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor.

  • 📄 Rules on the Appointment Procedure (UPB 1)
  • 📄 Rules on Research Titles (unofficial consolidated text)
Contact: Lina Anadolli — lina.anadolli1@um.si — tel.: 02 2345 856
Activities

Scientificresearch activities

Monitoring scientific research activity, informing about current calls and news, preparing the call for Dean's Awards, appointing the committee for evaluating research projects and deciding on award winners, assessing nominations for national and international awards and recognitions, and preparing the Overview of the bibliographies of higher education teachers and projects.

Contact: Dr. Zdenka Peršin Fratnik — zdenka.persin@um.si — tel.: 02 2345 840
Doctorate

Doctoral studies

Consideration of dissertation topic registrations and proposals, appointment of committees for the assessment and defense of doctoral dissertations, and approval of topics.

Contact: Jasmina Barton Bedrač — jasmina.bedrac@um.si — tel.: 02 2345 876
Training

Young researchers

Young researchers are selected candidates who are training to obtain a doctorate. Under the program, they receive 4-year funding and employment at a research organization.

Support

MF Project Office

The MF Project Office provides administrative support to researchers in applying for, managing and implementing research projects. It offers advice and information, keeps project documentation and monitors key indicators in project implementation.

Project documentation
Support — national projects
Darja Farasin — darja.farasin@um.si
Dr. Zdenka Peršin Fratnik — zdenka.persin@um.si
Support — EU / international projects
Tatjana Golob — tatjana.golob@um.si
Petra Mohorko — petra.mohorko1@um.si
Ethics

Ethics Committee

Information about the MF UM Ethics Committee and the procedure for submitting applications.

→ More information
Open access

Open science

Principles and practices that make research processes, results and data accessible, transparent and reusable for the wider scientific community and society. They promote open access to publications, research data sharing and collaboration, thereby increasing the quality, reliability and impact of research.

  • 📄Internal instructions for research data management
  • 📄Research data management plan — ARIS form
  • 📄Horizon Europe data management plan template
  • 📄ERC data management plan template
→ UM Open Science

Science communication

We kindly ask all researchers to send a completed form to the coordinators for communicating scientific research achievements before publishing research results in the media.

Darja Farasin — darja.farasin@um.si — tel.: 02 2345 827
Tatjana Golob — tatjana.golob@um.si — tel.: 02 2345 870

ADDRESS
University of Maribor, Faculty of Medicine, Maribor,
Taborska ulica 8, 2000 Maribor

T:  +386 (2) 2345 821
T:  +386 (2) 2345 820
E: mf@um.si

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“I completed part of my studies on an Erasmus exchange in Split, followed by an Erasmus traineeship in Vienna. Both experiences gave me the chance to explore the cities in depth, meet new people and form friendships that will last a lifetime. On the clinical wards, I saw procedures that are performed less often at home, and a longer placement in ophthalmology confirmed my wish to specialize in the field.

I also tried my hand at research, which further broadened my professional perspective. The exchanges helped me grow both personally and professionally: I became more independent and open-minded, improved my foreign language skills and felt even more confident about my career path.

It is an experience every medical student should have.”

Leeloo
MF UM • Split, Croatia and Vienna, Austria

“My exchange at the medical university in Innsbruck was truly unforgettable. Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, is a beautiful, vibrant student city surrounded by mountains. At the start, we were welcomed with a reception where I quickly got to know the other Erasmus students. I completed my 4th year there, attended the useful Sono4u ultrasound course and took additional placements in gynecology, plastic surgery and ENT, gaining valuable practical experience. The professors were friendly and approachable, and the faculty also offered a year-long German course; I recommend having at least B1-level German before going on exchange. The city itself is perfect for skiing, cycling, running and climbing, and is also known for having one of Europe's largest climbing walls. I will certainly be happy to return to Innsbruck, as it has become my second home.

The Erasmus Student Network organized trips to Salzburg, Vienna, Verona and Neuschwanstein, as well as numerous sporting events.”

Zala
MF UM • Innsbruck, Austria

“When I went on Erasmus in my 5th year, I had no idea how much six months in Graz would change me. I wanted to see how medicine is practiced elsewhere, improve my German and step outside my routine, but I gained so much more: new friends, a wealth of knowledge and unforgettable moments.

The first few days were more difficult: I felt like a first-year student in a white coat. The hospital was huge, everyone spoke quickly, and I struggled to catch every word. But the students and supervisors were incredibly friendly, so I soon joined ward rounds and procedures and learned a great deal in practice. Medical German seemed daunting at first, but practice was the best teacher, and after a few weeks I was communicating confidently.

The best part was meeting students from all over the world. We cooked, studied and explored Graz together. The exchange taught me things I would never have experienced at home. I became more independent, confident and open-minded.

If you are thinking about Erasmus, go for it. It will not always be easy, but it will always be worth it. ”

Rebeka
MF UM • Graz, Austria