Ljubljana, 14 May 2026 – The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana hosted female secondary school students included in the project Girls in STEM: Mentorship Programme, which is managed by the British Embassy in Ljubljana. The purpose of the project is to draw science, technology, engineering and mathematics nearer to girls, encouraging them to think about their future careers in STEM fields.
In the introduction, Prof. Dr. Jernej Klemenc, the Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, presented the study of mechanical engineering, the Faculty’s research environment and the multitude of possibilities provided to students through extracurricular activities, international projects and collaboration with the economy. Furthermore, the Faculty alumna Ljupka Vrteva, Young Woman Engineer of the Year 2023 and a role model for many young people, presented her inspiring career and her experience with the study of mechanical engineering and working in engineering.
Within the scope of the programme, the project mentor, Assist. Valentina Šimić Škraba, presented her research work at the Laboratory for Internal Combustion Engines and Electromobility (LiCEM), where they deal with the development of a digital ship engine twin. She also passed on to the audience a personal note on the significance of courage, persistence and love for science: “Do what you love throughout your life – no compromises. Do not be afraid of challenges and things unknown, as everything can be learned if you are truly interested.”
Special emphasis of the event was placed on mentorship and importance of female role models in science and engineering. Valentina Šimić Škraba noted that she had decided to participate in the programme because she wanted to see more women in science and because she wanted to give back to the youth the support she herself received from her mentor.
Secondary school students then visited the Faculty’s research labs and learned about various fields of modern engineering from close up. At the Laboratory of Mechatronics, Production Systems and Automation (LAMPA), Assist. Dr. Andreja Malus presented robot systems and multi-robot solutions for the projects run by the European Space Agency (ESA), while Assist. Karin Žibert presented a simulation of the functioning of the cardiovascular system and of the heart pump at the Laboratory for Hydraulic Machines (LVTS).
At the Laboratory for Refrigeration and District Energy (LAHDE), Assist. Prof. Dr. Katja Klinar presented research in the field of heat processes, measurement of material heat properties and energy recovery from waste heat, while Assist. Researcher Leja Udovč (Laboratory for Cutting (LABOD)) demonstrated modern production technologies and the use of a collaborative robot in milling at the Technology Demonstrator.
The event raised a great deal of interest and excitement among participants. One of the secondary school students pointed out that she never imagined the extent to which mechanical engineering contributes to the resolution of social challenges and improved quality of life.
Such events allow the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering to continue its efforts to approach engineering to the youth and promote the inclusion of women in STEM fields, where they can importantly co-create the future with their knowledge, creativity and research spirit.
Photo: archive UL FME
