The 12th ŠTeKam Student Technical Conference took place today at the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. With 52 contributions by young researchers from 21 educational and research institutions, this year’s conference was the largest to date. The record number of contributions also brought a first for ŠTeKam, with presentations held in three parallel sessions.
ŠTeKam is open to students at all three levels of higher education as well as students in their final years of secondary school. One of its defining features is its interdisciplinary character. This year, young researchers from mechanical engineering, computer science, mathematics and physics, electrical engineering, economics, law, education, psychology, biotechnology, medicine, pharmacy and other fields came together at the conference. Participants represented numerous faculties of the University of Ljubljana, the University of Maribor and the University of Primorska, as well as secondary schools and research institutions. Authors and institutions from abroad also took part, including participants from the United States and the Netherlands.
This diversity is what gives the conference much of its value. Young researchers present their work not only to peers in their own field but also to audiences with different academic and professional backgrounds. In doing so, they gain valuable experience in public speaking, explaining and defending their findings, and engaging in professional discussion.
From a Research Idea to a First Academic Reference
ŠTeKam gives young people the opportunity to experience key stages of the research process while they are still studying – from defining a research question and carrying out the research to preparing a paper, going through peer review and publicly presenting their results. They also receive feedback from reviewers, mentors and other participants that can help them take their work further.
Participation can also provide a first academic reference. Accepted papers are published in the conference proceedings and entered into the COBISS system. Secondary-school and university students may also count their participation as an exceptional achievement when applying for a Zois Scholarship. The most successful participants will have the opportunity to present their work to a wider professional audience through publication in the scientific and professional journal Ventil.
“A record 52 contributions show that ŠTeKam is becoming an increasingly recognised platform for young people to present their research. Even more important than the number itself is the diversity of fields represented. Young researchers have to make their work understandable to audiences from different academic backgrounds, and in doing so they gain valuable research and communication experience,” said Assist. Prof. Dr. Tomaž Berlec, member of the ŠTeKam Organising Committee.
Best Contributions at ŠTeKam 2026
As the conference was held in three parallel sessions for the first time this year, participants selected three best contributions – one from each session:
Best contribution in Session A:
Anja Vajda, Pia Marinček, Alexandra Bogožalec Košir – Evaluation of a Candidate Reference Material for HCMV Diagnosis Using Nanopore Sequencing
Best contribution in Session B:
Julija Genorio, Jernej Jorgačevski: Development of a Quantitative 3D Approach for Analyzing the Spatial Distribution of p62 Protein in Mouse Astrocytes
Best contribution in Session C:
Gregor Badalič: Predictive Model for Deformation Analysis and Structural Optimization of Spider Webs
The conference is organised by Assist. Prof. Dr. Tomaž Berlec, Assoc. Dr. Prof. Miha Brojan, and Teaching Assist. Dr. Boštjan Drobnič. Its mission is simple: to give young people the opportunity to turn curiosity into research and take their first steps into the world of science.
Congratulations to all participants – may their curiosity continue to lead them forward.
* ŠTeKam – Student Technical Conference
Photo: UL FME archive
