EMUNI University proudly hosted two vibrant international summer schools this September: the Healthy and Active Lifestyle (HALS) Summer School and the Irrigation and Sustainable Oliviculture in the Mediterranean (ISOM) Summer School. Students and lecturers from across the Mediterranean came together in Piran, Koper, and Izola for a week filled with academic exploration, hands-on learning, cultural exchange, and new friendships.
Day 1: A Warm Welcome
The week began at EMUNI University with official openings and introductions.
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HALS students explored topics such as Kinesiology Before and After with Dr. Rado Pišot, Healthy Lifestyle Paradigm with Dr. Saša Pišot, and From Muscle to the Brain and EMG with Dr. Miloš Kalc.
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ISOM students engaged in discussions on Sustainable Agriculture in the North Mediterranean with Dr. Raúl Compés López (CIHEAM Zaragoza), Agriculture and White Phosphorus with Mariam Younes (AMWAJ, Lebanon), and Sustainable Agriculture in the South Mediterranean with Dr. Marwa Mokhtar Khairallah (Heliopolis University). Dr. Ramzi Belkhodja (CIHEAM Zaragoza) rounded off the day with a session on the digitalisation of olive cultivation.
The day concluded with a joint guided tour of Piran, allowing students to experience the town’s cultural and historical charm.
Day 2: Hands-On Experiences
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HALS students visited a partner institution, enjoyed a workshop on EEG led by Mag. Manca Peškar, and had time for free activities.
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ISOM students attended lectures on Breeding and Biodiversity Strategies for Climate-Smart Olive Orchards by Dr. Marwa Mokhtar Khairallah and Adaptive Cultivation in Olive Growing by Dr. Maja Podgornik (ZRS Koper). In the afternoon, they travelled to Marezige to explore a demonstration orchard with Dr. Jakob Fantinič.
Day 3: Field Visits and Applied Knowledge
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HALS students spent the day at ZRS Koper, where Dr. Kaja Teraz delivered sessions on the Mediterranean Diet, Body Composition, and Diet and Exercise. Dr. Luka Slošar led a lecture on interventions to limit the consequences of physical inactivity. The visit ended with a tour of the SloMoBIL research facility.
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ISOM students travelled to Izola for a field day, learning about Irrigation Management with MSc. Jakob Fantinič and Olive Oil: Composition, Bioactive Properties, and Use with Prof. Benhamidat Lyna (University of Tlemcen). The afternoon included laboratory visits and an olive oil tasting session at ZRS Koper.
Day 4: Knowledge and Celebration
At EMUNI University, HALS students deepened their understanding with lectures and workshops: Physical Inactivity from Earth to Space (Dr. Elgot Abdeljalil, Hassan First University), Interventions for Limiting Physical Inactivity (Dr. Luka Slošar), a VR workshop, and a session on Sarcopenia led by Dr. Boštjan Simunič and Assist. Katarina Pus.
Meanwhile, ISOM students explored Olive Oil Processing and By-Product Valorisation and Soil Biodiversity with Rok Babič (ZRS Koper), Dr. Marwa Mokhtar Khairallah, and Dr. Mateja Grego.
In the evening, both groups joined forces to prepare and enjoy a Farewell Party at the EMUNI Library, celebrating their Mediterranean journey together.
Day 5: Closing Ceremonies
The final day marked the conclusion of an unforgettable week.
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HALS students participated in outdoor activities, presented their study results, and completed exams under the guidance of Dr. Kaja Teraz. The programme concluded with an official certificate ceremony led by Dr. Teraz and Dr. Mounir Ghribi.
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ISOM students attended sessions on Harvesting and Olive Oil Quality with MSc. Albert Kravos, took part in roundtable dialogues with Prof. Benhamidat Lyna and Dr. Marwa Mokhtar Khairallah, and presented their final projects. They too concluded their journey with a certificate ceremony.
Friendship, Culture, and Exchange
Students joined from Heliopolis University, Alexandria University, Antonine University, Tlemcen University, Hebron University, Beirut Arab University, Hassan First University, and Galala University, representing Algeria, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, and Morocco. Beyond lectures and field visits, the true spirit of the summer schools was found in the friendships built, cultures exchanged, and collective vision for a stronger Euro-Mediterranean region.
Summer Schools 2025 at EMUNI not only strengthened academic knowledge but also created lifelong bonds across borders – proving once again that higher education is a powerful bridge across the Mediterranean.
