Festival of Science and Arts
The University of Maribor Festival of Science and Arts – FestUM was conceived as an annual celebration of research, creativity and new discoveries. It brings together the diverse strands of scientific and artistic research conducted at the University, connects researchers, artists and students, and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and the exchange of ideas. FestUM is evolving into the University’s flagship festival of science and the arts, strengthening the visibility of its achievements and creating new opportunities for engagement between the academic community and wider society. We aim to continue enhancing the festival’s programme and developing FestUM as a distinctive platform that brings together science, the arts, education and society.
FestUM 2026: Quality. Significance. Responsibility.
FestUM 4.0 was held as a seasonal event comprising the spring opening of a new exhibition from the UMetnost: Connected in Creativity series, the main festival event, and an autumn puppet performance. It also included the 4th national event of the SPOZNAJ project, bringing together Slovene and international experts to reflect on the evaluation of scientific research and artistic work and the role of open science in contemporary academia.
The main festival event took place on 10 and 11 June 2026 at the University of Maribor Rectorate.
FestUM 2025: Challenges of the Future
Held in the year of the University of Maribor’s 50th anniversary, FestUM 3.0 encouraged reflection on the future of science and research. It explored what kind of science we wish to build and how we can shape it together as an open, responsible, and inclusive community. The festival also marked the public launch of the exhibition series UMetnost: Connected through Creativity.
The festival took place from 15 to 17 October 2025 at the University of Maribor Rectorate.
FestUM 2024: Open Science Brings an Open Mind
Included in the programme of the Month of Science 2024, FestUM 2.0 was dedicated to the challenges and opportunities arising at the intersection of Open Science and artificial intelligence in higher education. Through discussions on the future of education, academic publishing, and knowledge transfer, it highlighted the importance of open access to knowledge, the responsible use of artificial intelligence, and collaboration between academia, industry, and society.
The festival took place on 15 and 16 October 2024 at the University of Maribor Rectorate.
FestUM 2023: Open Science Brings an Open Mind
In its first edition, the festival focused on open education, learning, and research, while promoting the exchange of knowledge and data between academia and the wider public. From the outset, it was conceived as a multifaceted event, combining a central programme complemented by accompanying activities, which in 2023 included a student poster exhibition, morning exercise sessions, an evening concert by University of Maribor students, and a chess tournament.
The festival took place on 24 and 25 October 2023 at the University of Maribor Library.
Video Highlights from Previous Festivals
