The Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS) has prepared an overview of research activities that can directly or indirectly contribute to a more successful battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. These research activities also include programmes and projects carried out by researchers at the University of Ljubljana. The University also continues to update its activities, advice and recommendations, so that this period can be overcome more easily and safely.

The research programmes and projects carried out by researchers at the University of Ljubljana that may directly or indirectly help in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, treating those with the disease and improving the responsiveness and capacity of the healthcare system refer to medicine, biotechnology, natural science, social sciences and the humanities. More information about the University of Ljubljana research programmes involved in the battle against COVID-19 is available here.

In addition, the University of Ljubljana continues to engage in projects for the common good and provide guidance to Slovenian citizens. Here are this week’s highlights:

Intercultural study on psychological coping with the coronavirus pandemic
The Ljubljana Faculty of Arts Department of Psychology invites individuals to participate in an intercultural survey on psychological coping with the coronavirus pandemic. The survey is currently being conducted in Spain, German, Italy, Nigeria, the UK, the US, Canada, Poland, Hungary and many other countries. If you wish to participate, click here. 

Producing fabric masks
The Ljubljana Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering (Department of Textiles, Graphic Arts and Design; Textile and Fashion Design Programme) has responded quickly to the current crisis in Slovenia. It has prepared instructions for sewing reusable cotton masks. Because masks are now obligatory in all closed public spaces, anyone can make their own using these instructions. You can find more information on the effectiveness of homemade masks and how to wash them here.

Helpful posts for school practitioners
A special platform is taking shape on the website of the Ljubljana Faculty of Arts Department of Education and Adult Education, which is regularly updated with posts or articles written by the department staff and can be used by school practitioners (teachers, school counsellors, preschool teachers, etc.) to reflect on their work in the new circumstances. 

Pomaga(j)mo (Help)
The Ljubljana Faculty of Administration has launched a special page entitled Pomaga(j)mo (Help) on its website. It offers advice, recommendations and words of encouragement; for example it provides information on where to find help in times of distress, along with all the available electronic channels we can use while we #stayathome. 

New thoughts about social science during the coronavirus pandemic
The staff at the Ljubljana Faculty of Social Sciences are contributing their new thoughts about social science during the coronavirus pandemic. This time the ideas were contributed by Aleksandra Kanjuo Mrčela, Marjan Smrke and Zlatko Šabič. So far, Anže Burger, Klement Podnar, Klemen Ploštajner, Mirjana Ule and Mirt Komel have already shared their thoughts on the Faculty website. 

Charity auction
Danaja Padovac, a restoration student at the Ljubljana Academy of Fine Arts and Design, has drawn a portrait of Luka Dončić, which the Slovenian Friends of Youth Association will sell at a charity auction. The funs raised will be allocated for children in need, whose situation has now been further aggravated. The auction runs until 8 April 2020. For more information, see here. 

Coronavirus posters
Students at the Ljubljana Academy of Fine Arts and Design have responded in large numbers to the TAM-TAM Institute’s open call for designing a “coronavirus” city poster as part of its Plaktivat project. The aim of this campaign is to inspire responsibility, solidarity and humanity in individuals in the battle against the epidemic. The designs submitted so far are shown here.