Krk awards see record participation from Slovenian high school researchers

A record number of entries was received for the Krk awards for high school research projects, with 82 submissions from students across 25 Slovenian high schools. During the award ceremony held on September 25, 2026, 40 students received the Krk award and 41 received Krk recognition.

Among the notable winners were students from Gimnazija Ledina. Lučka Rotar and Jan Knez received an award for their research on air quality, comparing particulate matter in Ljubljana and Trbovlje. Their study found that while average PM10 concentrations were similar, the oxidative potential of particles was higher in Trbovlje. Additionally, Evi-Arolea Trdan received an award for research involving the laser structuring and surface treatment of copper to modify its properties.

Aleš Rotar, a member of the Krk management board, emphasized that the awards aim to encourage young people to test their ideas in research environments and develop problem-solving skills. The program also included a professional symposium where students presented 11 research projects to the scientific community.