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Graduation Ceremonies

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 15:29:00 +0200

Schedule of graduations for the academic year 2023/2024 with live broadcasting.

Seminar of Department of Theoretical Physics - Martin Krššák (27.6.2024)

Peter.Matak@fmph.uniba.sk — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 14:48:00 +0200

Martin Krššák:
Self-excited instantons and the structure of gravitational vacuum Abstract:
The finite Euclidean action solutions known as instantons played an important role in non-perturbative understanding of Yang-Mills theory. In 1970s, a similar idea was pioneered by Eguchi and Hanson in the case of gravity. In this talk, I will briefly comment on Eguchi Hanson construction and show why teleparallel gravity is a more suitable framework to study gravitational instantons than the standard general relativity. Here we exploit the fact that the teleparallel action is an exterior product of torsion and excitation forms, and define new kind of self-excited solutions, where these two forms are equal to each other. These self-excited solutions bear a striking resemblance to Yang-Mills instantons, since their action is given by a topological Nieh-Yan term, and axial torsion can be identified as a topological current, playing the role of the Chern-Simons current in Yang-Mills theory.

Seminar of Department of Theoretical Physics - Vladimír Balek (26.6.2024)

Peter.Matak@fmph.uniba.sk — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 14:27:00 +0200

Vladimír Balek:
Historia magistra vitae: how Max Planck discovered quantum Abstract:
Ludwig Boltzmann distributed balls (molecules) into shelves (energy layers), as we are doing, too, when computing entropy of ideal gas, he just had indistiguishable boxes on the shelves (states) and distiguishable balls. Planck’s radiation law is obtained by a straightforward application of Boltzmann’s procedure to indistiguishable balls whose total number is not fixed (photons). Planck would probably not use this concept even if he would accidentally run into it when going through the options of how the interpolation formula for spectral density of blackbody radiation, just discovered by him, could possibly be explained. He was a respectable citizen, father of four, no “savage Messiah”. He had a better idea: switch balls and boxes. His balls were resonators, charged weights on springs interacting preferentially with radiation whose frequency coincided with their natural frequency, and the exchange of roles between balls and boxes meant that the resonators were not distributed between the states within the given interval of energy, but the intervals of energy were distributed between the resonators. In such a way the quanta of energy – fancy name for those intervals–balls – got into the description of resonators, and from there into the theory of electromagnetic field.

COMENIUS UNIVERSITY RECEIVED MORE THAN 13,000 APPLICATIONS. SOME STUDY PROGRAMMES ARE STILL OPEN TO APPLICANTS

pr@uniba.sk — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 09:14:00 +0200

In the last three years Comenius University has been attracting a relatively high number of applicants. This year the University received 13,267 applications for full-time Bachelor-level study and combined Bachelor and Master study (e.g., medicine, theology, speech therapy, pharmacy). This year’s planned capacity in these types of study is 7,643 places. Naturally, different study programmes attract varying numbers of applicants. Potential students submitted the highest number of applications to the Faculty of Medicine (2,163), the Faculty of Arts (2,155) and the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine (1,543). These are faculties where demand traditionally exceeds supply by a factor of two or three. "We are pleased that study at our university is so attractive, and that we can still select students even despite the demographic curve and the relatively large number of universities in Slovakia (let alone abroad). Our age offers young people endless opportunities, and it makes me particularly happy that they still choose our university." said CU’s rector Marek Števček. Even though many study programmes receive more applications than they can satisfy, there are some for which the application process is still open. Admission procedure for the first level or combined first and second levels (i.e., Bachelor level or a level that is not split into Bachelor and Master degrees) – programmes in English: Faculty of Medicine: 22 July, 2024 – general medicine, dentistry Faculty of Pharmacy: 31 July, 2024 – pharmacy Jessenius Faculty of Medicine: 1 August, 2024 – general medicine Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences: 15 August, 2024 – social and work psychology Faculty of Law: 31 August, 2024 – law Admission procedure for the second level of university study (Master degree after obtaining Bachelor degree) - programmes in English: Faculty of Law: 31 August, 2024 – law Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences: 15 August, 2024 – European studies

Scientist of the Year Igor Farkaš: A neural network recognizes a face or an object, but it may not understand them

nasa.univerzita@uniba.sk — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 12:58:00 +0200

How do you respond to becoming the Personality of International Cooperation? Even though the prize was awarded to me as an individual, it was made possible by the contribution of several people who have been working with me. I received the award for developing international cooperation with partners in the field of artificial neural networks. I am very grateful to my colleagues from the U.S., the UK, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Austria. I would also like to point attention to the international master's study programme in cognitive science, of which I am the main sponsor. Could you describe the programme? In 2005, I joined the European Socrates project, which was intended to establish a joint programme of cognitive science, through a collaboration with partners from Vienna, Ljubljana and Budapest. The programme has been available since 2007. Among my closest collaborators are Martin Takáč and Kristína Malinovská from the Department of Applied Informatics of the FMPI. The programme is unique in two respects: in the third semester, student mobility to a chosen university of the consortium is mandatory, and in both years students must hold research presentations at the MEi:CogSci consortium conference. Cognitive science studies the human mind and strives to understand how the human mind works, how humans perceive, act, and make decisions. It also raises difficult questions, like what is consciousness. I attempt to study cognitive processes from a computational point of view. How do you study these factors? Simply put, on two levels - one is the perspective of psychology - psychologists use research methods using subjects to develop theories about how our minds work. I study them from the point of view of computer science - the mind is inside the brain, it is a material entity that performs calculations based on the inputs it receives. A person can recognize a specific object because of a calculation: our eyes feed information to the brain, which processes it. We used this method, for example, to study early language development in young children by modeling how words are learned. This was a project on which I worked as a postdoctoral researcher in the U.S. Is there a formula for calculating all this? No, it is more about the relationship of perception to its outward manifestations which take the form of action. In other words, it is a mathematical representation that the neural network must learn, just as a child learns early on to grasp a toy or to name it when it is recognized. How can artificial intelligence be used in cognitive sciences? Let us imagine a computer program that scans a face with a camera, recognizes its emotional expression and places it in the appropriate category; for example happiness or sadness. The approach so far has been to program rules describing how emotions are expressed on a face - raised corners of the mouth mean that the person is laughing, wrinkled forehead means a frown. The program uses these attributes to evaluate the emotion. However, there is a more modern and effective way of recognizing using neural networks. Instead of giving the system rules which determine the answers, we give it examples of people displaying a particular emotion. The neural network takes those examples from different categories and learns to recognize the relationship between the input and the output— i.e. the correct answer. How do we obtain these examples of emotions? Annotated examples of faces that are categorized by emotion can be obtained from publicly available databases. The neural network is trained on these examples until it gives the correct answers. An untrained network just makes random decisions. The training itself means that the network adjusts its parameters to get closer to the truth whenever it makes a mistake. We let it know by telling it the correct answer. This is the task of the training algorithm. All neural networks need to learn and there has been much talk of deep learning in the past decade.

The TERAIS Project (Towards excellent robotics and artificial intelligence at a Slovak University)
The joint research project focuses on cognitive robotics using artificial neural networks and deep learning, which are currently cutting-edge technologies in the field of artificial intelligence. The research will contribute to the development of robots that will be trusted by humans and will allow interaction on a daily basis. International cooperation will contribute to the creation of networks and long-term, sustainable international research partnerships. The project is also intended to promote connections with other key actors of the local innovation ecosystem, such as information technology companies and technology start-ups. It supports joint events, webinars or workshops organized by the students and employees. The project has 4 key pillars: human development, creating international networks, excellent research and • research support.

The TERAIS Project (Towards excellent robotics and artificial intelligence at a Slovak University)

The joint research project focuses on cognitive robotics using artificial neural networks and deep learning, which are currently cutting-edge technologies in the field of artificial intelligence. The research will contribute to the development of robots that will be trusted by humans and will allow interaction on a daily basis. International cooperation will contribute to the creation of networks and long-term, sustainable international research partnerships. The project is also intended to promote connections with other key actors of the local innovation ecosystem, such as information technology companies and technology start-ups. It supports joint events, webinars or workshops organized by the students and employees.

The project has 4 key pillars:

human development,
creating international networks,
excellent research and
• research support.

What is deep learning? It is a method of training very similar to the one used on small networks, except with deep learning the networks are substantially larger and consist of several layers of neurons. Working with neural networks has become much easier than in the past because we now have advanced tools for their implementation. The software is much more sophisticated, programming has become very efficient. Sometimes, just a few lines of code are enough to get the network ready for training. Today, neural networks have several layers, they are deep, and enable more complex transformations, as well as solve more complicated problems. Each layer has its role and is part of a complex process. There is some similarity with the human brain, which also consists of many layers that are interconnected. Do we know how the human mind works? We don't know exactly and I don’t think we ever will, in detail, because new knowledge leads to new questions. Researching the mind is difficult because it is an intangible entity which is also hidden from sight. It can be studied by psychology, using experiments. But the mind certainly depends on the brain, and the brain is made of matter. We don’t even have a complete knowledge of the brain. Then there is the question at which level the brain is studied - do we look at the micro-processes going on in neurons, or do we study the systemic level, the interactions between the various parts. In this effort, the neuroscientific view or computational modeling of the processes taking place in the brain can be useful. You are the coordinator of the TERAIS international twinning project developed as part of the EU Horizon Europe grant programme. What are the achievements over the years that the project has existed? This is the third application, the first was in 2018. Our current project manager, Daniela Olejárová, is largely responsible for the success of the project, because she helped us to define the project and write the application. With her help, the project got the maximum number of points. Its aim is to develop the human potential at the Department of Applied Informatics of the FMPI. We want to support research and motivate our colleagues, which is why we created a research support office at the department. We have two strong partners – the University of Hamburg and the Italian Institute of Technology, who help us write joint professional publications in the field of artificial intelligence and support out research stays in Hamburg and Genoa. More than half of the department's employees, as well as PhD researchers and students are involved in the TERAIS project. We want to do better research than before, and the research part of the TERAIS project focuses on the development of artificial intelligence and robotics. I personally am really interested in humanoid robotics, i.e. robots that look like humans and interact with humans. There are already various prototypes that will see further development. The difference between the bodyless, computer-based artificial intelligence and robots is that a robot can act like a human and make a difference, it can interact with people. However, it is crucial to ensure that robots are safe and reliable, and pose no danger to humans. Can artificial intelligence be harmful? That should not happen unless something goes wrong with the hardware or software. New forms of artificial intelligence (AI) are able to learn. The question is whether an AI can learn something bad, something that we didn't want it to learn. Let us imagine a system for which it is critical to give correct answers. If we train it well, it works well - for example, it recognizes emotions with a high success rate. The problem is that current artificial intelligence based on neural networks can work very well, but is not entirely reliable because it is vulnerable and not resistant to malicious attacks. If I purposefully modify the image of a human face which is captured by the camera by intentionally changing a few points (pixels), I could cause the recognizing neural network to suddenly give entirely wrong answers with a high degree of confidence. Small errors in the image will make the network think that it represents something completely different. Humans are resistant to this. Our visual system apparently uses different principles and is not so easily fooled. Do you have an idea of what measures we should take to prevent this from happening? One way is adversarial training, which means adding malicious data to normal training data, and correcting the network’s parameters until it provides the correct outputs. However, this just solves the symptoms, not the root cause. It might prevent the network from being susceptible to one type of attack, but there are many of these attacks, and new ones are emerging all the time. We can train artificial intelligence so that it would be immune to some specific attacks, but it will fail to recognize others. Nevertheless, I hope that one day we will find a general solution to this problem. Right now, a neural network can recognize faces or brands, but that doesn't mean it understands them. To the network those are still just images which it recognizes on the level of pixels. A human, on the other hand, can imagine what a horse looks like, i.e. humans can work with mental conceptual representations. Current neural networks find this hard to do. Do you know how we should change the network so it doesn't just recognize images on the level of pixels? We can take inspiration from the human visual system. Contrary to artificial intelligence, human vision is not a one-way flow of information. Information also travels in the opposite direction, humans form expectations after perception. For example, if I see a dog, I have some expectations about what it should look - it should have four legs and an expected body shape. However, I know it could still be a dog even if I don't see those four legs. Neural networks also have an attention mechanism - if the network recognizes an object, it might be because it pays attention to those parts of the image that are important for correct classification. For us, the background of an object is usually not important, but current neural network models classify the object in the image partly because of the background, which they consider equally important. Radka Rosenbergová

Jessenius Faculty Students Aid Hospital with Charity Effort

milos.hrabovsky@uniba.sk — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 10:33:00 +0200

The comprehensive renovation of the inpatient area in the Pediatric Oncology Department included new adjustable beds, furniture, appliances such as a refrigerator and a TV, and a complete overhaul of the electrical wiring. The room is now adorned with cheerful, colorful murals, enhancing the environment for young patients. “This is a tangible example of the immense value of the charitable activities our students undertake, and I hope it inspires them to continue their efforts,” said Prof. Andrea Čalkovská, MD, DSc., Dean of the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, during the official opening of the room. Amy Van Brecht, a student and organizer of the 7th annual Medical Charity Run, also attended the ceremony, expressing her deep satisfaction with the outcome. “For me, it’s a feeling of fulfillment because it shows that our event, the Medical Charity Run, truly makes a difference. It’s meaningful and helps us advance, improving hospital stays and doing something significant for the children, all thanks to this one event,” Van Brecht remarked. The hospital’s director, Peter Durný, MD, PhD, MPH, expressed gratitude, saying, “We welcome any activity that enhances the quality of healthcare provided by the University Hospital Martin. Our pediatric patients are very important to us, and we must create the best possible conditions for them and their accompanying parents. We are very thankful for the support from our medical students.” Peter Ďurdík, MD, PhD, head of the Children's Clinic, added, “It’s wonderful that we were able to unite so many people to do something great for our young patients. Our clinic has a long history, and with the help of sponsors, we continually strive to renovate and update the rooms to meet the current standards they deserve.” Amy Van Brecht also revealed plans for the 8th annual Medical Charity Run, scheduled for September 28 in Hviezdoslav Park, with all proceeds this time going to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Children's Clinic.

Wellbeing Mentorship Training Programme

milos.hrabovsky@uniba.sk — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 15:23:00 +0200

The training focused on sharing and deepening skills and knowledge in the field of wellbeing, preparing participants to train and mentor other students. The Jessenius Faculty of Medicine at Comenius University (JFMED CU) was also represented by a group of mentors at the training. The program consisted of four modules: Effective Learning Methods, Effective Communication Skills, Empathy Development, and Adequate Emotional Regulation. Our mentors, Miloslav Oppa, MD, PhD, and Assoc. Prof. Martina Dubovcová, PhD, MPH, from the Psychiatric Clinic, prepared a module on Stress Management and some relaxation techniques to support resilience. “Wellbeing is an interesting project. During the training, I learned many useful insights and recommendations that can be applied during studies and in everyday life. The event was excellently organized, and the pleasant environment in the city of Pécs added to the special atmosphere. It was great to meet people from different universities and have both professional and friendly conversations with them. I look forward to continuing to collaborate in the field of Wellbeing, whether in this project or in another opportunity,” said Kevin Ľuboslav Patráš, one of the trained students. “The mentoring training program provides a space for building mental health and resilience among students in helping professions. The acquired information and skills in areas such as self-management (a concept that replaces time management), assertive communication, and tools for developing empathy represent a significant contribution to creating an effective climate not only among students but also among colleagues,” stated Assoc. Prof. Martina Dubovcová, PhD, MPH. The WELLBEING project, titled "Promoting the Wellbeing Concept at Medical and Public Sector of the Visegrad Region," is a joint effort of four medical faculties from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary. The project is under the patronage of Professor Tamás Tényi, MD, PhD, DSc, Vice Dean for General Affairs, Student Care, and International Relations at the University of Pécs Medical School, who greeted all participants during the training. The project is funded by the Visegrad Fund.

Monograph from the project "European Union and the Challenges of Modern Society"

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 09:31:00 +0200

We are pleased to announce that the monograph entitled "Legal Issues of Digitalisation, Robotisation and Cyber Security in the Light of the EU" has been published from the project called "European Union and the Challenges of Modern Society (legal issues of digitalization, robotization, cybersecurity and prevention of hybrid threats)". The monograph summarizes the work of top experts in the field of digital technologies and their impact on law. Among the authors of the monograph there are also our employees, who are members of the research project team as well: · Professor Blažo with the chapter "Private Enforcement of the Digital Markets Act: Filling Holes and Creating New Ones in Harmonized Enforcement" · Associate Professor Andraško with the chapter "Cyber Security of Automated and Fully Automated Vehicles – New Legal Instruments" · Associate Professor Patakyová with the chapter "Pricing Algorithms and Anticompetitive Agreements" · Professor Yuliia Vashchenko with the chapter "Energy Sector Digitalization: Issues of Cybersecurity in the EU and Ukraine"

Ophthalmology Experts Gather for Martin 3D Live Surgery

milos.hrabovsky@uniba.sk — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 16:02:00 +0200

Throughout the day, 13 surgeries (10 scheduled and 3 backup) were broadcast live in 3D resolution from the operating theater of the Eye Clinic to the Aula Magna at the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin. This event, renowned for its unique imaging technology, stands out not only in Slovakia but internationally as well. Organized by the Eye Clinic of the University Hospital Martin and the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine at Comenius University in Martin, the event demonstrated the latest methods and new types of intraocular lenses. "We showcased new techniques and discussed various surgeries. In addition to experts from Slovakia, we also welcomed guests from the Czech Republic," said the main organizer, Peter Žiak, MD, PhD, head of the Eye Clinic. Dr. Žiak explained that the surgeries performed included various types of cataract operations, among the most common procedures at eye clinics. Other surgeries included glaucoma operations using a special type of laser and pars plana vitrectomies, which involve operations directly on the retina and vitreous humor of the eye. "The response from our colleagues is always very positive, which is why we've organized this event for the sixth time. Special thanks go to the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine and the staff of the audiovisual center. Thanks to their technical support, we can broadcast surgeries in such high quality that it stands out even on a global scale," concluded Dr. Žiak.

Our student at ENLIGHT BIP in Göttingen

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 19:43:00 +0200

The on-site part was preceded by online meetings. Marek summed up the experience: "The Blended Intensive Course Erasmus+ of the ENLIGHT University Alliance, which I had the opportunity to attend at Georg-August University in Göttingen, is the type of experience that opens up new horizons in broad global contexts, in my case teaching innovation. The course combines an intensive academic programme along with equally intensive team building and relationship building. The need to broaden cultural orientation in the European space is very urgent and topical, especially given the situation in which society finds itself. That is why I strongly recommend applying for the BIP programmes of the ENLIGHT University Alliance as a practical academic experience."