Safety goggles will be provided. Participants will witness an experiment demonstrating the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide with potassium iodide, producing a large foam that resembles toothpaste. The presence of oxygen in the foam will be confirmed using a glowing splint. Since the reaction is exothermic, participants will feel the warmth. After the experiment, they will explore the reaction mechanism and the role of the catalyst with an AI-powered chatbot. This activity encourages understanding of chemical reactions and critical evaluation of information provided by AI.

Organized by: Janez Mravljak and Doroteja Novak (Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana).

In the lab, we recreate a similar glowing effect using chemiluminescence. Participants will carry out a chemical reaction in which a solution of oxalate ester and vanillin in triacetin is mixed with the fluorophore perylene, NaOH, and, after darkening the room, 30% H₂O₂ — producing an intense blue light. Using an AI chat assistant, participants will explore the reaction mechanism, the role of perylene, and find similar natural reactions. This activity encourages understanding of chemiluminescence, bioluminescence, and the critical use of AI. Safety goggles will be provided. The aim is to spark curiosity about nature and science.

This event is organized for you by Janez Mravljak and Stane Pajk (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ljubljana).

Today, artificial intelligence tools can help us identify plants more effectively. In this workshop, participants will explore how AI can be used to recognize aromatic and medicinal plants: you’ll identify specimens through observation and with the help of an app, and share your experiences through discussions and questionnaires. The goal of this activity is to introduce participants to research with medicinal plants, highlighting their uses (edible, medicinal, aromatic), potential dangers (toxic plants), and challenges (protected or invasive species) through a plant identification app powered by AI.

Organized by: Nina Kočevar Glavač, Matjaž Ravnikar, Katja Schoss (UL FFA).

Once a tablet is ingested, its active ingredient enters the bloodstream and travels to where it needs to work. To ensure treatment is safe and effective, the right concentration in the blood is crucial. Using interactive pharmacokinetic simulations, we’ll show how different factors can affect a medicine’s journey through the body — and even explore whether improperly stored medicines are still safe to use.

This event is brought to you by Mojca Kerec Kos and colleagues from the Department of Biopharmacy and Pharmacokinetics (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ljubljana).

This workshop introduces a computer-based approach to designing a cosmetic product, with algorithms built on prior laboratory experiments. Participants will learn how to create surface and contour plots and then use them to design their own product. By selecting specific ingredients, they’ll also be able to customize the final product according to their personal preferences.

Organized by: Maja Bjelošević Žiberna, Mercedes Vitek, and Monika Prašnikar (Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana).

Through interactive play, participants will creatively explore the use of artificial intelligence while learning at the same time. Older participants will also see how AI advice compares to that of a pharmacist, helping them make informed choices to improve their health.

Organized by: Nuša Japelj, Nina Ravbar, and colleagues from the Department of Social Pharmacy (Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana).

Among other things, within the chosen theme the researchers will also reflect on the role of artificial intelligence in the classical and humanistic sciences and present the opinions, experiences, and challenges of researchers and teachers of classical languages and culture. The event is organized in cooperation with other educational institutions and their researchers from related fields such as archaeology, art, history, and more.

The event is organized by: Sonja Weiss (Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana).

Registration and more information: festivalantika@gmail.com or +386 41 949 801.

Target audience: Primary school (2nd and 3rd triad), secondary school, and external participants.