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Algebraic Graph Theory Seminar - Ján Karabáš (20.3.2026)

Martin.Macaj@fmph.uniba.sk — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:35:00 +0100

Ján Karabáš (Slovak University of Technology):
Actions of finite groups on orientable surfaces
MS Teams
Abstract:
The problem of classifying all finite group actions on orientable surfaces of low genera is considered. We aim to extend the existing classifications (genera 2 and 3 by Broughton (1990), genus 4 by Bogopolsky (1991) and genus 5 by Kuribayashi and Kimura (1990)) to higher genera using computer algebra systems. For example, Marston Conder classified actions of all large groups (of orders ≥12(g-1)) on orientable surfaces of genera up to g≤101 (late 2000’s). These are the groups of automorphisms of maps and hypermaps of given genera. However, our goal is to go further: we aim to classify actions of all finite groups, focus on the topological equivalence of actions and its transfer to purely algebraic form, and, further, on the problem of implementing an algorithm to compute the classes of this equivalence. As follows, the problem of equivalence of group actions involves (at least partial) knowledge of the group of automorphisms of a given Fuchsian group — a deep and interesting problem itself. Recently (2024, Karabáš, Nedela, and Skyvová), we gave the complete classification of actions of finite groups up to genus 9. Joint work with Domenico Catalano, Roman Nedela, and Mária Skyvová

Seminar of Graph Theory - Róbert Jajcay (19.3.2026)

Martin.Skoviera@fmph.uniba.sk — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:25:00 +0100

Róbert Jajcay:
Bounded Diameter/Girth Ratio Problem in the center of Extremal Graph Theory Abstract:
The main problem we address in our presentation relates three graph parameters often considered in Extremal Graph Theory: k, the degree of a k-regular graph; D, the diameter of a graph; and g, the girth. Unlike many of the problems in Extremal Graph Theory, our problem, which we shall call the "Bounded Diameter/Girth Ratio Problem", is not about maximizing or minimizing any other related parameter, but it is about finding infinite families of k-regular graphs of fixed degree k >= 3 whose diameters and girths are tied together: For a given k >= 3, construct an infinite family Gamma_i of k-regular graphs of girths g_i and diameters D_i for which there exists a positive constant c bounding the diameter/girth ratios of these graphs from above, D_i/g_i =< c , for all i >= 1. The presented results stem from joint work with Gabriela Araujo-Pardo and Stefania Glevitzka. More information

Faculty of Law, Comenius University Bratislava Signs Memorandum of Cooperation with TalTech Law School

Tue, 26 May 2026 23:09:00 +0200

The Faculty of Law of Comenius University Bratislava has signed a Memorandum of Mutual Cooperation with the Department of Law, School of Business and Governance, Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech Law School). The aim of the Memorandum is to establish a framework for academic cooperation, particularly in the areas of law and the regulation of cybersecurity, privacy protection, cybercrime, as well as broader legal and regulatory aspects of digital technologies. The cooperation will be carried out through the Competence Centre for the Regulation of Cybersecurity, Privacy Protection and Cybercrime at the Faculty of Law of Comenius University Bratislava. Both institutions have declared their shared interest in developing interdisciplinary cooperation connecting law, technology and public policy in order to respond to the challenges of digital transformation. The Memorandum envisages cooperation primarily in the areas of education, joint research activities, academic mobility, exchange of know-how and the organisation of professional events. The cooperation may also include the joint creation and innovation of courses and study programmes, the organisation of guest lectures, summer schools, intensive courses, joint research seminars, the preparation of scientific publications, and participation in international grant schemes. The Memorandum was concluded for a period of five years and represents another step by the Faculty of Law of Comenius University Bratislava in developing international academic cooperation in the field of digital technology law, cybersecurity and privacy protection.

Closure of the Academic Library

milos.hrabovsky@uniba.sk — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:48:00 +0100

On March 14 and 15, 2026, the Academic Library of JFMED CU will be closed to students from 7:00 AM...

Doctoral colloquium - Jana Černíková (16.3.2026)

Damas.Gruska@fmph.uniba.sk — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 12:13:00 +0100

Jana Černíková:
Computational analysis of bacterial plasmids Abstract:
Plasmids are small, circular, extrachromosomal DNA molecules commonly found in bacteria. They can be transferred between bacterial cells through horizontal gene transfer and often carry genes that confer antimicrobial resistance (AMR), making them an important focus in studies of antibiotic resistance. The goal of our work is to develop new bioinformatics methods for plasmid detection and comparison, using techniques from machine learning and comparative genomics. We explore computational approaches for classifying plasmid sequences based on high-throughput sequencing data. Using k-mer profiles, various sequence-derived features, and homology-based log-odds scores, we train machine learning models to distinguish plasmid reads from chromosomal ones. Our dataset, consisting of multiple E. coli isolates, presents significant challenges due to class imbalance -- plasmid reads are markedly underrepresented. To our knowledge, no existing software has been specifically developed for plasmid read classification. Our models outperform several previously proposed tools on this task; however, those tools were originally designed for the classification of longer contigs rather than short sequencing reads. Interestingly, a simple homology-based decision rule that we designed outperforms our neural network models. More information Youtube channel

Summer School in Madrid 2026 – Cursos de Verano 2026 en Madrid - Universidad Pontificia Comillas

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:41:00 +0100

We are thrilled to invite your students to our 26^th edition of Global Summer School 2026 at Universidad Pontificia Comillas, located in the vibrant heart of Madrid!

Our Summer School offers a unique academic and cultural experience, allowing students to gain in-depth knowledge, develop professional skills, and explore Spain’s rich heritage. Through high-quality courses, corporate and cultural visits, and networking opportunities, students will expand their international perspective while enjoying an unforgettable summer.

Summer School Highlights: Academic Courses (Available in Spanish & English)

Students can choose from a variety of credit-bearing courses in: Law & International Relations; Business, Marketing & Management; Engineering & Technology; Humanities & Social Sciences; Nursing & Health Sciences; Language & Culture

Official diploma and transcript Credit-bearing courses Site & cultural site visits for an immersive experience Accommodation package available Key Information Location: Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Madrid, Spain
Dates: Courses take place between 22 June – 17 July 2026
Discount: Early registration and additional discounts available – check our website! For more details & applications: Visit our website: Summer Courses 2026 Contact us: summer.school@comillas.edu | Xinyi Ying (yxinyi@comillas.edu)

At FMPI CU, health is protected by measuring radon

pr@uniba.sk — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0100

Radon in indoor environments has recently been discussed more intensively in Slovakia. Is this a new threat, or have we simply overlooked the issue for a long time? Radon has been present since the earliest stages of the Earth. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium in the soil. In Slovakia, the first large-scale measurements were carried out in the early 1990s. At that time, Dr M. Vičanová conducted extensive radon research as part of her doctoral thesis under the supervision of Associate Professor K. Holý from our department, measuring radon levels in kindergartens, schools, caves, spas and thousands of homes. These measurements resulted in useful maps of high-risk areas, but today they are no longer sufficient. Since then there has been no systematic nationwide effort - only smaller projects carried out at the department - so the maps need updating and, above all, measurements must increasingly be carried out individually. The problem is not the presence of radon itself but its accumulation in enclosed spaces. We are returning to the topic today because the situation has changed significantly: buildings are being insulated and windows replaced, which can have a major impact on radon concentrations indoors. You are currently carrying out measurements in kindergartens in regions such as Orava, Prievidza and Partizánske. Why focus specifically on pre-school facilities? At present we are measuring radon levels in 29 kindergartens. Children are far more sensitive to ionising radiation than adults. Their lungs have a different capacity and their tissues are still developing. Exposure to high doses during childhood increases the statistical risk of lung cancer later in life. Kindergartens also operate under specific conditions. They are closed at weekends and not ventilated, which allows radon to accumulate to high levels. Our aim is to establish the real situation and help the authorities responsible for these facilities ensure a safe environment for children. In this work we cooperate with the Association of Towns and Municipalities of Slovakia and the League Against Cancer. How do such measurements work in practice? Do schools need to worry about complicated technology? Not at all. We use so-called track detectors. These are small, unobtrusive boxes placed in rooms for several months, ideally for the entire school year. The detectors passively record the presence of radon and require neither electricity nor operation. Once the detectors are collected, they are analysed in the laboratory, which allows us to determine the average radon activity over the monitored period. If borderline values are detected, we also install continuous detectors that monitor radon concentrations every hour and help identify when and from where the gas enters the building. What are the most common sources of radon? Is it always just the ground beneath the building? Soil gas is the main source. Radon is a gas and can pass through even the smallest cracks in foundation slabs, around service risers or along water pipes. A second possible source is the building materials themselves, for example certain older types of concrete blocks. Modern renovations can also create a paradoxical situation. When an older, naturally ventilated house is insulated and fitted with plastic windows, radon that previously escaped freely may remain trapped inside. Is there a safe threshold? What happens if high levels are detected in a kindergarten or a home? Slovak legislation sets a reference level of 300 becquerels per cubic metre per year. If this level is exceeded, corrective measures must be taken. In many cases, adjusting the ventilation regime is sufficient. Several solutions are possible, but the first step is always to identify the source of the radon. This is done through supplementary measurements with a continuous detector that records hourly changes in concentration. Our researchers do this quite simply: they attach a hose to a pump that draws air into the detector and move through the rooms to locate cracks through which the gas enters. The Czech Republic is somewhat ahead in this field. Since the 1990s it has adopted more advanced methods, which are often presented at professional conferences. Today, basic radon monitoring devices for households are also available to the public, which is an excellent first step. Where extremely high levels are detected, technical solutions follow, such as radon insulation layers, special membranes or ventilation systems with heat recovery. You mentioned that some people are hesitant about measurements or afraid of the results. What would you say to them? We sometimes encounter the attitude: “I’d rather not know.” That is unfortunate, because radon cannot be seen or smelled, yet its effects on health are well documented. Encouragingly, the situation is changing. Requests for measurements are now coming from the authorities responsible for kindergartens, which shows that awareness campaigns are increasing public understanding. The measurements we offer as part of our scientific projects are free of charge and serve primarily preventive purposes. Our aim is not to frighten people but to inform them. Once we know the enemy, we can defend ourselves against it effectively. What are your department’s next plans in this area? We plan to continue the measurements and further refine the map of radon risk in Slovakia. The existing maps are often inaccurate, and radon is highly localised—levels can change even within a few metres of soil, meaning that neighbouring houses may have completely different readings. We are therefore looking for ways to involve additional municipalities and towns in these projects. It is a long-term effort, but we believe that systematic work by the university can contribute to healthier living conditions in Slovakia. The research is conducted in cooperation with expert partners, and all measurements follow the National Radon Action Plan. Anyone interested in having measurements carried out in their facility or home can contact the Department of Nuclear Physics and Biophysics at FMPI CU directly.

Seminar on Qualitative Theory of Differential Equations - Roy Goodman (19.3.2026)

Pavol.Quittner@fmph.uniba.sk — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:13:00 +0100

Roy Goodman (New Jersey Institute of Technology):
Leapfrogging and scattering of point vortices Abstract:
The interaction among vortices is a key process in fluid motion. The n-vortex problem, which models the movement of a finite number of vortices in a two-dimensional inviscid fluid, has been studied since the late 1800s and remains relevant due to its strong link to quantum fluid dynamics. A foundational document in this area is Walter Gröbli's 1877 doctoral dissertation. We apply modern tools from dynamical systems and Hamiltonian mechanics to several problems arising from this work. First, we study the linear stability and nonlinear dynamics of the so-called leapfrogging orbit of four vortices, utilizing Hamiltonian reductions and a numerical visualization method known as Lagrangian descriptors. Second, we analyze the scattering of vortex dipoles using tools from geometric mechanics.

FPES to launch a new study program soon

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:51:00 +0100

The program of the working visit was highly intensive. It included several expert meetings, working discussions, and consultations focused on shaping the academic structure of the planned study program as well as its organizational framework. In addition to these meetings, members of the working group had the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the environment and infrastructure of the Vierumäki sports campus, which is considered one of Finland’s leading centers for sports education. The visit also included a guided tour of teaching and sports facilities and participation in several classes. This allowed the Slovak representatives to directly observe the teaching methods and pedagogical approaches used by the partner institution. An important outcome of the meeting is also the preparation of an interinstitutional agreement within the Erasmus+ program. This agreement is intended to support staff mobility and contribute to the professional development of faculty members within an international academic environment. The visit confirmed the shared commitment of both institutions to developing long-term academic cooperation and laid solid foundations for the creation of the new international study program. The program will offer students a unique opportunity to study in two countries, experience different approaches to sports education, and gain valuable international experience. The cooperation between the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport of Comenius University in Bratislava and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences is thus entering a new phase, with strong potential to further strengthen the international dimension of education in the field of sport.

Rector’s and Dean´s day off

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:36:00 +0100

In the name of the Rector of Comenius University Bratislava prof. JUDr. Marek Števček, DrSc. and the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Comeius University Bratislava Prof. Juraj Payer, MD, PhD., MPH, FRCP, FEFIM I hereby inform you that

on April 2, 2026 (Thursday) is rector´s day off
and also
on April 7, 2026 (Tuesday) is dean´s day off.