Autumn graduation ceremony for doctors of science at the UP

date: 23.10.2026

category: News

The University of Primorska held its autumn doctoral degree ceremony on Thursday, 22 October 2026. Prof. Dr Štefko Miklavič, Vice-Rector for Research and Development at the University of Primorska, together with the deans of the university’s faculties and doctoral supervisors, conferred doctoral degrees on 12 new doctoral graduates, who joined the academic community of the University of Primorska.
Among them was Dr Tamara Viktoria Prelac, who completed her doctoral studies in the Educational Sciences doctoral programme.

Dr Tamara Viktoria Prelac defended her doctoral dissertation at the University of Primorska Faculty of Education, entitled “An Analysis of Educators’ Competences in the Early Identification of Risk Factors for Children’s Behaviour in the Preschool Period in the Istria County Area” (wirtten in slovene), under the supervision of Prof. Dr Mitja Krajnčan and co-supervision of Prof. Dr Mirjana Radetić-Paić.

The doctoral dissertation is available here.

Doctoral dissertation summary

Early identification of risky behaviors in children during the early childhood and preschool period is also important for preventing further behavioral difficulties and ensuring timely intervention. The study examines educators’ competencies in identifying risky behaviors, as well as the influence of work experience, education, support from professional colleagues, and professional development. The results also indicate differences in self-assessments of competencies. Educators with more work experience rate their knowledge more highly, while professional development has a significant impact on their knowledge and skills. Based on the findings, a set of guidelines for the professional development of educators was developed.