Regular Operations of the Rijeka Unit of the Institute for Ethnic Studies in 2020

The activities of the Rijeka unit of the Institute for Ethnic Studies in 2020 represent an important research and support effort for the Slovenian community in Croatia. It is the only institution in Croatia that systematically studies the position of Slovenians while also supporting their activities and the realization of their rights. The year 2020 was strongly marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, due to which most activities were carried out remotely or focused on the preparation of research and professional texts. Nevertheless, the unit maintained a high level of activity: it conducted teaching at the University of Rijeka, participated in research projects, and published several scientific articles on the Slovenian community in Croatia.

An important part of its work was also the training of Slovenian language teachers, including the organization of a series of virtual lectures covering language, didactics, and the promotion of reading. In addition, the unit cooperated with various researchers and institutions and maintained a presence in the media. One of the key projects was the translation of Leopold Jurca’s book on life in Istria under fascism, representing an important contribution to preserving historical memory and Slovenian cultural heritage. In conclusion, despite limited staffing resources and challenging conditions, the unit successfully carries out its research, educational, and networking role, with continued institutional support remaining essential for its work.