Inclusion and diversity
We build on our inclusion and diversity to enable personal development, creativity and realization of ideas.
Co-funded by: 
Institute
InnoRenew CoE is an independent department within the UP Institute Andrej Marušič. It was established in 2017 through the InnoRenew project. Research targets renewable materials and sustainable buildings, specifically innovative approaches to wood and its use, with the goal of transferring scientific knowledge into industrial practice. InnoRenew CoE’s international, interdisciplinary team of scientists and professionals is available for independent consultation, project work or Living Lab InnoRenew collaboration. On 29. 7. 2025, the InnoRenew CoE merged with University of Primorska (UP).
Vision
InnoRenew CoE’s vision is to be both a world leader in the interdisciplinary science of the built environment and a model for international research excellence, industrial collaboration and public engagement.
Mission
InnoRenew CoE’s mission is to advance the state of the art in nature-based solutions, especially using wood, that support and accelerate the adoption of regenerative sustainability through:
- Material and processing advances to optimise efficiency and generate knowledge,
- Engineered living materials to bring the function and capabilities of living organisms,
- Design solutions for health and sustainability based on Restorative Environmental and Ergonomic Design (REED).
Advancements in these areas will lead to increased forest sustainability, healthier built environments, and growth in the forest sector.
Key research areas
Wood modification
Thermal, mechanical, and chemical treatment of wood increases its durability and creates more uses in different products and enables the use of wood beyond the traditional applications.
Restorative environmental and ergonomic design (REED)
A restorative design system REED is emphasising the use of natural materials and is creating ergonomic, accessible, adaptable, and sustainable buildings. It has positive impacts on human health and wellbeing, and on the restoration of nature and coherent coexistence of people with the environment and the society.
CoE’s core values
Sustainability
We believe that preservation of nature, environmental stewardship and sustainable development will advance human- and nature-friendly economic and social progress.
Integrity
We have personal integrity and integrity in our actions to ensure respect and dignity within our institute and with our partners, collaborators and communities.
Pursuit of excellence
We pursue excellence in all areas – science, industry and community – to bring innovative solutions that address global issues of renewability and sustainability.
Open science
We are committed to open science and engage in the free global exchange of knowledge through open access and dissemination of our research and results.
People
People
InnoRenew CoE merged with University of Primorska
On 29. 7. 2025, the InnoRenew CoE Center of Excellence for Research and Innovation in the Field of Renewable Materials and Healthy Living Environment in accordance with the provisions of Article 51 of the Institutes Act, has merged with the University of Primorska (UP), namely as an independent department within the UP Institute Andrej Marušič.
Established on 15th February 2017 by:
Organisational entities
Assembly of the Founders
Assembly of the Founders of the InnoRenew CoE decides on important strategic decisions.
Executive Board
Executive Board is the managing authority which provides regular guidance and oversight on strategic and investment issues.
Director
Director provides day-to-day management, strategic planning, and implementation of organisational directives.
Director: Andreja KutnarCouncil of Experts
Council of Experts advises on the development of strategies and scientific challenges.
Members of the Council of Experts are:
- Dr. Petr Hajek, Czech Republic
- Mr. Duncan Mayes, Finland
- Dr. Mariapaola Riggio, USA
- Dr. Peter Niemz, Switzerland
- Dr. Ritva Toivonen, Finland
- Mr. Milan Vatovec, USA
Living Laboratory InnoRenew CoE
Living Laboratory InnoRenew CoE is connecting academics, researchers, industry members, policy makers, and users together to generate and validate ideas, products, and services.
More about Living Lab InnoRenew CoE
Primary activities of the InnoRenew CoE
- M72.1 Research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering
- M72.110 Research and experimental development on biotechnology
- M72.190 Other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering
- M72.200 Research and experimental development on social sciences and humanities
InnoRenew CoE is a proud member of these organizations:
We are proud that the department InnoRenew CoE at UP IAM is a member of:
- InnovaWood,
- European Forest Institute,
- EURAXESS,
- Strategic Research and Innovation Partnershi SRIP PSIDL,
- SIST,
- Woodrise Alliance,
- Wood4Bauhaus Alliance,
- Built4People – People-centric sustainable built environment,
- New European Bauhaus,
- Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia,
- Slovenian Open Science Community,
- Association of Employers of Slovenia.