The audience was addressed by Prof. Dr Boštjan Markoli, Vice-Rector of the University of Ljubljana for Internationalisation and Quality, who reflected on his early years as a student. The Dean of UL NTF, Prof. Dr Urška Stankovič Elesini, emphasised the importance of values such as knowledge, responsibility, interdisciplinarity and respect, while outlining the future development plans for the faculty. The former Dean of UL NTF, Prof. Dr Jakob Lamut, also spoke, recalling significant milestones in the faculty's history. The keynote speakers expressed their gratitude to all those who have contributed to the faculty's growth and achievements over the past 30 years.

While 30 years may seem like a short time, the origins of some study programmes, particularly in mining and geology, date back to 1919, the year the University of Ljubljana was established. The faculty has undergone significant transformations, evolving from the Technical Faculty to the present Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering. These different eras of the faculty's history were showcased through a presentation featuring historical photographs, video clips and statements from the staff and students of UL NTF.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including members of the University management, deans from other faculties of the University of Ljubljana, business partners, representatives of cultural institutions collaborating with the faculty, and members of the Student Council.

During the event, special faculty awards were presented for the first time. Among the recipients of commendations for collaboration with external institutions were the Department of Geology of the Slovenian Museum of Natural History and Maja Svetlik. The commendation for outstanding achievements by professional collaborators was presented to Andrej Vilar and Tomaž Martinčič. The Franjo Kočevar Award was bestowed upon Associate Professor Dr Urška Vrabič Brodnjak in recognition of her exceptional contributions to research, education and the faculty’s visibility both at home and abroad.

Four lifetime achievement commendations were also presented during the event. The recipients were:

  • Miran Udovč, whose professional excellence, precision and selfless contribution to teaching, laboratory and research activities set high standards of quality in the Department of Geology, leaving a lasting impact on its development.
  • Dr Gorazd Golob, co-founder and long-time professor at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, whose visionary approach and dedicated work laid the foundations for higher education in graphic arts in Slovenia.
  • Veljko Zrimšek, who has served as the faculty’s secretary for 27 years, and whose professionalism and dedication ensure that the institution is functioning and developing smoothly.
  • Prof. Dr Peter Fajfar, whose 40 years of activity, extensive scientific work and successful integration of academia and industry have made a lasting contribution to the development of the faculty and the field of metallurgy.

UL NTF remains committed to advancing science, technology and the arts, and will continue to shape the future both locally and internationally through its interdisciplinary approach.