University of Ljubljana welcomes the introduction of Science Day
Bor Slana/STA
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The Government has adopted a proposed new amendment to the Public Holidays and Work-off Days in the Republic of Slovenia Act, introducing Science Day as a new public holiday to be observed on 10 November. The initiative was proposed by the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, the Rectors' Conference of the Republic of Slovenia – of which the University of Ljubljana is a member – the Coordination of Independent Research Institutes of Slovenia, the Slovenian Academy of Engineering, and the Slovenian Medical Academy.
According to the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, the aim of national Science Day is to make science more accessible to the general public and to strengthen knowledge as one of the fundamental values of Slovenian society.
The celebration of Science Day encourages interest in scientific achievements, contemporary scientific issues, and active public engagement in discussions on key societal challenges. The University of Ljubljana plays an active role in this field by holding public debates, festivals, conferences, and exhibitions – including the Portraits of Science exhibition at Krakovo Embankment and the Achievements of the University of Ljubljana through the Eyes of Artists exhibition at Jakopič Promenade in Tivoli – to inspire public interest in science and its achievements.
On this day, the highest national awards, such as the Zois and Puh awards and recognitions, will be presented for outstanding achievements in scientific research and development. The date of 10 November was chosen in memory of Žiga Zois, as his birth date, 23 November, is already observed as Rudolf Maister Day. Similar to the national cultural holiday, the day would commemorate what the patron of Slovenian science has done for the development of science, the Ministry explained. Since 10 November aligns with UNESCO's World Science Day for Peace and Development, the initiators believe that a national holiday on this date will further emphasise the global significance of research and the critical role of science in the progress of society.
The Rector of the University of Ljubljana, Prof. Dr Gregor Majdič, stated, “In recent years, we have increasingly faced scepticism about science, the role of universities, and the value of our work and knowledge. Science Day will help counteract this, as scientific achievements and discoveries must not remain confined within lecture halls, offices, or laboratories. Most great scientific achievements eventually find their place in society – whether in the form of innovations that make our lives easier, or in the form of knowledge that enriches our society and human relations, or simply in the knowledge that we know something more. Science is particularly crucial at a time when society is grappling with global challenges, from climate change to the rise of populism and the erosion of democratic values. Only by restoring trust in science, knowledge and the principles of the Enlightenment such as democracy and human rights can we effectively address these challenges. Science Day can contribute to this effort by reinforcing public trust in scientific progress.”
The initiators emphasised that knowledge is key to national development, yet society at large does not fully recognise research and innovation as drivers of progress. Therefore, raising the national profile of science is essential, the Ministry added.