The promotion of 407 Doctors of Sciences and awarding of nine recognitions of major works of art at the University of Ljubljana

At the doctoral awards ceremony, Prof. Dr Gregor Majdič, Rector of the University of Ljubljana, highlighted the broader significance of the event: “Today, we are increasingly confronted with a growing distrust in science – but not only science. We are also witnessing a decline in confidence in democracy and in respect for human rights. We are contending with a lack of confidence in the values of the Enlightenment, which have enabled the development of our societies and the progress of individuals. That is why your future work is not limited to research in the laboratory, the office, or the field. It is also about transferring your knowledge to society at large. It is about sharing your broad world view, which I am confident you possess, with the wider public and with the generations that follow.”

On the first evening, Prof. Dr Svanibor Hubert Pettan from the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ljubljana addressed the new Doctors of Sciences and the recipients of the recognitions of important works of art: “Wherever your paths take you after earning your doctorates, stay open-minded and forge new directions. Refine your expertise in diverse environments and, at the same time, welcome scientists and artists from abroad into your own. Maintain the quality of your domestic scholarly journals – perhaps not every excellent paper needs to be published abroad. Ensure the continued development of Slovenian scientific terminology, so that, in the future, we do not find ourselves unable to communicate scientifically in our mother tongue, as I have seen happen in some other countries.”  

At Monday’s event, doctoral graduates from the following member faculties of the University of Ljubljana were promoted: 

• UL Academy of Music,
• UL Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film and Television,
• UL Academy of Fine Arts and Design,
• UL Faculty of Architecture,
• UL Faculty of Social Sciences,
• UL Faculty of Electrical Engineering,
• UL Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering,
• UL Faculty of Maritime Studies and Transport,
• UL Faculty of Computer and Information Science,
• UL Faculty of Mathematics and Physics,
• UL Faculty of Social Work,
• UL Faculty of Medicine,
• UL Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering.

The event also included bestowing recognitions of important works of art to the following recipients:

• Aljaž Bastič in Film and Television Art (UL AGRFT),
• Dino Dolničar in Film and Television Art (UL AGRFT),
• Jaka Krivec in Film and Television Art (UL AGRFT),
• Katja Legin in Theatre and Radio Art (UL AGRFT).
• Andreja Rauh Podrzavnik in Theatre and Radio Art (UL AGRFT),
• Katarina Stegnar in Theatre and Radio Art (UL AGRFT),
• Jošt Franko in Photography (UL ALUO).
• Robert Ilovar in Visual Communications (UL ALUO).
• Matevž Zalar in Architecture (UL FA).

“Your knowledge, critical thinking and ability to solve complex problems are the tools the world urgently needs today. That is why I encourage you to dedicate your work not only to the advancement of science, but also to the well-being of humanity. May you be guided by the values of respect, responsibility, cooperation, and humanity,” said Asst. Prof. Dr Polonca Štefanič of the UL Biotechnical Faculty in her keynote address to the new Doctors of Sciences.

The second evening featured the awards ceremony for doctoral graduates from the following member faculties of the University of Ljubljana: 

• UL Biotechnical Faculty,
• UL School of Economics and Business,
• UL Faculty of Pharmacy,
• UL Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology,
• UL Faculty of Mechanical Engineering,
• UL Faculty of Sport,
• UL Faculty of Arts,
• UL Faculty of Education,
• UL Faculty of Law,
• UL Faculty of Theology,
• UL Veterinary Faculty.

The event was organised by the staff of the Rector’s Office at the University of Ljubljana, in collaboration with the University’s member faculties and academies. Performances were given by students and alumni of the Academy of Music, the Faculty of Sport, the School of Economics and Business, and the Academic Choir Tone Tomšič, all part of the University of Ljubljana. The live webcast of both ceremonies was provided by the Multimedia Centre of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering. The ceremonies were hosted by Staša Popović and Peter Alojz Marn from the Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film and Television (UL AGRFT), and directed by Bor Ravbar, also from UL AGRFT.

We once again extend our heartfelt congratulations to all newly promoted Doctors of Sciences, recipients of the recognitions for important works of art, as well as their supervisors and co-supervisors. We look forward to your continued contributions, through research and artistic work, towards the progress and enrichment of society.