Inauguration of Prof. Dr Gregor Majdič at the beginning of his second term as the Rector of the University of Ljubljana

The rector's chain was handed over by the President of the UL Governing Board, Prof. Dr Niko Herakovič. The rector’s chain of office symbolises the tradition of the University, its autonomy and how much it is connected to and embedded in Slovenian society. It was first made on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the University of Ljubljana in 1929, to a design by the architect Jože Plečnik. The chain was lost during the Second World War, but was re-created for the 100th anniversary of the University of Ljubljana in 2019 on the initiative of the City of Ljubljana.

Prof. Dr Gregor Majdič was elected Rector for the first time in April 2021. In his 2021–2025 mandate, he realised the goal of increasing the University's involvement and visibility at home and abroad. During this time, an accelerated cycle of investment in individual UL member faculties began. Strategic achievements include agreements with the University Medical Centre (UKC) Ljubljana, the Študentski domovi Ljubljana public institution, partners from the business sector and the City of Ljubljana. A system of independent evaluation of research work was introduced, as well as incentives for young researchers, breakthrough projects and the participation of researchers from abroad. The Dr Uroš Seljak Fund was set up to reward the research of first- and second-cycle students, and the Dr Ana Mayer Kansky Prize for the most outstanding doctoral theses. The University has strengthened its international position through various European alliances and associations, and became the first university in Slovenia to pass an international institutional audit.

In his speech, Prof. Dr Majdič highlighted the following: “In the coming term, we will promote the modernisation of our study programmes and more effective responses to the needs of society. We will consolidate a system of stable research funding and secure clear career paths for young researchers. We will remain socially engaged, providing well-reasoned, knowledge-based contributions to public debates. We will ensure that our students receive top-quality education and work to resolve the pressing challenge of student accommodation in Ljubljana. We will strengthen the transfer of knowledge from the university to society, reward our best performers, and create the best possible working conditions for all. We will continue with major construction projects and complete the spatial development plan for the entire university. We will advance our transition to an increasingly digital society and help guide the whole of Slovenian society through this transformation. We will intensify our efforts for sustainability, educate about the dangers of climate change and the over-exploitation of resources, and act as a model of responsible stewardship. We will promote excellence and foster cooperation, both within and between disciplines. We will defend academic freedom – and at the same time, recognise that academic freedom is not limitless, but above all a great responsibility: a responsibility of individuals and of the academic community as a whole towards the society that sustains us and makes our work possible.” 

The Rector then introduced the Vice-Rectors for the new term of office:

• Prof. Dr Ksenija Vidmar Horvat, Vice-Rector for Study and Student Affairs,
• Prof. Dr Janez Vogrinc, Vice-Rector for Quality and Sustainability,
• Prof. Dr Gregor Dolinar, Vice-Rector for Research and Development, and
• Prof. mag. Matjaž Drevenšek, Vice-Rector for the Arts and Sports.

The inauguration ceremony was attended not only by high-ranking guests from Slovenia – the President of the National Council, the President of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Slovenia, the President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia, and others – but also by the Ambassadors of the People’s Republic of China, Germany, Spain, Brazil, Kosovo and Albania, as well as Rectors and Vice-Rectors from seven foreign universities: the University of Zagreb, the University of Klagenfurt, the University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj, Charles University in Prague, and the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice.

The keynote speaker at the inauguration was Prof. Dr Tiziana Lippiello, the Rector of the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, who emphasised the following in her address: “In an era defined by globalisation, rapid technological change and social challenges – from climate change to social inequality – the central task of our universities is to prepare students not only for the present but also for an unpredictable future. Our core mission is to encourage and develop students’ talents: not only academic knowledge, but also the ability to adapt, think critically, act innovatively and take responsibility. I am convinced that European cooperation and alliances such as EUTOPIA are the strongest tools we have at our disposal to realise this vision.” She continued: “Let us commit ourselves to deep, inclusive and lasting collaboration, and ensure that every student has the opportunity to fulfil their full potential – as a professional, a citizen and a global actor.”