Honorary doctorates from the University of Ljubljana awarded to Prof. Juhani Uolevi Pallasmaa and Prof. Dr Anton Sculean

In his speech, the Rector of the University of Ljubljana, Prof. Dr Gregor Majdič, emphasised the importance of science and universities for progress: “We urgently need to restore trust in science, revive the desire for knowledge and understanding, restore doubt and scepticism towards the information available to us and, above all, openness to new ideas and approaches, as well as the willingness to work together for the good of humanity. Only through openness, cooperation and understanding of our fellow human beings will our society be able to progress and successfully meet the challenges of the future. These challenges are great, but they are certainly solvable. Only by addressing them will we be able to ensure a planet for future generations that will continue to offer suitable conditions for life and, at the same time, a society based on humanistic values that guarantees a dignified life and respect for human rights for everyone on Earth. Universities play a key role in this, as they must continue to lead and guide society, and we must always remember Martin Luther’s words: ‘You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.’”

The keynote speaker at the ceremonial session of the Senate of the University of Ljubljana was Prof. Dr Mitjan Kalin from the UL Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, who spoke about excellence as a social good that also entails responsibility: “A better and brighter future will belong to societies that understand that an outstanding university is the driving force of social progress, development, culture and democracy, and that such a university is formed by excellent professors and outstanding leaders of the academic community. The University of Ljubljana has been fulfilling this mission for more than a century – as part of different countries and under different social systems. It has experienced numerous academic, organisational, generational and other changes and challenges. It has also faced setbacks, but has most often emerged victorious. Therefore, I believe that in the coming years, which we already sense will bring unimaginable changes in science, the economy and social relations, it will remain committed to excellence and continue to be a beacon of development for the Slovenian nation and society.”

The honorary doctorate, awarded by the Senate of the University of Ljubljana for outstanding achievements in the fields of science and the arts, was conferred this year on Prof. Juhani Uolevi Pallasmaa, an architect, architectural theorist and teacher of architecture, who in his work advocates and develops architecture as a specific creative intellectual practice that performs a demanding task: creating a place for human habitation in the world. In this spirit, Prof. Pallasmaa connects architectural thought and practice with other disciplines, such as art, philosophy, psychology and neuroscience. He is the author of numerous influential architectural works, exhibitions, essays and books on architecture.

Upon receiving the title, Prof. Uolevi Pallasmaa emphasised the importance of wisdom for science: “Wisdom manifests itself as a calm and unobtrusive attitude, characterised by care and a willingness to listen, and is never ambitious, arrogant or aggressive. It is a hidden, synthetic and ethical mode of experience and a creative vision. This attitude arises from a particular exteriority and distance, combined with empathic identification with the situation at hand. Wisdom is a verb, not a noun; wisdom is a quiet ethical energy. It is a form of intuitive and internalised existential understanding.”

An honorary doctorate was also awarded to Prof. Dr Anton Sculean, upon the proposal of the UL Faculty of Medicine. Prof. Sculean is a leading expert in the field of periodontology and a highly acclaimed researcher with more than 26,000 citations and over 600 scientific and specialist publications. He serves as editor-in-chief of the highest-ranked journal in the field of dentistry and oral surgery, and as editor or editorial board member of several leading journals in dental medicine. In recent years, he has held prominent leadership positions in scientific and specialist dental medicine associations, and has received numerous international awards for his work.

Upon receiving the title, Prof. Dr Sculean thanked his colleagues who welcomed him into the Slovenian academic community. “Our collaboration has always been guided by shared values: excellence in patient care, commitment to evidence-based dentistry, and a passion for educating the next generation of clinicians and researchers. I am proud to say that our joint work in the field of periodontology and regenerative dentistry has helped build bridges between Ljubljana and Bern – bridges that I wish to continue strengthening,” he said.

At the Solemn Session of the University of Ljubljana Senate, the plaques “Pro Universitate labacensi” were also awarded. These plaqes are conferred by the University of Ljubljana on individuals and legal entities who have made a significant contribution to the development of the material resources of the University of Ljubljana or to the training of its staff members.

A plaque "Pro Universitate labacensi" was awarded to the company ArsPharmae d.o.o., upon the proposal of the UL Biotechnical Faculty. In 2016/17, Ars Pharmae d.o.o. joined forces with the Department of Wood Science and Technology at the Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, in research on polyphenolic extracts, initiating a collaboration that has developed into a long-term partnership. This partnership includes co-financing research equipment, donating chromatographic standards, acting as a reliable industry partner in national and international tenders, cooperating in undergraduate and postgraduate final theses, supporting an award-winning master’s thesis, and participating in the SRIP Circular Economy.

A plaque "Pro Universitate labacensi" was also awarded to Prof. Grega Košak, upon the proposal of the UL Faculty of Architecture. Prof. Košak left an indelible mark on Slovenian cultural, professional and social identity through his transdisciplinary work, exceptional pedagogical contribution and unwavering dedication. He bequeathed his extensive specialist library to the Faculty of Architecture and the Academy of Fine Arts and Design at the University of Ljubljana, and in his will provided for a donation in the form of “Prof. Košak’s Living Scholarship”, granting free use of an apartment in Ljubljana to talented foreign students, leading lecturers and distinguished experts.

The Golden Plaques, awarded to individuals and groups for outstanding contributions to the development of scientific, pedagogical or artistic creativity and for enhancing the reputation of the University of Ljubljana, were received by:

Prof. Dušan Kranjc (proposed by: Academy of Music, University of Ljubljana)

The trombonist Prof. Dušan Kranjc is renowned for the diversity of his musical interpretations and artistic breadth. His work is distinguished by his devoted pedagogical engagement, with his students achieving outstanding results both nationally and internationally. Of particular importance is his role in the artistic direction of the large brass ensemble Brass AG, which he has led since its inception, ensuring performances of the highest artistic calibre.

Prof. Dr Karolina Šantl Zupan (proposed by: Academy of Music, University of Ljubljana)

The flautist Prof. Dr Karolina Šantl Zupan complements her artistic and pedagogical work with scientific research. As Vice-Dean for Scientific and Artistic Research, she actively collaborates with artistic institutions within and beyond the University of Ljubljana, and has contributed to the accreditation of the third-cycle doctoral study programme in Art. She also brought the EPARM Conference to Slovenia for the first time.

Prof. Dr Polona Jamnik (proposed by: Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana)

Prof. Dr Polona Jamnik was among the most dedicated teachers at the Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana. Appointed a Full Professor in 2018, she served as Head of the College of Biotechnology Studies between 2022 and 2024, and as Chair of the Committee for Undergraduate Studies at the Senate of the University of Ljubljana from 2021 to 2024. She supervised more than 100 diploma, master’s and doctoral theses. In the spring of this year, a serious illness sadly interrupted her successful teaching and research career.

Prof. Dr Janez Salobir (proposed by: Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana)

Prof. Dr Janez Salobir has made a significant contribution to the field of nutrition at the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana through his outstanding teaching and research work. With his expertise, vision and ability to connect researchers, he contributes to the development of study programmes, enhances international comparability and improves the quality of the teaching process. The results of his research on nutrition and its impact on health, the environment and food have led to numerous important achievements in both Slovenia and abroad.

Prof. Dr Andreja Cirman (proposed by: School of Economics and Business, University of Ljubljana)

Prof. Dr Andreja Cirman is a Full Professor of Money and Finance. In addition to her award-winning and internationally recognised scientific and research work, she has made outstanding contributions to the development of teaching activities and the transfer of knowledge to the business sector through study programmes tailored to practical needs. Drawing on her extensive experience as a long-standing evaluator at the Slovenian Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, she contributes her expertise within the faculty and in university committees where she has served for many years.

Prof. Dr Vitomir Štruc (proposed by: Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana)

Prof. Dr Vitomir Štruc, a Full Professor at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, is an internationally recognised researcher in the field of artificial intelligence and leader of the Metrology and Biometric Systems project at the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS). He serves as editor of several prestigious journals in his field, actively participates in organising leading international conferences, and is a distinguished member of the IEEE, IAPR, and EAB professional associations, thereby strengthening the reputation of the University of Ljubljana both nationally and internationally.

Prof. Dr Marija Sollner Dolenc (proposed by: Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana)

Prof. Dr Marija Sollner Dolenc has made an important contribution to understanding the effects of substances on humans through her research on pharmaceutical and toxicological chemistry. She serves as coordinator and head of international and national projects and has co-developed key research tools. Her work is marked by creativity and innovation, and she is equally recognised for her ability to connect researchers and for her dedication to teaching students.

Prof. Dr Matjaž Mikoš (proposed by: Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering, University of Ljubljana)

Prof. Dr Matjaž Mikoš is a renowned civil engineering expert with wide-ranging knowledge, recognised both nationally and internationally, particularly in the fields of hydraulic engineering and hydrology. For more than 40 years, he has successfully combined the work of an engineer and a university teacher. Professor Mikoš is an accomplished educator, researcher and engineer who has consistently enhanced the reputation of the University of Ljubljana through his dedicated and exemplary work.

Prof. Dr Dean Cvetko (proposed by: Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana)

Prof. Dr Dean Cvetko is a highly regarded higher education teacher at the Department of Physics. His long-standing collaboration with Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste places the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics of the University of Ljubljana among Slovenia’s leading institutions with permanent access to cutting-edge scientific infrastructure at major European accelerators. His scientific, pedagogical and internationally connected research work contributes significantly to the success and reputation of the University of Ljubljana.

Prof. Dr Marjetka Knez (proposed by: Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana)

Prof. Dr Marjetka Knez is one of Slovenia’s leading researchers in the field of numerical mathematics, a highly respected lecturer –primarily teaching courses in numerical mathematics – and a mentor with a distinguished teaching career. She is the author of more than 50 scientific articles published in prestigious international journals. Professor Knez serves as a role model of dedication to science and her students, and is widely recognised within the international research community.

Prof. Dr Elen Twrdy (proposed by: Faculty of Maritime Studies and Transport, University of Ljubljana)

Prof. Dr Elen Twrdy is a renowned expert in the field of maritime studies who has made a significant contribution to the development of the discipline and to strengthening the reputation of the Faculty of Maritime Studies and Transport, as well as the University of Ljubljana, through her research, teaching and organisational work. Her professional and academic achievements have left a lasting mark in both Slovenia and internationally.

Prof. Dr Damjan Vavpotič (proposed by: Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana)

Prof. Dr Damjan Vavpotič is a lecturer and researcher in the fields of information systems and software engineering, head of the Information Systems Laboratory, and Vice-Dean for Quality and International Affairs. In his role as Vice-Dean and previously as Chair of the Quality and Self-Evaluation Committee, he has improved faculty management and systematically organised the monitoring of measures within the work programme.

Prof. Dr Jadranka Buturović Ponikvar (proposed by: Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana)

Prof. Dr Jadranka Buturović Ponikvar is a specialist in nephrology and internal medicine at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana (UKCL), and a Full Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana. Born in Pula, she graduated from the University of Belgrade as the top student of her year, and obtained her doctorate in Ljubljana. She has served as Head of the Department of Nephrology and as Medical Director of the UKCL. Her professional work focuses on kidney diseases, dialysis, transplantation, ultrasound and medical ethics.

Prof. Dr Vita Dolžan (proposed by: Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana)

Prof. Dr Vita Dolžan is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of pharmacogenetics and personalised medicine. Her research has made a significant contribution to understanding the molecular markers of disease progression and treatment response, as well as to introducing new approaches into clinical practice. Through her scientific and professional engagement in international associations, she strengthens the reputation of the University of Ljubljana worldwide.

Sr. Res. Fell. Dr Matjaž Ocepek (proposed by: Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana)

Sr. Res. Fell. Dr Matjaž Ocepek is the founder of Slovenian veterinary molecular bacteriology, a long-time researcher and mentor who has laid the foundations for modern diagnostics of bacterial diseases in animals. As head of major laboratories and international projects, and as a distinguished scientist, he has made a substantial contribution to enhancing the reputation of the University of Ljubljana at home and abroad.

Members of the high-performance computing group:
Assoc. Prof. Dr Iztok Lebar Bajec, Prof. Dr Uroš Lotrič, Lect. Dr Matjaž Pančur, Assistant Prof. Dr Ratko Pilipović and Assist. Dr Davor Sluga (proposed by: Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana)

The high-performance computing group participates in the development and operation of Slovenia’s supercomputing infrastructure. It provides support services and training for users from the research community and industry, integrates supercomputing into the study process and the development of a new supercomputing study programme, and ensures the establishment and operation of supercomputing infrastructure at the University of Ljubljana.

Project group East Asian Collections (VAZ) in Slovenia:
Assist. Dr Tina Berdajs, Assist. Miha Grčar, Assistant Prof. Dr Klara Hrvatin, Prof. Dr Chikako Shigemori Bučar, Prof. Dr Nataša Vampelj Suhadolnik, Assistant Prof. Dr Maja Veselič and Assoc. Prof. Dr Nataša Visočnik Gerželj (proposed by: Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana)

This group of researchers from the Department of Asian Studies at the Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, led by Prof. Dr Nataša Vampelj Suhadolnik, works closely with museum institutions to study East Asian objects in Slovenian public and private collections, as well as the culture of collecting such objects in Slovenia. The group presents its activities and findings to experts and the wider public through its dedicated website of the same name.

Group working within the UL Psychosocial Counselling Centre:
Katja Čibašek, Dr Andreja Grobelšek, Assist. Anja Gruden, Dr Barbara Horvat Rauter, Dr Ana Jagrič, Saša Jakin, Assistant Prof. Dr Mija Marija Klemenčič Rozman, Assoc. Prof. Dr Alenka Kobolt, Assistant Prof. Dr Tadeja Kodele, Sebastian Robert Krawczyk, Maja Majcen, Assoc. Prof. Dr Nina Mešl, Dr Brina Ornik, Julija Pelc, Assoc. Prof. Dr Simona Prosen, Assistant Prof. Dr Jana Rapuš Pavel, Minea Rutar, Mojca Šeme, Ema Špan, Ana Šutar, Matej Vajda, Assistant Prof. Dr Tomaž Vec, Tatjana Verbnik Dobnikar and Tina Zupančič (proposed by: Faculty of Education, University of Ljubljana)

A team of higher education teachers and staff members provide pro bono psychosocial support to students and employees of the University of Ljubljana within the Psychosocial Counselling Centre. Through their professional work, they help students and staff overcome various mental health challenges, foster conditions for improved psychological well-being, and thereby enable students to study more successfully and employees to perform their work more effectively.

Special Commendations for young higher education teachers and staff, awarded for exceptional pedagogical, research and artistic achievements, were received by:

Assist. Dr Miha Bahun (proposed by: Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana)

Assist. Dr Miha Bahun is employed at the Department of Food Science and Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana. He obtained his doctorate in 2020 at the Chair of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry, where his research and teaching focus on biochemistry, particularly on understanding the mechanisms of protein adaptation to high temperatures. He is active in the fields of education, research and professional expertise, thereby contributing significantly to the reputation of the University of Ljubljana.

Assist. Dr Mojca Blaznik (proposed by: Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana)

Assist. Dr Mojca Blaznik studies the development of the mechanical properties of bacterial biofilms. Her research focuses on how and when biofilm structures form and how these structures affect biofilm persistence and removal. Using innovative approaches, she has described the structure and role of key extracellular bacterial polymers that reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics in biofilms.

Assistant Prof. Dr Faris Kočan (proposed by: Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana)

Since October 2022, Assistant Prof. Dr Faris Kočan has been teaching five courses in the International Relations, European Studies and Defence Studies programmes. His students, as well as his master’s and doctoral candidates, express great satisfaction with his work. This year, he organised an educational excursion to Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the contact hours for several courses. Dr Kočan proactively integrates his outstanding research work into the teaching process.

Assist. Dr Miha Kikelj (proposed by: Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana)

An exceptionally dedicated teacher and insightful researcher at the Department of Electronics, Assist. Dr Miha Kikelj successfully transfers new knowledge from his research fields of photovoltaics and optoelectronics to his students. The quality of his work is reflected in his students’ knowledge and satisfaction, his original scientific articles in leading journals, and awards received at international conferences.

Assist. Lara Smrdel, MSc Lab. Biomed. (proposed by: Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana)

Assist. Lara Smrdel is an outstanding researcher who actively contributes to introducing modern approaches to education, develops innovative laboratory protocols, and advances understanding of the proteasome in thrombocytes and its role in the tumour microenvironment. Her innovation, initiative, organisational skills, and willingness to engage in various faculty activities have a positive and inspiring impact on the faculty environment.

Assistant Prof. Dr Ratko Pilipović (proposed by: Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana)

Assistant Prof. Dr Ratko Pilipović is a member of the Laboratory for Adaptive Systems and Parallel Processing. His research focuses on approximate arithmetic circuits; together with colleagues he has developed several energy-efficient approximate logarithmic multipliers applicable to deep neural networks. He teaches courses in computer systems and digital device design, where his students consistently praise his dedication and commitment.

Assistant Prof. Dr Nejc Umek (proposed by: Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana)

Assistant Prof. Dr Nejc Umek, a university teacher in anatomy and a specialist in radiology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, conducts research on skeletal muscles, peripheral nerves and fascia. He leads two laboratories, participates in both European and national projects, and has received numerous awards. As a dedicated teacher, he inspires students of medicine, dental medicine, pharmacy, and health sciences, actively encouraging them to pursue excellence in research.

Assistant Prof. Dr Mojca Poredoš (proposed by: Faculty of Education, University of Ljubljana)

Assistant Prof. Dr Mojca Poredoš is actively involved in several national studies and also participates in the ERASMUS+ project SPLENDID. Her bibliography includes 18 original scientific articles and eight independent scientific papers in monographs. She is an active member of the Chair of General and Specific Learning Difficulties, where she is participating in the establishment of a counselling centre for students with learning difficulties.