University of Ljubljana and Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation sign funding agreement for new Faculty of Mechanical Engineering building

Speaking at the signing, Prof. Majdič said that securing funding for the new building strengthens the foundations for the long-term development of the University of Ljubljana, the country’s largest higher education and research institution: “The new Faculty of Mechanical Engineering building will not only be an architectural landmark, it will be a centre of excellence in knowledge, research and innovation. It will provide our academic community with conditions comparable to those at the best universities in Europe, while strengthening our role as a driver of the green and digital transition. I am pleased that the Ministry has secured the funding and that together we have taken a major step towards fulfilling our shared commitment to creating an environment in which new generations of students and researchers can realise their full potential and contribute to the country’s development.”

Igor Papič, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, added that infrastructure conditions are, alongside funding, the most important factor in ensuring high-quality higher education and research: “This Government has secured both. We have provided for a gradual increase in funding in both the principal pieces of legislation in this area, and at the same time we have launched the biggest ever investment cycle in higher education and research infrastructure across Slovenia. This summer the University of Ljubljana will gain two new buildings, with the completion of those for the Faculty of Medicine and the Veterinary Faculty. I am pleased that in the coming years they will be joined by the new Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and the Faculty of Pharmacy. Today we will also sign, with the property management company DSU, a letter of intent on the construction of a new student residence on Dunajska Cesta, thereby also addressing students’ accommodation needs.”

Aleksander Jevšek, Minister for Cohesion and Regional Development, described this as one of the most important investments in science and higher education in this period. He noted that the total value of the project is €80 million, of which €32 million will be provided by the European Regional Development Fund. The project is defined as strategic and is being implemented under the European Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027. He added that improved research capacity will enable the generation of breakthrough results and more high-quality publications and patents, and will significantly improve conditions for the establishment of new spin-out companies, leading to new jobs, higher added value and greater competitiveness of the Slovenian economy. “This is an investment in knowledge, innovation and the long-term development of Slovenia,” Jevšek said. 

Jernej Klemenc, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, then outlined the concept for the new building, which will provide students and researchers with state-of-the-art laboratories and teaching facilities comparable to those at leading European institutions. The building will be located in Brdo, where other faculties of the University of Ljubljana are already based, further strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation. It will be designed as a highly energy-efficient building, in line with sustainable construction standards and the “do no significant harm” (DNSH) principle, and will represent a significant architectural achievement and a major boost to research. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with completion planned for June 2029. “The new Faculty of Mechanical Engineering is a clear signal that Slovenia is giving space to knowledge and development. Mechanical engineering is one of the key sectors of the economy, driving innovation, creating jobs and advancing technology. With the new facilities, we will strengthen research, open up more opportunities for young people and further deepen links between academia and industry,” the Dean said.