Foundation stone laid for the new University of Ljubljana Faculty of Pharmacy building

The new building, which will be constructed adjacent to the existing Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology complex, will feature state-of-the-art lecture rooms, research laboratories, an infrastructure centre, and a university teaching pharmacy. The facility is designed according to the highest standards of sustainable and energy-efficient construction and will significantly improve conditions for study, research, and engagement with the community and industry.

Prof. Dr Gregor Majdič, Rector of the University of Ljubljana, emphasised: “Pharmacy is not just an industry; it is a part of people's everyday lives. Pharmacies are spaces of expertise, advice, and trust, and through their knowledge, pharmacists contribute significantly to the safe and effective use of medicines. The new building will enable us to better respond to the needs of society, increase enrolment, and enhance the training of professionals in this vital field.”

The Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Dr Rok Dreu, highlighted the importance of long-term support: “The new building project is the result of the joint efforts of the University of Ljubljana, the relevant ministries, and numerous stakeholders. A key turning point was the inclusion of this investment among the projects funded under the Act on Investments in Healthcare. I believe that these new premises will strengthen our pedagogical and research work in the long term and justify the trust of all who supported the project.”

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Igor Papič, placed the investment in a broader infrastructural context, noting that this is the third foundation stone laid for a new University of Ljubljana facility in the last two and a half years – following the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in December 2023 and the Faculty of Medicine in February 2024 – with the foundation stone for the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering to follow shortly. “This Government has launched a major investment cycle in scientific research and higher education infrastructure across Slovenia, as staff at higher education and research institutions, as well as students, deserve excellent infrastructural and financial conditions for their work and studies.”

Jasna Humar, State Secretary at the Ministry of Health, emphasised the role of pharmacists in the healthcare system: “Pharmacists are one of the key pillars of the healthcare system and are often the first professionals patients encounter. This is why we have strengthened the conditions for their development in recent years – through investment in education, specialisations, and advanced expertise. The new faculty will contribute significantly to the further development of this field.”

Boštjan Koritnik, Deputy Mayor of the City of Ljubljana, highlighted the importance of modern premises for the academic community: “The new building brings not only better conditions for work and study but also additional motivation and enthusiasm for students and staff. Such investments contribute significantly to the development of the city as a university and research hub.”

The new Faculty of Pharmacy building project is one of the largest investment projects for the University of Ljubljana in recent decades. It is co-funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Slovenia, funds from the Act on Investments in Healthcare for the period 2021–2031, and the internal funds of the University of Ljubljana and the Faculty of Pharmacy.

With today’s event, the University of Ljubljana continues its systematic investment in modern infrastructure, enabling excellence in education, research, and development while strengthening its contribution to social progress.