The title Professor Emeritus/Emerita is awarded to retired professors of the University of Ljubljana for their notable contribution to the functioning, reputation and development of the University of Ljubljana.
Prof. Dr Franc Habe
Proposed by: Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana
Professor Dr Franc Habe’s contributions to teaching, research, and professional practice have significantly shaped the field of animal husbandry, particularly influencing the development of Slovenian horse breeding and equestrian sport. As the initiator and founder of the Slovenian Equestrian Academy, he has left an indelible mark on the field. He is recognised for his extensive body of scientific research, his long-standing role in the management of the Biotechnical Faculty at the University of Ljubljana, and his involvement in numerous committees. His achievements have earned him multiple awards and honours, including a prestigious lifetime achievement award.
Prof. Dr Mihael Jožef Toman
Proposed by: Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana
Professor Toman founded and led the Group for Limnology at the Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, until his retirement, making significant contributions to the study of biological processes and biotic communities in both flowing and stagnant inland waters, as well as of biological treatment plants. He focused in particular on eutrophication and the biological assessment of watercourses. In recent years, his research has explored the impact of hormone disruptors on aquatic ecosystems. Known for his engaging and lively lectures, he fostered an interactive learning environment for his students.
Prof. Janez Koželj
Proposed by: Faculty of Architecture, University of Ljubljana
Professor Koželj worked at the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Ljubljana from 1974 to 2018. As a theoretician, architect, and urban planner, he both pursued and contributed to the most advanced international and national developments in urban planning and architecture. He pioneered innovative approaches in architectural education, and was instrumental in establishing urbanism as an independent design discipline. A longtime town architect, urban planner, and former deputy mayor of Ljubljana, his creative work spans graphic design, architecture, urban planning, and large-scale spatial planning.
Prof. Dr Anton Grizold
Proposed by: Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana
Until his retirement, Professor Dr Anton Grizold was a Full Professor of Defence Studies and Security in International Relations at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana. He developed and taught courses on national and international security and remained consistently active in related research. His teaching and research contributions, along with those of his predecessors and colleagues from other professions and scientific disciplines, were instrumental in establishing defence studies as a modern field of defence and security science in Slovenia.
Prof. Dr Jurij Franc Tasič
Proposed by: Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana
Professor Dr Jurij Franc Tasič is a renowned expert, who supervised 27 doctoral theses and earned recognition as a popular and dedicated supervisor in electrical engineering and computer science. His extensive research spans early computing systems, signal processing, advanced telecommunications algorithms, multimedia systems, artificial intelligence, and medical diagnostics, with numerous applied and international projects. Alongside his academic achievements, he has held influential leadership roles in both business and the wider society.
Prof. Dr Vojeslav Vlachy
Proposed by: Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana
In the course of a career spanning more than 40 years, Professor Dr Vojeslav Vlachy has made an impactful contribution to advancing physical chemistry and elevating the international profile of the University of Ljubljana. As a full professor, he pioneered the teaching of statistical thermodynamics and fostered numerous international collaborations. His research has been published in prestigious journals and is widely cited, reflecting its influence in the field. Dr Vlachy has received multiple honours for his contributions, including the Zois Award and an honorary doctorate from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
Prof. Dr Borut Mavko
Proposed by: Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana
Professor Dr Borut Mavko, a retired professor of Nuclear Engineering at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, leaves a substantial legacy in nuclear engineering education. He established a two-year master’s degree programme in Nuclear Engineering, aligning it with similar programmes worldwide, as well as a doctoral programme that has produced numerous master’s and doctoral study graduates in the field. Dr Mavko has also been a pivotal advocate for collaboration between the University of Ljubljana and the Jožef Stefan Institute, facilitating University students’ access to the Institute’s nuclear research reactor for hands-on experience.
Prof. Dr Igor Kononenko
Proposed by: Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana
Professor Dr Igor Kononenko is a distinguished educator and researcher specialising in machine learning, artificial intelligence, neural networks, and cognitive modelling. He has authored 234 scientific papers and is the second most-cited computer scientist in Slovenia, with over 17,000 citations. In 2001, he founded the Laboratory for Cognitive Modelling at the Faculty of Computer Science and Informatics, University of Ljubljana, establishing it as the leading and largest research lab within the Faculty in terms of personnel.
Prof. Dr Franc Kosel
Proposed by: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana
Professor Dr Franc Kosel has an exceptional record in scientific research, teaching, and professional service. As the former Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana, he demonstrated unwavering dedication and selflessness in his work. Through his leadership, he set high ethical and professional standards, leaving a lasting impression on the development and global reputation of the Faculty, as well as on its influence within the economy and society in general.
Prof. Dr Samo Štefanac
Proposed by: Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana
Professor Dr Samo Štefanac has made a significant impact on the field of art history through his scientific, teaching, and professional contributions. His internationally recognised research on Gothic and Early Renaissance art in Central Europe and the Adriatic region, particularly his analysis of artistic exchanges between Dalmatia and the Apennine Peninsula, has reshaped the understanding of the relationship between art centres and peripheries. With an extensive international network of colleagues, he has paved the way for future research by younger generations.
Prof. Dr Ana Plemenitaš
Proposed by: Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana
Professor Ana Plemenitaš was a Full Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, and also served as a visiting professor at the University of California, San Francisco, USA. She led the Institute of Biochemistry at the Faculty of Medicine for many years and headed the doctoral programme in Biomedicine at the University of Ljubljana. She has received several prestigious awards, including the Lavrič Award from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, and the Lapanje Award from the Slovenian Biochemical Society for her outstanding achievements in the field of biochemical sciences.