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 Romana Marinšek Logar
Proposed by: Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana
Romana Marinšek Logar earned her doctorate in 1999 and was appointed an Associate Professor in 2004 and a Full Professor in 2009. She led the Microbiology programme for six years and participated in the doctoral programmes in Biomedicine and Biosciences. She served as the coordinator of Microbiology and has mentored nearly 100 graduates and doctoral students. For her outstanding work, she received the UL Golden Plaque. She has published 85 scientific papers and 10 chapters in monographs, collaborated on a patent, and presented numerous papers at various conferences. Her work has been cited more than 1,500 times.
Prof. Dr Mojca Narat
Proposed by: Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana
Prof. Dr Mojca Narat is an exceptional scientist and educator who has made a significant contribution to the Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana. Through her research in immunology, her active involvement in faculty management, the development of study programmes, her dedicated teaching, and her efforts to connect academia with industry, she has left a lasting mark on both the faculty and the university. Her leadership and mentorship have inspired the growth of young researchers, and her work has greatly enhanced the university’s reputation at home and abroad.
Prof. Dr Tom Turk
Proposed by: Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana
Prof. Dr Tom Turk has contributed significantly to the recognition and development of Slovenian biology through his teaching, research and leadership roles. An outstanding science communicator, author of several books and internationally acclaimed textbooks, he has also chaired the national exam committee for biology and served as a long-time head of the Department of Biology at the Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana. His work has had a decisive impact on improving the quality of biology education and research in Slovenia.
Prof. Dr Aleš Vodopivec
Proposed by: Faculty of Architecture, University of Ljubljana
Prof. Dr Aleš Vodopivec is an architect, educator, writer, architecture critic and exceptionally insightful thinker. He has authored numerous architectural projects and, through his professional, research and pedagogical work, consistently advocates for socially engaged and critically aware architectural practice. During his 30 years at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Ljubljana, he has encouraged students to reflect critically on social realities, pursue ethical approaches to architecture, and contribute meaningfully to a better world.
Prof. Dr Ivan Svetlik
Proposed by: Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana
Prof. Dr Ivan Svetlik has played a pivotal role in establishing and developing human resources studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana. His research has made a significant impact on the theory of human resource management and beyond, with a focus on the labour market and the development of active employment policy in Slovenia. He has also left a strong mark as the Dean, Head of the Centre for Organisational and Human Resources Research, and as both Vice-Rector and Rector of the University of Ljubljana from 2013 to 2017.
Prof. Dr Danijel Kikelj
Proposed by: Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana
Prof. Dr Danijel Kikelj has made a significant contribution to the development of pharmaceutical chemistry by introducing new approaches to drug design, including innovative concepts such as dual antithrombotics and antimicrobial agents. He has raised the profile of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, both in Europe and worldwide. He co-founded the prestigious international Paul Ehrlich MedChem Euro PhD Network, and has led several important European projects and patents.
Prof. Dr Andrej Likar
Proposed by: Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana
Prof. Dr Andrej Likar, a retired professor at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, played a key role in shaping university education in the fields of nuclear physics and physical measurements in Slovenia. As Dean (2009–2011), an excellent mentor to numerous students, and the author of several textbooks, he has left a lasting impact on Slovenian physics education. His dedicated teaching, significant research contributions, university textbooks, and efforts to popularise science through numerous educational articles have all left an enduring legacy.
Prof. Dr Ivan Čuk
Proposed by: Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana
Prof. Dr Ivan Čuk, recipient of the UL Golden Plaque and the Golden Medallion of the Faculty of Sport, has had a significant influence on the study of gymnastics. An internationally recognised researcher and founder of the Science of Gymnastics Journal, he has left a profound mark on the field. Through his documentary films and exhibitions, he has created a lasting tribute to Slovenia’s cultural heritage, preserving the memory of great figures of Slovenian physical culture – Leon Štukelj, Miroslav Cerar and the father of Slovenian gymnastics, Dr Viktor Murnik.
Prof. Dr Miran Hladnik
Proposed by: Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana
Miran Hladnik, a retired professor of Slovenian literature at the Department of Slovene Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, has been a pioneer in introducing new research paradigms and quantitative methods such as empirical literary studies, distant reading, digital humanities and spatial literary studies. He is credited with establishing the Slovenian Wikivir and other Wikimedia projects, contributing to Geopedia, and developing original and innovative pedagogical approaches in the field of computer literacy.
Prof. Dr Janko Muršak
Proposed by: Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana
The scientific research of Prof. Dr Janko Muršak represents an important contribution to the development of vocational pedagogy and andragogy. As a higher education teacher, he has introduced generations of students to the study of careers, the relationship between work and education, vocational socialisation and identity. His ideas have also shaped systemic solutions for vocational and professional education in Slovenia. His work is marked by a deep commitment to science and an exceptional sensitivity to learners of all ages.
Prof. Dr Sonja Pečjak
Proposed by: Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana
Prof. Dr Sonja Pečjak works in the field of educational psychology and conducts research on reading literacy, peer violence and self-regulated learning. She is the author of numerous scientific and professional works, has been a lecturer and mentor to generations of psychologists, and a co-creator of educational programmes. A recipient of the highest awards for educational and research achievements, she tirelessly shares her knowledge with numerous school communities, making an important contribution to the quality of Slovenian education.
Prof. Dr Jože Balažic
Proposed by: Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana
After completing his studies at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Prof. Dr Jože Balažic began working at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in 1984 under the mentorship of Prof. Janez Milčinski. His research focused on determining the time of death and forensic molecular genetics. He established a laboratory for identification purposes and obtained his doctorate in 1992. As a Full Professor of Forensic Medicine and Deontology, he mentored numerous students, authored the handbook Deontologija (Deontology), published 427 works, and headed the Institute and later the Department of Forensic Medicine and Deontology for 20 years.
Prof. Dr Pavel Zgaga
Proposed by: Faculty of Education, University of Ljubljana
Prof. Dr Pavel Zgaga has devoted his career to advancing teacher education. He has served as initiator, leader and member of numerous organisations and research groups addressing conceptual issues in education and educational policy. He has led the Faculty of Education, University of Ljubljana, and served as State Secretary and Minister of Education and Sport of the Republic of Slovenia. His achievements have earned him many awards and recognitions, including the National Award in the field of education, the UL Golden Plaque, and an honorary doctorate from Umeå University in Sweden.
Prof. Dr Rajko Pirnat
Proposed by: Faculty of Law, University of Ljubljana
Prof. Dr Rajko Pirnat is a distinguished scholar, expert and educator who has made a major contribution to the development of administrative law and public administration. His work has significantly strengthened the functioning, development and reputation of both the Faculty of Law and the University of Ljubljana. Through his socially responsible engagement, he has also played an important role in shaping the political and legal system of Slovenia, serving as a member of the first government of the Republic of Slovenia, a member of the Judicial Council, chairman of the Energy Community Advisory Committee and substitute judge at the European Court of Human Rights.