Special Commendation for Students for Special Achievements and Active Participation in Extracurricular Activities

Proposed by: Academy of Music, University of Ljubljana

The guitarist Samo Novak distinguished himself during his studies through his dedication and talent. He is well known for his solo performances as part of the Glasbena mladina Oder (Musical Youth Stage) concert series, and is the recipient of the second prize and gold plaque, as well as a special award for the best performance of a compulsory piece at the national TEMSIG competition. In 2024, he successfully passed the entrance examinations for the University of Music Franz Liszt in Weimar.

Proposed by: Academy of Music, University of Ljubljana

Lana Savič has been an active member of the Student Council of the Academy of Music at the University of Ljubljana for three academic years. Throughout her time there, she has worked tirelessly and with great commitment to strengthen cooperation and connections between students and professors, and to assist students with administrative and other procedures. In addition, she is an exemplary and accomplished violin student who contributes to the development of the entire student community through her selfless efforts.

Tristan Arko, Ivan Fagarazzi, Bojan Ilievski, Luka Jahn, Matic Kavcl, Tilen Klavžer, Žan Kopše, Blaž Kozjek, Fran Matić, Emanuel Mikac, Žan Pečenik, Vjeko Pezer, Luka Poljanec, Gašper Poprijan, Petar Rebić, Aleksandar Spasić, Andrija Šafran, Gašper Šemrov, Rok Škerjanec, Amadej Štrajhar, Lovro Tavčar, David Tretjak, Simon Vene, and Živa Žohar

Proposed by: Academy of Music, University of Ljubljana

The group of students forming the Brass AG ensemble contributed to the promotion of peace through their project “Mir-Peace”, which resulted in the creation of exceptional new music. The project included a gala concert, as well as the recording of a documentary film and a CD. The result of their collaboration is a comprehensive artistic experience that deeply moves every listener and viewer through poetry, music and imagery.

Proposed by: Academy of Fine Arts and Design, University of Ljubljana

This commendation is awarded for the book Od blizu (Up Close) – a publication about the exhibition Od blizu (Up Close), created as part of the projects Od blizu–Od daleč (Up Close–From Afar) and EUTOPIA. The book represents a valuable contribution to the accessibility of cultural heritage, as it opens up space for the inclusion of vulnerable groups and promotes understanding, diversity and the broader accessibility of art.

Nia Gombač, Eva Koren, Nika Mlakar, Maruša Pajnič, Eva Popit, Žiga Sever, and Tim Topič

Proposed by: Academy of Fine Arts and Design, University of Ljubljana

Through this project, the multidisciplinary group demonstrated how productive collaboration among different study fields – art, design and restoration-conservation – can be. They explored methods of preservation, documentation, research and education, while promoting works from the Academy’s collection of student prints. The project’s goal of making the collection accessible was successfully achieved through the publication of a digital book, videos and presentations.

Zoja Funda Lipnik, Nia Gombač, Nika Horvat, Domen Klinc, Andrija Mihailović, Eva Popit, Marjana Raspor, Marko Škrbić, Črt Štrubelj, Rin Togo, Živa Vaukan, and Nika Vidnjević

Proposed by: Academy of Fine Arts and Design, University of Ljubljana

A group of design students at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design, University of Ljubljana, combined critical theory with feminist, queer and anti-colonialist thought, using the innovative visual language of floriography as part of the international Denton project. Their works, which address marginalised communities, were exhibited at BIO28 and Milan Design Week.

Špela Banko, Klementina Berginc Nonino, Aljaž Bogataj, Novka Bojić, Lana Dragovan, Zala Ferjančič, Ana Frank Bogataj, Laura Iskra, Nikita Kokot, Jan Kranjec, Nik Leban, Anja Majcen, Maja Mitrović, Nina Petrić, Lea Sedevčič, Monika Skledar, Dino Spahić, Suzana Ugovšek, and Aja Vogrinčič

Proposed by: Academy of Fine Arts and Design, University of Ljubljana

The Museum in Community 2 project presents a series of design interventions aimed at improving the quality of life in the Nove Fužine neighbourhood. With an emphasis on social inclusion, cultural diversity and intergenerational cooperation, it introduces new and effective methods for strengthening community ties, fostering a “community spirit” and preserving local identity. The project was developed in collaboration with colleagues from the Museum of Architecture and Design.

Maks Brus, Matic Jančar, and Vid Rozman

Proposed by: Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana

The Wood Science and Technology students achieved an excellent third place in the final round of the international competition The Bio-based Innovation Student Challenge Europe (BISC-E) 2024, competing against student teams from 21 countries. They developed a bio-based and biodegradable evaporation system made of lignocellulosic nanofibrils, which enables the extraction of drinking water from salt water. The project was carried out under the mentorship of Prof. Dr Primož Oven and Assoc. Prof. Dr Ida Poljanšek.

Ines Babnik, Matjaž Dlouhy, Monika Horvat, Jure Jakoš, Klara Klemenčič, Tina Paljk, and Nejc Petek

Proposed by: Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana

The Društvo Cutting Edge association was founded ten years ago by the students of the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, with the goal of organising an interdisciplinary conference where undergraduate and master’s students could present their research. Over the years, the association has organised several such conferences, enabling networking, knowledge exchange and collaboration with established scientists.

Proposed by: Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana

Jernej Slivnik is a first-year student at the Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, enrolled in the Sports Training programme. He is also Slovenia’s top para-alpine skier and a two-time Paralympic Games participant. Jernej won two medals at the 2025 Winter World University Games in Turin, where student para-athletes competed on equal terms for the first time in the history of the Games. With his victory in the giant slalom, he became the first (para) university champion ever.

Proposed by: Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, University of Ljubljana

Matej Fijačko’s design work combines stylism, subculture and contemporary fashion, drawing inspiration primarily from the digital world. His latest clothing collection, HYPER REALITY TEA PARTY, created under the mentorship of Prof. Nataša Peršuh, was inspired by Vocaloid concerts, which take the form of holographic performances. The result is a fresh, innovative and forward-looking approach to design, demonstrating remarkable creative potential.

Proposed by: Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, University of Ljubljana

Teja Medvešček and Lovro Frece are the winners of the 2025 Young Creatives Competition. They were the only creative duo among the finalists to reach this stage without the support of a creative agency, making their success even more remarkable. As Young Creatives of the Year, they had the honour of opening this year’s Slovenian Advertising Festival with a lecture, and went on to represent Slovenia successfully at the Young Lions Competition in Cannes.

Proposed by: Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, University of Ljubljana

In November 2024, the student Ožbej Modrijan won the regional steelChallenge-19 competition in virtual steel production, placing among the five global finalists in the student category who competed for the world championship title in Sydney in April 2025. He demonstrated outstanding knowledge in molten metal production in an electric arc furnace and secondary metallurgy refining.

Proposed by: Faculty of Law, University of Ljubljana

As President and long-time member of the Student Council of the Faculty of Law, Maja Kalin has represented students’ interests for several years and co-created key projects. She is also active at the European level, representing Slovenian students in the European Students’ Union, where she leads one of its regions. At the Helga Pedersen Moot Court competition, her team placed third overall, and she received the Best Orator Award in the quarter-finals.

Proposed by: Faculty of Law, University of Ljubljana

Driven by a commitment to creating an ambitious and inclusive academic environment, Benjamin Nahtigal has played a key role in numerous successful student projects. He currently serves as a course tutor, tutor coordinator and Student Council representative at the faculty. His diverse experience also includes participation in Model United Nations conferences and collaboration with the University of Ljubljana’s Formula Student team.

Asta Gerjevič Debevec, Peter Grašič, Masha Korošec, Ana Mestinšek Mubi, Ines Muzaferović, and Rok Vidmar

Proposed by: Faculty of Law, University of Ljubljana

For the third consecutive year, the team from the Faculty of Law, University of Ljubljana, won the regional Central and Eastern Europe Moot Competition (CEEMC) on EU law, organised by the British Law Centre under the patronage of the University of Cambridge and the Court of Justice of the European Union. The competition took place in April 2024 in Prague, before current and former judges and Advocates General of the Court of Justice of the European Union, as well as professors of EU law.

Mark Bauer, Tjaša Kalin, Masha Korošec, Marta Lipovec, Ana Mulej, and Katja Svetina

Proposed by: Faculty of Law, University of Ljubljana

In February, the team from the Faculty of Law, University of Ljubljana, won the regional final of the European Law Moot Court (ELMC) competition in Brno, taking first place both as the parties and as the Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the EU. With this victory, the team qualified for the Grand Final at the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg in April 2025, where it achieved 1st place worldwide in the category of Advocate General and 3rd–4th place worldwide in the role of the parties.

Urh Gregor Brvar, Tea Caharijas, Ana Mencin, Neža Vocovnik, and Metka Vodušek

Proposed by: Faculty of Law, University of Ljubljana

Team Henrik Steska won the 18th Regional Moot Court Competition in Human Rights. Neža Vocovnik, Tea Caharijas, Urh Gregor Brvar and Ana Mencin remained undefeated throughout the competition, securing first place and also winning the prize for the best written brief. The team achieved success with the help of the coaches Metka Vodušek and Matija Urankar, as well as their mentor Assistant Prof. Dr Jaka Kukavica.

Proposed by: Faculty of Law, University of Ljubljana

Oskar Škulj is deeply committed to the student community and social engagement. His volunteer work includes planning, coordinating and managing events, as well as encouraging others to get involved and contribute to shared charitable goals. He demonstrates that volunteering, philanthropy, mentoring and academic excellence are not just ideals, but real actions that can change lives.

Alja Barič, Eva Cizej, Neža Čadež, Katarina Čubej, Oskar Divjak, Nuša Dobnik, Sara Godler, Gaj Kren Gorše, Marjeta Kenda, Jurij Kurinčič, Matej Kurinčič. Ana Lamberšek, Valentina Lazar, Staša Podboršek, Maja Pogačnik, Tim Rahne, Magnus Ruben, Urška Simonič, Matic Skok, Nika Špes, Jon Šubic, Timotej Trampuš, Mojca Umek, Vito Vodenik, Antonio Vogrinc, Kristjan Voje, Zala Zgaga, Maja Zorko, and Dominika Zupan

Proposed by: Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana

The Phrenicus Choir celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024. It performs at freshers’ events, graduation ceremonies and professional meetings. Under the leadership of Katja Bogovič, the singers organise concerts and take part in competitions, achieving excellent results. Singing provides a welcome relaxation from demanding studies, while also serving as an important opportunity for socialising and building connections among students from different years.