Special Commendation for young higher education teachers and staff is awarded for exceptional pedagogical, research and artistic achievements.
Assist. Dr Miha Bahun
Proposed by: Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana
Assist. Dr Miha Bahun is employed at the Department of Food Science and Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana. He obtained his doctorate in 2020 at the Chair of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry, where his research and teaching focus on biochemistry, particularly on understanding the mechanisms of protein adaptation to high temperatures. He is active in the fields of education, research and professional expertise, thereby contributing significantly to the reputation of the University of Ljubljana.
Assist. Dr Mojca Blaznik
Proposed by: Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana
Assist. Dr Mojca Blaznik studies the development of the mechanical properties of bacterial biofilms. Her research focuses on how and when biofilm structures form and how these structures affect biofilm persistence and removal. Using innovative approaches, she has described the structure and role of key extracellular bacterial polymers that reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics in biofilms.
Assistant Prof. Dr Faris Kočan
Proposed by: Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana
Since October 2022, Assistant Prof. Dr Faris Kočan has been teaching five courses in the International Relations, European Studies and Defence Studies programmes. His students, as well as his master’s and doctoral candidates, express great satisfaction with his work. This year, he organised an educational excursion to Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the contact hours for several courses. Dr Kočan proactively integrates his outstanding research work into the teaching process.
Assist. Dr Miha Kikelj
Proposed by: Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana
An exceptionally dedicated teacher and insightful researcher at the Department of Electronics, Assist. Dr Miha Kikelj successfully transfers new knowledge from his research fields of photovoltaics and optoelectronics to his students. The quality of his work is reflected in his students’ knowledge and satisfaction, his original scientific articles in leading journals, and awards received at international conferences.
Assist. Lara Smrdel
Proposed by: Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana
Assist. Lara Smrdel is an outstanding researcher who actively contributes to introducing modern approaches to education, develops innovative laboratory protocols, and advances understanding of the proteasome in thrombocytes and its role in the tumour microenvironment. Her innovation, initiative, organisational skills, and willingness to engage in various faculty activities have a positive and inspiring impact on the faculty environment.
Assistant Prof. Dr Ratko Pilipović
Proposed by: Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana
Assistant Prof. Dr Ratko Pilipović is a member of the Laboratory for Adaptive Systems and Parallel Processing. His research focuses on approximate arithmetic circuits; together with colleagues he has developed several energy-efficient approximate logarithmic multipliers applicable to deep neural networks. He teaches courses in computer systems and digital device design, where his students consistently praise his dedication and commitment.
Assistant Prof. Dr Nejc Umek
Proposed by: Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana
Assistant Prof. Dr Nejc Umek, a university teacher in anatomy and a specialist in radiology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, conducts research on skeletal muscles, peripheral nerves and fascia. He leads two laboratories, participates in both European and national projects, and has received numerous awards. As a dedicated teacher, he inspires students of medicine, dental medicine, pharmacy, and health sciences, actively encouraging them to pursue excellence in research.
Assistant Prof. Dr Mojca Poredoš
Proposed by: Faculty of Education, University of Ljubljana
Assistant Prof. Dr Mojca Poredoš is actively involved in several national studies and also participates in the ERASMUS+ project SPLENDID. Her bibliography includes 18 original scientific articles and eight independent scientific papers in monographs. She is an active member of the Chair of General and Specific Learning Difficulties, where she is participating in the establishment of a counselling centre for students with learning difficulties.