On 8 March 2013, on the day dedicated to women, the third joint meeting of young researchers and their mentors from the National Institute of Biology and the Department of Biology at the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana took place at the Biology Centre in Ljubljana.

The creation of new fundamental knowledge in the field of biology and similar nature- and environment-related sciences and facilitating this knowledge in order to improve the quality of life, to support environmental policies and to provide the development of science present the core mission of the National Institute of Biology and the Department of Biology at the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana. Research and education in the field of sciences related to life and nature put great responsibility on both institutions in order to create professional and scientific foundations and strengthen the social climate for permanent harmonic symbiosis between the man and nature.

Both institutions are proud of the fact to be able to welcome an increasing number of young researchers every year. 36 young researchers study at the National Institute of Biology; 29 of them study in accordance with the contract concluded with the Slovenian Research Agency, 7 of them work in the economy sector. 27 young researchers at the Department of Biology are post-graduate students.

With the main aim to enable young researchers from both institutions, which operate within the scope of the Biology Centre, to get to know each other better, present their research work and make contacts for future project and pedagogical cooperation, the meeting of young researchers and their mentors took place on 8 March 2013.

The event was solemnly opened by Prof. Dr. Tamara Lah Turnšek, director of NIB, and Prof. Dr. Tom Turk, vice dean of the Department of Biology at the Biotechnical Faculty. Young researchers, mentors and students has also welcomed the guest of honor, Ambassador of the Netherlands, His Excellency Mr. Johannes Douma.


At the meeting, young researchers who are in their final year of postdoctoral study, presented their research work by giving short lectures.

Presentations made by the young researchers from the National Institute of Biology:

Dejan BORDJAN, Mentor Prof. Dr. Davorin Tome.
Maja DERLINK, Mentor Dr. Meta Virant Doberlet.
Neža KORON, Mentor Prof. Dr. Jadran Faganeli.
Alja ŠTRASER,  Mentor Dr. Bojana Žegura.
Marko PEZDIRC, Mentor Prof. Dr. Metka Filipič.
Neža PODERGAJS, Mentor Prof. Dr. Tamara Lah Turnšek.
Monika PRIMON, young researcher from industry, Mentor Dr. Irena Zajc.
Vera ZGONIK, Mentor Prof. Dr. Andrej Čokl.


Presentations made by the young researchers from the Department of Biology at the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana:

Simona KAMENŠEK, Mentor Prof. Dr. Darja Žgur Bertok.
Marjeta KONEC, Mentor Prof. Dr. Peter Trontelj.
Špela KOREN, Mentor Prof. Dr. Marjana Regvar.
Sara NOVAK, Mentor Prof. Dr. Damjana Drobne.
Katja OTA, Mentor Prof. Dr. Peter Maček.
Nejc ROJKO, Mentor Prof. Dr. Gregor Anderluh.
Miloš VITTORI, Mentor Prof. Dr. Jasna Štrus.
Živa PIPAN TKALEC, Mentor Prof. Dr. Damjana Drobne.
Živa has been granted the scholarship within the “For Women in Science” programme, provided by L’Oreal Slovenia, the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO and the Slovenian Science Foundation in 2013