13
Nov
MIROSLAV ZEI AWARD CEREMONY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018
On the 58th anniversary of its existence, The National Institute of Biology (NIB) presented the National Institute of Biology awards, named after Prof. Dr. Miroslav Zei, one of the founders, for the ninth time. The Miroslav Zei awards were given to individuals for their outstanding achievements in the field of basic and applied research in life sciences, and for the realization of the visions and mission of the NIB. The ceremony took place on November 7, 2018, in the Biological Centre at Večna pot 111 in Ljubljana. The gathered guests were greeted by the Director of NIB, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Matjaž Kuntner, and guest of honour, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, Mag. Dejan Židan, who emphasized the great importance of research institutions. As he said: "Research has been following us from the time immemorial. Human's innate curiosity, the desire to discover, and follow the unknown is what drives them to explore, and employs their minds. Science is crucial to the progress, development, and the future of society. It is inextricably linked to the assurance of peace." Among the honourable guests was also Dr. Jernej Pikalo, Minister of Education, Science and Sport, who pointed out that Slovenian researchers contribute a great deal of their work to the world's treasury of knowledge, and are seeking solutions for a better quality of life for everyone. He stressed that we should invest more in research and development in the future, as this is the most reliable way to society's progress.
The Grand Miroslav Zei Award for life work in the field of activities of the National Institute of Biology for 2018 was given to Prof. Dr. Andrej Blejec, mathematician and biostatistician, the pioneer of interdisciplinary research.
The Miroslav Zei Award for exceptional achievements in the field of activities of the National Institute of Biology 2018 was given to Dr. Matjaž Hren and Dr. Klemen Zupančič, researchers and entrepreneurs who started their careers as young researchers at the NIB.
The award for outstanding doctoral thesis in the field of activities of the National Institute of Biology was given to Dr. Barbara Breznik and Dr. Matjaž Novak.
Explanation:
The Grand Miroslav Zei Award for life work in the field of activities of the National Institute of Biology for 2018 was given to Prof. Dr. Andrej Blejec.
Scientific research career of Prof. Blejec sailed into non-standard waters from the very beginning, since he was a pioneer of interdisciplinary research. His first job as a mathematician was at the Institute of Biology, which at that time was an exclusive club for biologists. He was also involved in the pedagogical process right from the start.
Prof. Blejec is a top scientist and researcher in the field of biostatistics with a highly respected bibliography, which is comprised of 64 original and coherent scientific papers, cited more than 1,600 times, and contribute to his high h-index of 22. He is a member of different editorial boards of biostatistics magazines. Every year, he organizes an international conference called Applied Statistics, which is always well visited. Throughout his research career, he brought together statistics and life sciences in an interdisciplinary way, working with research groups in the fields of ecology, agronomy, and cancer biology, connecting them at the level of systemic biology in the recent years. As already mentioned, Prof. Blejec is distinguished for his exceptional pedagogical career and outstanding popularity among students at all levels. He was selected as the best lecturer at the Biotechnical Faculty. He was also pedagogically established in the international arena as he was the president of the International Association for Statistical Education between 2013 and 2017.
The Miroslav Zei Award for exceptional achievements in the field of activities of the National Institute of Biology 2018 was given to Dr. Matjaž Hren and Dr. Klemen Zupančič.
This year's Miroslav Zei Award for exceptional achievements in the field of activities of the National Institute of Biology was given to two former young researchers at the NIB, who, after completing their PhD degrees, ventured into the stormy entrepreneurial waters. Eight years ago, they were the core of the emerging, now successful company Biosistemika d.o.o. In a very short time, the company grew from a micro spin-out NIB company to an internationally recognized software development enterprise supplying numerous laboratories in Europe and the US. In the last two years, it has grown into a joint venture with Gilson, one of the leading companies in the production of laboratory instruments and equipment. Today, Biosistemika employs 30 people, many of whom hail from the NIB. The company also actively participates in research with NIB.
The award for outstanding doctoral thesis in the field of activities of the National Institute of Biology was given to Dr. Barbara Breznik and Dr. Matjaž Novak.
Dr. Barbara Breznik studied proteases, micro-environment and stem cells within the context of the invasion of the glioblastoma brain tumour. The research had many intriguing results, prompting Barbara to co-author them in nine scientific articles. In addition to these, she co-authored two more. Barbara's articles have been cited 18 times.
In his thesis, Dr. Matjaž Novak studied the significance of genotoxicity of cytostatics for the aquatic environment and humans. He presented his findings in seven articles, including the one that has been classified in category A under the SICRIS classification. Furthermore, he's the co-author of four articles, while his treatises were cited more than 90 times.
At the event, all the young NIB colleagues, who received a doctor's degree between October 1, 2017, and September 30, 2018, received the National Institute of Biology award. The awarded youth are:
1. Špela Alič
2. Alexandra Bogožalec Košir
3. Barbara Breznik
4. José Manuel Carita Gonçalves
5. Barbara Debeljak
6. Tjaša Lukan
7. Matjaž Novak
8. Mateja Vidic
Additional information: Helena Končar: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 059 232 702.
