The Biotechnological Hub of the National Institute of Biology (BTH-NIB) Recognized as a Flagship Project by the European Commission. Biotechnological Hub represents a cutting-edge scientific infrastructure that will enable the National Institute of Biology to become a regional leader.

Ljubljana, November 10, 2023 – The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development (MKRR), under the European Commission, has officially acknowledged The Biotechnological Hub of the National Institute of Biology (BTH-NIB) as one of the standout projects of the 2014-2020 Cohesion Policy Programme. This prestigious recognition has led to the hub being selected for presentation during the European Commission's upcoming visit to Slovenia on November 10, 2023.

DG Regio delegation, in the coordination of MKRR (Mr. Matjaž Dragar, Deputy Director General of the Directorate for Cohesion), led by Dr. Thomas Bickl, Policy Advisor at European Parliament, was hosted by Prof. Dr. Maja Ravnikar, Director of the National Institute of Biology. Leading researchers of the National Institute of Biology and the project team, who led this important national investment in science infrastructure and technical very demanding construction presented the Biotechnological Hub of the National Institute of Biology. The five-member DG Regio delegation was joined by the experts from the Slovenian Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development and Slovenian Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.  

After the presentation of the Biotechnological Hub, the guests also visited the new premises of the institute, where Heads of the Departments presented new labs, and new research equipment and presented how new cutting-edge technology and modern science infrastructure defines even more ambitious and rapid scientific future achievements of the National Institute of Biology.

The DG REGIO are keen on shedding light on impactful stories at the EU level, so they initiated the project "Stories from the Regions" series, focusing on real-life accounts that demonstrate the tangible effects of EU-funded projects on individuals and communities. During their visit to The Biotechnological Hub, they will capture this remarkable EU-funded initiative's human aspect, highlighting its genuine impact on people's lives and its positive impact on the community. The European Commission's selection of this project reflects its commitment to supporting initiatives that create tangible, meaningful change for people across Europe.

About DG REGIO:

The Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) is a department of the European Commission responsible for managing the European Union's regional and urban policy. DG REGIO aims to ensure that investments made through the Cohesion Policy Programme have a real impact on people's lives, fostering economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable development across the European Union. The "Stories from the Regions" series is a testament to the EU's dedication to capturing the human stories behind its funded projects, showcasing the transformative power of these initiatives.

About BTH-NIB:

Biotechnology Hub of the National Institute of Biology (BTH-NIB) represents an advanced and important research infrastructure, which will mark a significant milestone in the development of the NIB and all life sciences in Slovenia. The total investment amounts to ca. EUR 36 million and is funded by the European Cohesion Fund (80 %) and the Slovenian state budget (20 %). The construction of this technologically demanding facility was extremely intensive, starting in July 2021 and finishing in November 2023. The contractor for the construction, craftsmanship and installation works is Kolektor Koling, d. o. o. The construction supervisor is Elea iC, d. d. The conceptual design for the building is the work of the Styria Arhitektura architectural studio.

Photos:

• PHOTO 1, 2 and 3: Representatives of the European Commission, Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development and Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Slovenia, and Management of the National Institute of Biology.
• PHOTO 4 (from left to right): Representatives of the European Commission: Denisa Tanese, Dr. Thomas Bickl, Gašper Kavšek, Andreja Rast, Martina Repnik.