Solemn Inauguration of the 31st Academic Year and Presentation of Highest University Honors and Titles
The University of Nova Gorica celebrated the start of its 31st academic year with a solemn ceremony held at Lanthieri Mansion in Vipava. In his address, the Rector, Prof. Dr. Boštjan Golob, highlighted science as a vital component of human culture and emphasized the university’s role in generating knowledge, strengthening the academic community, and engaging with the local environment. The event was also marked by the conferral of the university’s highest honors, titles, and awards to its most accomplished graduates.
Knowledge generated through scientific research enriches society while contributing to a deeper understanding of the world and overall human progress. Modern higher education institutions do not merely pass knowledge down to new generations, but actively create it. Crucial to this effort is the collaboration among researchers and the involvement of students in practical research, where they gain valuable experience and contribute to new discoveries.
The Rector paid special attention to the importance of the academic community, which relies on the exchange of experience, mutual support, and the individual contributions of its members. The University of Nova Gorica continues to develop its community by expanding staff and academic capacities, as well as developing infrastructure across its various locations.
He also addressed the key task of universities in equipping society to effectively understand and utilize modern technologies. Access to technological equipment alone is insufficient, as meaningful application requires deep understanding and expertise. In this way, higher education institutions contribute significantly to economic development and competitiveness in a rapidly changing world.
Furthermore, the Rector stressed the necessity of systemic support for universities and their strong integration with both local and broader societal environments. Through its activities, the university plays an important role in shaping the development of western Slovenia, making it essential that it receives adequate resources to fulfill its mission.
The ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Education, Science and Youth, Dr. Borut Rončević. In his address, he underlined the unique place of the University of Nova Gorica within the Slovenian higher education landscape, particularly noting its close integration of research and study processes. This approach provides students with direct exposure to top-tier achievements, serving as one of the pillars of a modern university. He wished the students an inspiring and successful academic year, and the staff great success in their research and teaching.
The central part of the ceremony featured the presentation of the highest titles and awards of the University of Nova Gorica to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of science and the university:
- The title of Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Nova Gorica was awarded to Prof. Dr. André S. H. Prévôt for his exceptional scientific contribution to aerosol and air pollution research, long-standing collaboration with Slovenian researchers, and significant impact on the international standing of Slovenian research and the Center for Atmospheric Research at the University of Nova Gorica.
- The Golden Plate of the University of Nova Gorica was awarded to Prof. Dr. Maja Ravnikar for her long-standing pedagogical, research, and organizational work, through which she has significantly contributed to the development and scientific excellence of the University of Nova Gorica.
- The title of Professor Emeritus of the University of Nova Gorica was conferred upon Prof. Dr. Iztok Arčon as an expression of respect, recognition, and gratitude for his lasting contribution to the development of the university as well as Slovenian and international science.
The student awards Alumnus Primus (awarded to graduates who graduated first in their generation) and Alumnus Optimus (awarded for the highest grade point average in an academic year) were also presented.
The ceremony was attended by numerous distinguished guests, including the President of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Acad. Franc Forstnerič; the Director of the National Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Quality in Higher Education (NAKVIS), Dr. Franci Demšar; rectores of Slovenian universities; and Her Excellency Muriel Berset Kohen, Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Slovenia.
The solemn opening of the 31st academic year thus linked the start of a new study period with recognition for individuals whose work contributes to the development of science, the University of Nova Gorica, and the wider academic community.
Prepared by: Andreja Leban
