ANNUAL REPORT 2016
1 Introduction
„The increase in funds, the first such occurrence in a number of years, is a trend that needs to continue.”
In 2016 the Slovenian Research Past year was the first since 2010 devoted to promoting science and to date on the consequences of Agency has spent (co-)financing when the financing of research via international cooperation, and the reduced resources, both financial research activities within the con- the Agency took a turn for the bet- Agency continued to play an active and human, for the operation of the firmed work programme, introduc- ter. Although the increased financ- role in the Science Europe associa- Agency and the research sector in ing a new instrument and further ing fell short of the amount required tion. general. The increase in funds, the improving operating conditions and to implement substantial changes, The Agency presents the results first such occurrence in a number of support for researchers. Time was the Agency was able to cover the of the standard bibliometric and years, is a trend that needs to con- also spent preparing for the start of assumed commitments that re- other quantitative indicators used tinue. The impact funding has on the application of the new Rules on sulted primarily from the increase globally to monitor research activ- indicators manifests itself over the the Procedures for Financing, Co-fi- in research projects. These limited ities in the chapter entitled Inter- long term; therefore, we cannot yet nancing, Evaluating and Monitoring funds notwithstanding, the Agency national comparisons. Note should properly assess the full implications the Implementation of Research participated in a European Research be made that the relative impact that the austerity measures enact- Activities. The Agency submitted Council (ERC) initiative aimed at factor of works published in scien- ed over the past few years have had the Rules to the Ministry responsi- increasing the involvement of sci- tific journals exceeded 1.06, which on science. ble for Science in December 2015; entists from countries less well means that Slovenia’s performance however, the inter-ministerial coor- represented or less successful at ranked above the global average for dination process was relatively pro- ERC grant competitions within the the first time. At the same time we Prof. dr. József Györkös, tracted. Therefore the Rules did not framework of the enlargement in- should not overlook the fact that Director enter into force until August 2016, strument. The Slovenian Research the trend of patent applications is which meant that all major proce- Agency became one of the research still negative. dures conducted in 2016 were in ac- agencies from 7 EU Member States When preparing the 2017 and 2018 cordance with the Rules which were to implement Visiting Research budgets, the Agency kept the Min- valid at the time. Fellowships. In 2016 emphasis was istry responsible for Science up
2 3 Annual report 2016: Content
Published by: Slovenian Research Agency Prof. dr. Tomaž Prosen: From Quantumphysics to Smart Phones 8 Bleiweisova cesta 30 1000 Ljubljana News and events 14 Slovenia Financing structure 18 Edited by: Tina Glavič Novak Institutional financing 20 Research programmes 21 Contribution and overview: prof. dr. József Györkös, dr. Marko Perdih, dr. Stojan Pečlin, Tina Vuga, Founding obligation and infrastructural programmes 22 Polona Novak, Urša Novak Competitive financing 23 Translation: Iolar d.o.o. Research projects 24 Design and graphic preparation: Žak Prinčič, m.a., Ilumina d.o.o. Young researchers 28 Scientific literature 30 Photography: Peter Irman, Žak Prinčič, m.a. International activities 31 Print: Collegium Graphicum Agency’s international cooperation 36 Published: Ljubljana, 2017 International comparisons 40 Number of copies in English: 200 About the Agency 46 Online access: www.arrs.gov.si/en/gradivo/dokum/ Excellent in Science 2016 54 ISSN 2350-5885 Natural Sciences 55 Engineering Sciences 63 Medical Sciences 68 Biotechnical Sciences 72 Social Sciences 76 Humanities 79
4 5 IN THE SPOTLIGHT
6 7 From Quantum Physics to Smart Phones
Prof. dr. Tomaž Prosen Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana
You performed brilliantly over the position of the consortium and us- help us predict the practical value simulators, which are the first gen- very well suddenly find ourselves cryptographic methods. There is last year and won a EUR 2 million ability, the sole purpose of the ERC of this theoretical research? eration of quantum computers or living with quantum computers. Of also the famous Shor algorithm, European Research Council (ERC) is to fund excellent scientific ideas The aim of my research is to get a analogue quantum computers, i.e. course, this will not happen in one which operates significantly fast- tender. Can you explain the purpose and applicants. The call is intended basic understanding of transport machines that are designed for the fell sweep. Quantum simulators er than any classical algorithm of this research? primarily for basic research, which phenomena in simple model sys- simulation of other models. These must be developed first but, within on classic computing machines, It is basic research on theoretical is slightly less funded than applied tems. If we gain a solid grasp of that, are used in ultra-cold atom tech- a decade or so, they should be more and the Grover algorithm which mathematical physics, for the pur- research at the EU level. then things can develop and be- nologies in laboratories around the digital and some day we may wake searches for an element in an un- pose of exploring quantum trans- come useful in terms of finding ma- world, where systems of atoms are up in a quantum information society. ordered list. These are the only port in complex strongly interact- Researchers who apply to various terials that have the right transport prepared at very low temperatures algorithms that are expected to ed multi-particle systems. These domestic and international calls of- properties. It is therefore directly and their states manipulated pre- In what sense might a quantum be incomparably faster, given the are systems typically examined ten lament the proliferation of ad- linked to the physics of materials, cisely. These systems can simulate, computer change our lives, not just best classical and best quantum by statistical physics. Although ministrative procedures, which can but this is not my aim. My objective for example, the theoretical models for scientists, but in general? algorithms. We do not imagine quantum transportation sounds dull the essence of research. What is to explore mathematical physics. that I imagine in my research. Cur- That is difficult to imagine. The to use quantum computers for very useful and may have several are your experiences? rently, for example, my colleagues main problem with digital quan- the general computational pro- real-world applications, the pur- The ERC application process is rela- In this context the creation of a and I are preparing an application tum computing is that we do not cedures, which we now perform pose of the research is to expand tively effortless. There is very little quantum computer is foreseen. for the European project QuantERA, know what we would use it for. on classic portable computers. the envelope of human knowl- bureaucracy associated with the Can you tell us what that is? the purpose of which is to devel- People like new things and new Therefore, the problem is open on edge, but not to apply that knowl- application. The application form is Quantum technology is a practi- op quantum technologies. We will ideas, but we really do not know several fronts. Some are quantum edge as a technology. simple. The document that needs cal discipline that is highly rele- propose collaboration between ex- what these computers would be algorithms: others are quantum to be prepared is also relatively vant to my area of work –quantum perimental groups, including ours used for. There are two algorithms hardware. Both are still in their in- What are the submission criteria straightforward and left to the re- multi-particle systems. I explore and other theoretical groups from which are likely to make quantum fancy. This is in contrast, however, for an ERC call? searcher. If you have the right idea, models that are fully coherent and Berlin. The quantum technologies computers incomparably fast- to the quantum simulator, which The criterion is almost exclusively not much more is required. well suited for quantum information currently being developed will, in er than classical computers. One is an analogue quantum comput- scientific excellence. Unlike other You will be conducting basic re- processing, i.e. quantum comput- my opinion, lead to the gradual evo- of these is cryptography, or the er, and is already on the threshold applications, which must take into search to study non-equilibrium ing models. More specifically, this is lution of a quantum computer. We factorization of prime numbers, of becoming an integral part of the account factors such as the com- multi-particle systems. Will this associated with so-called quantum talk a lot about this, and we may which is an essential element in physicist’s laboratory.
8 9 You recently said that it is most prof- development of top scientists are Does this group include Slovenian ten hear colleagues comment that itable to invest in the unknown. Does worse than in the West. The best researchers? Slovenian physicists possess very your research address the unknown? scientists migrate to places where Slovenians are included primarily advanced mathematical knowl- Isn’t dealing with the unknown the conditions are better. Although at the doctoral student level. The edge and that we have a relatively whole purpose of the scientific en- some say that we are experiencing group will in fact be mixed, half doc- well-defined synthesis of mathe- deavour? To me, it certainly is. Un- a catastrophic brain drain, it pales toral students and half post-doctor- matics and physics. This shows that derstanding the unknown is the into insignificance when compared al researchers. The latter will mostly our students are relatively strong challenge we face. with some other countries, where be foreign. As I have said before, this when it comes to applying mathe- the situation became radicalised, is a very specialized area of knowl- matics to physics, which is particu- Do the ERC commissions agree? such as in Serbia. During the nine- edge, for which there are perhaps larly important in theoretical phys- Undoubtedly. They support the most ties, a lot of people left Serbia. The a hundred specialists around the ics. This is linked with the tradition daring proposals, but only those for brain drain has not been so signifi- world who understand the field and the greatest scientific revolution in the best scientists should be at- and characteristics of Eastern Euro- which the applicant has already un- cant in Slovenia, but has neverthe- deal with it seriously. human history. Indeed, it is some- tracted back in the form of tempt- pean countries, which have always dertaken extensive research. less had an effect. Some of the most thing that completely exceeds our ing offers. This strategy works well put an onus on mathematics. This esteemed Slovenian scientists work What are your views on the opinion experience of the world. It is simply in many places, for example in Chi- also applies for Slovenia and I hope Why do the majority of studies still abroad. The ERC rewards only the held by some apologists for applied a case of getting used to quantum na, which is attempting to repatri- we do not allow things to slide in stress usefulness? very best and their number here is science that nothing of importance physics. It is not something you can ate the best Chinese emigrants. this regard. Society expects to benefit from lower than it should be. has occurred in physics since the imagine in the way you might imag- science. Since its inception, sci- discovery of electricity? ine Newtonian physics. As a college professor, you have a Would you risk a prediction for any ence has always been the engine The means you have acquired will Of course, I cannot agree with that. good overview of the performance important scientific discoveries to of development, pulling society allow you to include additional col- The main revolution that occurred Applied research of any kind raises of students, graduates and doctoral be made in the coming decades? up to a higher level. The scientific laborators in the study. Given the in physics was not electricity, but questions about the relationship students. How would you rate the I can try to predict the challenges or revolution has led to progress be- complexity of the work involved, quantum mechanics. However, to between basic and applied re- generations who have studied the scientific topics where future prog- ing made in several areas. Perhaps how are you searching for them? those who do not have an educa- search. What do you think? Bologna curriculum in recent years? ress is likely to be made. It appears society has somewhat forgotten It is difficult to find the right employ- tion in physics, this is quite an in- The two are interconnected parts of I am satisfied. It seems to me that to me that, in addition to quantum what the basic purpose of science ees for my project, because it is a comprehensible and abstract idea. a whole. Applied science collects the the generations of physicists are computing, the key issues in my is. Society wants to subordinate tightly focused research undertaking It is relatively straightforward to results generated by basic science, very similar. Although some com- area are cosmology and astrophys- science as an instrument or ser- with a very demanding methodology conjure an idea of electricity in the and then sells them on. It is a food plain that students are getting ics. The situation is reminiscent vice activity. This may function to involved. We need to find colleagues mind, but this is not at all the case chain. Basic science is there at the be- worse, I do not agree. We receive of the end of the 19th century and some extent, for example, in health who have been taught or are well on with quantum physics. Quantum ginning of the chain, with the indus- the most intellectually ambitious the arrival of relativity. Phenomena care, where we treat disease and the way to learning the methodology. mechanics has affected the de- try producing the goods at the end. young people to study physics. such as dark matter and the accel- improve lives. However, I would not I must admit that I was initially scep- velopment of technology and in- There are of course some excep- erated expansion of the universe call this science, but technology. tical about how I would find the right creased quality of life to at least the How do you understand the phrase tions, but I believe that the Bologna simply do not fit within existing But the dividing line between sci- staff. I published two international same extent as electricity. Without “science to market”? reform has not affected this signifi- theories. In order to frame these ence and technology is becoming calls and received between 30 and quantum mechanics, we would not I would say it is a political truism that cantly. In fact, I would say that it has phenomena within existing theo- increasingly thin. There is noth- 35 applications; unfortunately, with have smartphones and computers has done some damage in recent helped somewhat to consolidate ries, we need certain cosmological ing wrong with this, but it should one notable exception, none were today. Today so much is based on decades. I do not know whether we studies and verify programmes. constants to be in place. The chal- be clear what is basic and what is the right fit thematically, because the microelectronics; microelectron- have really profited from it. Perhaps I Students now have a slightly better lenge we face is to combine cos- applied science, what is technolo- areas were not sufficiently closely re- ics are based on the transistor, the am too far removed from the market, established system of study, which mology, or rather relativity, with gy and what we expect from each. lated. In the second attempt, I sent an transistor on the semiconductor, but surely we have begun to mix ap- forces their work to improve. I would quantum physics. Although the We cannot expect basic science to e-mail to some fellow professors who and the semiconductor on quan- ples with oranges. Science does not not count myself among the critics latter is a very successful and ful- bring a product to market in five mentor a group of brilliant young peo- tum physics. Without our under- go to market, technology does. who think that it was better before. ly functional theory, we do not yet years. ple, post-doctoral researchers who standing of quantum physics and understand how to apply it on the Slovenians have not been very suc- will be looking for work in the coming the semiconductor effect, there What are your views on the scienc- How does the knowledge of our cosmological scale. I expect this cessful with ERC calls. In your opin- year. That was a far more productive would be no modern technology. Of es in Slovenia? Do we have enough graduates compare with the knowl- to be where any revolutionary dis- ion, is there a reason for this? endeavour. The word is now out that course, it is all based on electricity, good projects underway or do we edge of graduates from interna- coveries will be made in theoretical This is a question I have heard sev- I am looking for staff, and I am still re- but the discovery of quantum me- perhaps lack courage? tionally renowned universities? physics in the decades to come. eral times during the past year. One ceiving requests from young people chanics certainly was a compara- It could be argued that we are not The knowledge of our graduates of the reasons is more applicable to who are keen to work with us. Based ble revolution. In my opinion, when sufficiently daring and ambitious. is at the same level, and certainly The full interview, conducted by Ina EU13 group (the nations of Eastern on these inquiries I now have a team it comes to our understanding of We have knowledge here, even comparable to the knowledge of Petric, will be published on the web- Europe) than to Slovenia. In these of talented individuals who I believe nature and the world around us, though Slovenia’s best minds are graduates from the best universi- site of Tromba Agency: www.trom- countries, the conditions for the are up to the job. quantum mechanics represents emigrating. I would suggest that ties in Europe, if not the world. I of- ba.si.
10 11 NEWS AND EVENTS
12 13 Over 30 years since the start of the Joung Researchers Programme Slovenian research groups make headway at the Smart Urban Futures Call On the occasion of the anniversary Ule and Mitjan Kalin contributed In December 2015, the Urban Europe and the agencies acquired an addi- of the start of the programme, the their opinions and experience Joint Programming Initiative pub- tional EUR 5 million by successfully Agency issued a publication enti- with the programme. The publi- lished the ERA-NET Cofund Smart applying for the European Commis- tled Več kot 30 let programa Mladi cation contains a list of almost Urban Futures Call (ENSUF). A total sion ERA-NET Cofund call within the raziskovalci (Over 30 years since 5,000 individuals who were ei- of 22 agencies from 18 EU Member framework of the Horizon 2020 pro- the start of the Junior Research- ther partially or fully involved States, Norway and Turkey took part gramme. ers programme). The contributions in the Junior Researchers in the preparations. The call had a Three projects with Slovenian par- describe the time when the pro- Programme and who, accord- budget of EUR 24.5 million in place ticipants were successful at the call: gramme was created, as well as first ing to the information avail- analyses responding to criticism able to the Agency, obtained the programme received in the their PhDs as a result. Pub- Urban Education Live, Faculty Bright Future for Black Towns: early 1990s. Ciril Baškovič, Stojan lication is available in Slo- of Social Sciences, Universi- Reinventing European Indus- The total value of Slovenian projects amounts to almost Pečlin, Barbara Simončič, Mirjana venian language. ty of Ljubljana, team leader: trial Towns and Challenging 700,000 EUR. The Agency will contribute 425,000 EUR from the national budget and has managed to acquire 39 Matjaž Uršič. Dominant Post-Industrial Dis- % of funding or just under 270,000 EUR by submitting a courses, Research Centre of the successful grant application under the ERA-NET Cofund Slovenian Academy of Sciences call for proposals. and Arts (project coordinator), C3SPACES – Using ICTs to ERC fellowships to visit ERC grantees team leader: David Bole. help create inclusive public In accordance with the guidelines grantees, becoming one the first spaces, Urban Planning In- for a more equitable distribution six agencies in Europe to introduce stitute of the Republic of Slo- of ERC grantees, the European the so-called ERC Fellowship to Visit venia, team leader: Barbara Research Council established an ERC Grantee mechanism. The visits Goličnik Marušić. instrument for encouraging ap- made by Slovenian researchers to plications to ERC calls. The funds ERC grantees represent a first-class acquired enable the researchers to science exchange involving leading visit the ERC grantees themselves. scientists and the use of some of The Agency responded to the ERC the best equipped research facili- 20th anniversary of the House of Experiments invitation and published a call in ties in the world. November 2016 for visiting ERC Supported by the is the annual three-day Sciencetival Agency, the House of international science festival. With Experiments – Slove- its programme, House of Experi- nian Science Centre ments successfully brings the world has been carrying out of science into primary schools and activities in the field kindergartens – it organizes science Workshop with The New York Times journalist and writer of science promotion, competitions for children, runs sci- George Johnson creativity, innovation ence workshops for families and In cooperation with the Embassy The Communicating Science Pro- and critical thinking travels to various towns throughout of the United States of America, gramme features conversations for over 20 years. Its Slovenia, transforming them into the Agency organised a workshop with renowned journalists from various events are science centres for a day. The House with the renowned journalist and well-established media outlets geared towards dif- of Experiments is one of the lead- science writer, George Johnson. which report on science. On International Science Centre and ferent audiences. In addition to nu- ing institutions in Slovenia when it Science Museum Day, a joint initiative run The well-attended workshop, which by UNESCO, the International Council of merous other activities, the House comes to promoting science, help- was held for editors, journalists and Museums (ICOM), the Association of Sci- offers “hands-on” experiment devel- ing the principle of lifelong learning ence and Technology Centres (ASTC) and researchers, confirmed the increas- other leading science centres across the opment, as well as popular science become a reality, bringing formal ingly recognized relevance of keep- world, the House of Experiments prepared lectures in the style of Caffé Scien- and informal learning styles togeth- George Johnson, the multiple-award winning writer and ing the public abreast of the work a special programme. tifique aimed at the general public, er, and encouraging the develop- columnist. In addition to his regular Raw Data column in The New York Times, he also writes for the National Geographic, being carried out in the field of sci- which were named TEAing Science. ment of technical culture and the Slate, Scientific American, Time, Wired and The Atlantic. ence and research. One of the House’s main activities links between science and art.
14 15 FINANCING STRUCTURE
16 17 Financing structure
In 2016, the budget of the Republic In 2016 there was the first increase In 2015, a total of 1.34% of the bud- Agency Funds in 2016 of Slovenia provided EUR 144.6 mil- in funding since 2009. get of the Republic of Slovenia was lion through the Slovenian Research dedicated to the Agency for the pur- Research programmes: long-term International activities: co-financing Agency (henceforth: the Agency) for The Agency’s budget for scientific re- pose of financing scientific research financing of research, which is ex- of bilateral international projects, pro- the financing of scientific research, search activities fell from 183.9 to EUR activities; in 2016, this rose to 1.52%. pected to be topical and produce motion of cooperative research orga- Projects which is 11.5 million or 8.6% more 144.6 million between 2009 and 2016, usable results over a longer time nizations in the Horizon 2020 calls, 21,1% than in the previous year. representing a difference of 21.4%. period. support of international congresses, Programmes co-financing of projects within the 39,9% Research projects: co-financing of complimentary schemes of the ERC basic, applied and research projects, and the schemes of lead agencies. Infrastruc- targeted research programs and ture Agency funds for scientific research activities and their corresponding share of the budget of the Republic of Slovenia those of young Doctors of science Research infrastructure: co-financ- 24,5% in the pilot public calls framework ing of infrastructural programs, Young “Employment support of young Doc- popular science publishing, found- researchers The Agency funds The share of the Agency funding in € millions in the national budget tors of science”. er obligations, COBISS and other 12,0% 200 2,0% library-informatic activities and in- Young researchers: financing of frastructures, international journals 2,6% International 180 1,8% postgraduate studies and training and databases. activity of researchers. 160 1,6%
140 1,4 % Agency funds per discipline1 Agency funds per activity sector2
120 1,2 % Interdisciplinary research 2,7% 100 1,0 % Government sector Humanities 80 0,8 % Natural Foreign 55,1% 12,1% sciences countries Social 27,4% 60 0,6 % sciences 0,1%
9,4% Private- 40 0,4 % nonprofit sector Biotechnical 2,2% sciences Business sector 2,3% 20 0,2 % 9,8% Medical Engineering sciences 0 0,0 % sciences 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 9,8% 28,9% Higher education sector 40,3% Agency funds Agency % in budget of the RS (expenditure)
1 Funding for founder obligations, infrastructural programmes, inter- national promotion of science, the operation of Slovenian congresses around the world, the promotion of applications to EU-projects, OSIC and foreign journal databases cannot be divided between disciplines 2 Government sector: public research institutions A detailed overview of the financing of research activities is available on the Agency's website: www.arrs.gov.si/en/analize/ and so are not taken into account. and other public institutions
18 19 Institutional financing
Research programmes
Research programmes: EUR 57.7 million In 2016, the Agency paid EUR 57.7 Founding obligations: EUR 18.4 million million for the co-financing of re- Tenders and calls in 2016 Infrastructures programmes: EUR 9.5 million search programmes, which rep- resents 39.9% of the entire budget On the basis of public calls for tender, the Agency approved the ex- Research, infrastructure pro- the previous year. In 2014 and 2015, or 2.7 percentage points less than in tension of EUR 4.4 million of financing in 2016. A total of 36 research grammes and founder obligations the Agency made use of long-term 2015. In 2016 a total of 303 research programmes were extended, for which financing ended in 2016, as comprise a stable aspect of re- stable financing to ameliorate the programmes were financed, of well as one further programme, resulting from the merger of two search financing. reduction of funding from 2012, al- which 63 were in the field of natural previously existing programmes. Two research programmes were lowing for an increase in research sciences, 90 were in engineering, 38 ended on the basis of review, and one research organization did not Due to austerity measures, the fi- programmes funding. The trend in medical sciences, 21 in biotechni- submit a public call application for the award of a concession. Three nancing of programmes in 2012 was of slight growth in research pro- cal sciences, 47 in the social scienc- programmes were granted approval for a three-year extension, a reduced by 10% in comparison with grammes funding continued in 2016. es and 44 in the humanities. further ten programmes were extended for five years, eight were ex- tended for six years, and sixteen were extended for a four-year period.
mio € Funds for institutional funding 18.0 mio € 16.0 70 14.0
12.0 60 10.0
50 8.0
6.0 40 4.0
2.0 30 0 Discipline Natural Engineering Medical Biotechnical Social Humanities Sciences Sciences Sciences Sciences Sciences 20 Total funds 16.773.143 € 17.737.995 € 5.229.311 € 5.194.361 € 5.668.558 € 7.076.685 € Managed by female 4.199.468 € 2.432.325 € 1.408.245 € 2.320.862 € 2.425.712 € 1.551.132 € researchers 10 The funding for research programmes Funding per activity sector5 increased by 1,83% in comparison 0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Public sector 30,577,960 with 2015: Higher education sector 25,876,204 Research programmes natural sciences: up 1.7% Founding obligations Business enterprise sector 832,275 engineering sciences: up 1.8% Infrastucture programmes Private - non-profit sector 393,613 medical sciences: up 1.8% Total 57,680,052 biotechnical sciences: up 1.6% social sciences: up 1.9%
5 Government sector: public research institutions and other public institutions humanities: up 2.1%
20 21 Competitive financing
Founding obligation and infrastructural programmes
The purpose of founding obligation sound financial basis for research Research projects: EUR 30.4 million financing and work related reim- work. EUR 18.4 million was paid on Young researchers: EUR 17.3 million bursement is to ensure that the founding obligations in 2016, which public research institution has a represents 5.8% more than in 2015. In 2016, a positive growth trend in research project funding was recorded for the first time since 2009. Finances increased by 34.3% in comparison with 2015. Founding obligation funding per activity sector A significant decrease in funding Since 2010, there has been a con- Public sector 17,486,030 was recorded in 2012, when the tinued trend of reduced funding for Higher education sector 927,541 Agency did not finance any new young researcher training, though research projects due to austerity the decrease in 2016 was 2.8% or Total 18,413,571 measures. Finances decreased by EUR 10.6 million less than in 2015. 38.7% between 2009 and 2015. The The reduction of finances in 2016, decrease in research project fund- compared to 2015, was the result of Infrastructural programmes sup- ronment. EUR 9.5 million was paid ing in 2015 was the result of a delay the integration of a smaller number port research works. The central for infrastructural programmes in in the start of financing, which com- of young researchers into the train- role of research infrastructure is to 2016, which is a year-on-year in- menced in 2016. ing programme. ensure a high-quality research envi- crease of 0.2%.
Funds for research projects and young researchers Infrastructural programme funding per activity sector
mio EUR Public sector 6,680,959 40 Business enterprise sector 122,821
Higher education sector 1,967,570 35 Private – non-profit sector 685,199 30 Total 9,456,549
25
20
15
10
5
0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Research projects Young researchers Research projects + ERC, Lead Agency
22 23 Research projects Basic and applied research projects
In 2016, with finances from the state to 10 active years after defending budget, the Agency co-financed 259 their doctorate) conducted 96 basic The evaluation methodology for basic research projects, with a total projects, and received 39.3% of the public calls for tender dictates value of EUR 19.2 million. Funding funding allocated for basic research that the share of applied co-fi- increased by 42.5% in comparison projects. nanced projects must be at least In 2016, the Agency paid EUR 30.4 resents 21.1% of the entire budget, with 2015. Young researchers (up 30 % for engineering sciences, million for the co-financing of re- or 4.1 percentage points less than at least 20% for biotechnical sci- search programmes, which rep- in 2015. Funds for basic research projects ences, at least 10% for medical by discipline sciences and social sciences, and Basic research projects: EUR 19.2 million at least 5% for natural sciences. Applied research projects: EUR 7.1 million Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral research projects: EUR 2.2 million research Targeted research programme projects: EUR 1.2 million Basic and of those Promoting of the employment of young doctors of science: 8,5% applied projects female young female EUR 680 thousand Natural sciences (€ million) leaders leaders leaders 21,4% Humanities Natural sciences 5.1 29.4% 39.2% 30.2% Funds by discipline 17,8% Engineering sciences 6.9 15.2% 34.4% 11.1% Medical sciences 3.3 41.5% 35.9% 46.0% Interdisci- plinary Social Engineering Biotechnical sciences 2.5 39.8% 33.3% 43.8% sciences research Natural sciences sciences 9,2% 10,4% 19,5% Social sciences 2.4 46.4% 39.9% 50.6% Humanities 19,1% Humanities 3.7 32.4% 47.6% 36.0% 13,6% Medical 7,6% sciences Interdisciplinary research 2.4 25.7% 39.5% 15.0% 14,8% Social Biotechnical Total 26.3 29.8% 38.3% 30.2% sciences Engineering sciences 9,5% sciences The funding of basic and applied research projects, and project shares, for projects led by 24,9% female researchers and young researchers. Funding share data for projects led by young Biotechnical female researchers are given in the last column. sciences Medical 11,6% sciences 12,1% In 2016, the Agency co-financed 94 more than in 2015. Young research- applied research projects through ers conducted 35 applied research The evaluation methodolo- the state budget, with a total val- projects, and received 35.4% of the gy for applications on public calls for tender dictates that The funding for research projects increased by 34.3% in comparison with 2015: ue of EUR 7.1 million, which is 12.6% funding allocated for this purpose. at least 20% of the projects chosen must be led by young natural sciences: up 34.4% Funds for applicative research projects by discipline researchers (male/female re- engineering sciences: up 26.8% searchers, not more than 10 medical sciences: up 35% years after defending their biotechnical sciences: up 34.6% Interdisci- Natural doctorate). This is how the social sciences: up 46.2% Humanities plinary research sciences Agency promotes the inte- humanities: up 25.4% 4,3% 14,1% gration of young scientists interdisciplinary research: up 64.7% Social 11,2% sciences into its research activities. 5,3%
Biotechnical sciences 14,5% Engineering sciences Medical 43,9% sciences 6,7%
24 25 Postdoctoral projects Targeted research programme projects
In 2016, the Agency co-financed EUR 2.2 million, which represents a EUR 1.2 million was paid for the co-financing of projects in 2016, which represents a EUR 0.4 million increase on the 52 postdoctoral projects from the 16.5% year-on-year increase. amount allocated in 2015. state budget with a total value of
The financing of targeted research venian development, and with deci- tion. The projects are thematically The evaluation methodology for applications on public calls for ten- project programmes means inter- sions about fundamental develop- directed based upon the proposals der dictates that at least 10% of all projects within each discipline ested ministries and other users ment tasks, which are imperative for of ministries and parties from the must be at post-doctoral level. can gain research support for the the increase of Slovenian compet- private sector who are competent design of strategic targets of Slo- itiveness, adaptability and innova- to act in the public interest.
The funding of postdoctoral projects, and project shares, for projects led by In 2016 the Agency published two calls within the TRP (CRP) framework. female researchers.
Funding in EUR Female leaders In April 2016, the Agency published a public call for the selection of „CRP 2016“ targeted research programmes, along with the approval of the State Council of the Republic of Slovenia, the Ministry for the Environment Natural sciences 437.239 20,6 % and Spatial Planning, the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenes Abroad and Engineering Sciences 459.767 29,4 % in the World, the Chemicals Office of the Republic of Slovenia, the Departments of the Government of Slo- Medical Sciences 279.443 61,3 % venia for Development and European Cohesive Politics, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, and the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology. Biotechnical Sciences 242.277 44,2 % Social Sciences 220.894 100,0 % The subject of the public call is decided with priority given to content in the framework of the following focal points: • The development of democracy in Slovenia. Humanities 225.381 88,0 % • Preservation of the ethnic identity of Slovenes living outside the Republic of Slovenia. Interdisciplinary research 365.198 70,4 % • Integration of measures for the prevention of disease. Total 2.230.200 52,9 % • The determination of human and environmental exposure to chemicals. • Fiscal and economic politics. • Effective generation, bilateral flow and the use of economic development knowledge and good quality employment opportunities. 2016 call • Cultural diversity and social cohesion. The funding of research projects, which were accepted into co-fi- • Environment and spatial planning. nancing in 2015, began in 2016. The funding of research projects for • School spatial planning. which the Agency published the public call in 2016, will begin in 2017. • Reading literacy as a factor in childhood cognitive development. • Effective management of the research and innovation system. 26 projects were accepted into co-financing.
In June of 2016, the Agency in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, published a public call titled „Zagotovimo.si hrano za jutri“ (‚Ensuring Food for Tomorrow‘) for the selection of targeted research programme projects. The subject of the public call was decided, with priority given to content from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, within the framework of the following four focal points: • Slovenian food security • Competitiveness in food production and renewable natural resources. • Sustainable management of natural resources. • Rural development. 31 projects were accepted into co-financing.
26 27 Young researchers
In 2016, the Agency financed the ries, social contributions,l costs of by promoting new ideas and ap- The funding for young researchers training of 862 young researchers material and services are financed proaches. The young researcher decreased by 2,7% in comparison The Agency rules state that 25% of the mentors of young researchers with a total funding amount of EUR by the Agency. The average annu- programme is a source of highly with 2015: accepted within the research organizations must be young mentors. 17.3 million, which represents 12% of al cost of financing one young re- trained and motivated employees, the entire budget and is 1.4 percent- searcher is EUR 30,000. Training who represent significant potential natural sciences: down 0.6% age points less than in 2015. funds are allocated for a tempo- for the Slovenian economy and oth- engineering sciences: down 3.6% The Agency facilitates the cooper- rary period which is not to exceed er socially important areas. medical sciences: up 8% 2016 call ation of young researchers in re- four years of a doctoral study pro- Approximately 8,000 young re- biotechnical sciences: down 0.7% search work during their graduate gramme. searchers were trained between social sciences: down 3.2% In February 2016, the Agency published a call for the allocation of studies on the basis of temporary The purpose of the programme is 1985 and 2016. humanities: down 7.5% mentorship positions within research programmes, which led to employment contracts. Their sala- to rejuvenate the research staff interdisciplinary 175 mentorship positions being allocated among 154 research pro- research: down 62.2% grammes: 54 in the natural sciences, 55 in engineering sciences, 18 in medical sciences, 16 in biotechnical sciences, 17 in the social sci- In 2016 three young researchers ences and 15 in the humanities. accepted rewards for the early com- Young researcher funding, with shares of funds received by female researchers pletion of training. mio € 7.0 Young researchers whose PhD, obtained by the end of 2016, is listed in the Database of Research and Development Actors
6.0 Number of Young Researchers
400 5.0 350
4.0 300
250 3.0 200
2.0 150
100 1.0 50
- - Natural sciences Engineering Medical Biotechnical Social Humanities Interdisciplinary 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 sciences sciences sciences sciences research Starting year of training Total funds in EUR 5.746.330 € 5.407.037 € 1.635.000 € 1.629.002 € 1.455.707 € 1.291.453 € 119.611 € Female researchers 3.050.499 € 1.549.584 € 1.217.079 € 1.159.047 € 761.618 € 656.961 € 25.892 €
28 29 Scientific literature International activities
Scientific literature:EUR 1.4 million The ERC complimentary scheme:EUR 1 million International journals and data collections: EUR 4.4 million Within the context of complemen- nancing of projects conducted pri- ual projects focused on conducting The Agency co-finances the pur- basis for the purpose of enabling tary schemes, applicants from Slo- marily in Slovenia. leading pioneering research in all chase of international scientific the publication of popular science venian research organizations who In 2016 the Agency co-financed 12 scientific fields and rank among literature and electronic access to publications which are important have been positively evaluated by projects within the framework of the some of the most competitive in the latest scientific databases in for the promotion of interest in the ERC calls have the option to apply complimentary schemes, of which the world, with a success rate of order to ensure the availability and general public and, especially, an in- to the Agency with a customised five were in the natural sciences approximately 10 percent. The calls accessibility of international scien- terest among young people for sci- project, which, based on its objec- (48.5% of funding), four were in the are open to all researchers, regard- tific and expert information for the ence and technology. tives and scope of work, takes into humanities (27.6% of funding), two in less of their current place of em- purposes of research, educational The co-financing of the scientific account the time required to cus- biotechnical sciences (20.4% of fund- ployment, on the proviso that the and development activities. The lit- literature, including domestic sci- tomise the project as well as the ing), and one in engineering (3.4% of ERC project acquired is conducted erature is publicly available in all li- entific and popular science publica- amount of available funding. The funding). Institutions in the higher within Europe. braries, research organizations and tions, commanded a sum of EUR 1.1 Agency co-finances customised education sector received 68.5% of The frontier research evaluation sys- via the COBISS system. million in 2016, while EUR 0.3 mil- projects in accordance with a pro- the funding available, while those in tem established by the ERC is consid- The Agency also co-finances popu- lion was channelled towards scien- posal from the Scientific Council the public sector were allocated 31.5%. ered to be an exemplary “peer review” lar science publications on a request tific monographs. and with respect to the budgetary Calls to the European Research system, and is recognized by basic re- options made available for the co-fi- Council (ERC) are aimed at individ- search funding agencies worldwide.
The ERC publishes an annual work The European Research Council was established in 2007. It is cur- programme that serves as the foun- rently working within the framework of the Horizon 2020 pro- dation of three calls for the current gramme, and comprises 17% of the budget. Since its inception, the year: ERC has financed over 7,000 projects from more than 65,000 appli- cations. ERC grantees have won 6 Nobel Prizes. • Starting Grant – enabling the Source: https://erc.europa.eu/ start of independent research (2–7 years after the award of a doctoral degree);
The four researchers who have been or will be financed by the ERC, • Consolidator Grant – enabling have conducted/shall conduct their research in Slovenia. the consolidation of independent research studies (7–12 years after Professor Tomaž Prosen of the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, the award of a doctoral degree); University of Ljubljana, received an Advanced Grant in 2016 for a five- year project titled Open many-particle non-equilibrium systems, and • Advanced Grant – for recognised in 2017 the honour of an ERC Advanced Grant was awarded to Profes- researchers. sor Marta Verginella of the Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana for her project titled The post-war transition from a gender perspective: the case of the north-eastern Adriatic region, which represents the first ERC project from the social sciences and humanities.
30 31 The lead agency scheme:EUR 1.1 million Horizon 2020 public call application incentive: EUR 0.5 million
Collaborative projects are currently The Agency promotes international In 2016 the Agency co-financed The Agency encourages the participation of Slovenian research organiza- Funds by sector of activity underway between: scientific research via the lead agen- 27 projects within the lead agen- tions in applications to the Horizon 2020 programme. This allows for a con- cy scheme. Through a cooperation cy scheme, of which 17 were in the tinuous open public call to project applicants under the EU Horizon 2020 • The Austrian Fund for Scientific agreement between the agencies natural sciences (59.2% of funding), Programme for Research and Innovation. Research − Fonds zur Förderung of various countries, researchers are five in engineering sciences (23% der wissenschaftlichen For- able to apply collectively, as a joint of funding), two in biotechnical sci- Slovenian organizations who are a project that has been coordinat- Business sector schung, FWF; project, under the auspices of one ences (5.4% of funding), one in the applicants, coordinators or partners ed and applied to the international 46,0% The Flemish Research Founda- of the agencies (the lead agency), humanities (2.5% of funding), one in a project that is entered into the consortium by a Slovenian orga- • Higher tion − The Research Foundation which is tasked with implementing in the social sciences (6.8% of fund- EU Horizon 2020 research and in- nization, whereas EUR 1,000 is put education sector Flanders, FWO; the review process. If the peer re- ing), and one in medical sciences novation framework are eligible for toward the costs incurred by a Slo- 24,4% • The Hungarian National Fund view process for the application is (3.2% of funding). a one-time financial contribution venian organization that submits a for Research, Development and successful and the lead agency pro- toward the cost of the project’s ap- project independently to the inter- Innovation − National Research, poses that the project is co-financed, Institutions within the higher edu- plication. EUR 2,000 is the fee to national consortium, assuming the Development and Innovation then another agency takes on the cation sector received 67.1% of the help cover the costs incurred by call was anticipated by the Europe- Government sector Fund, NKFIH. co-financing of the researcher from funding available, while those in the the preparation and application of an Commission. 28,3% 1,2% Private- their own country without conduct- public sector were allocated 32.9%. nonprofit sector ing an additional review process. Government sector: public research institutions and other public institutions
International bilateral projects: EUR 0.8 million Support for international associations: EUR 0.3 million
A total of 385 projects were co-financed in 2016 within the framework of By promoting Slovenian science well as cooperation with Slovenian the international bilateral scientific cooperative through the coordinated abroad as well as domestically, the researchers working abroad. efforts of the Agency and the Ministry responsible for Science. Agency ensures that Slovenian re- The Agency co-finances the mem- search organizations are able to berships of Slovenian scientific as- In all, 12 countries cooperated: This cooperation is conducted via participate with researchers from sociations in international scientific Austria, Croatia, Bosnia and Herze- a public call for tender, the subject countries with which Slovenia does associations and the works of Slo- govina, Montenegro, Serbia, France, of which is the co-financing of inter- not yet hold relevant international venian representatives elected to Turkey, India, Japan, Russia, Ar- national scientific research projects agreements. The programme also fa- international scientific associations gentina and the United States of lasting for a period of two years. On cilitates cooperation with Slovenian as presidents, vice-presidents, gen- America. The majority of funds were the basis of two public calls in 2016, research organizations and research- eral secretaries and management allocated to cooperation with the a total of 13 collaborative research ers from neighbouring countries, as body members. United States of America (43.9%). projects were co-financed in the In 2016 the co-financing of bilater- fields of new energy technologies, al cooperation with funds from the nuclear energy, adaptation to cli- state budget amounted to EUR 0.5 mate change, fundamental physics, million. life science and global safety. The Agency also cooperates with The total amount co-financed for the French Commissariat for alter- scientific collaboration in 2016 was native and atomic energy (CEA). EUR 294 thousand.
32 33 AGENCY’S INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
34 35 Science Europe Urban Europe Joint programming initiative Science Europe is an umbrella as- tion represents the vast majority sociation of research-funding or of funds, which reflects the impor- In 2015, the Agency became a full nities will be able to develop their budget and has managed to acquire research-performing agencies. The tance of national research policies member of the Joint Programming full potentials. The themes covered 39% of funding or just under EUR Agency is one of the eight found- and financing for a fully-fledged Eu- Initiative Urban Europe (JPI UE). JPI by JPI Urban Europe are consis- 270,000 EUR by submitting a suc- ing members of the association. ropean Research Area. The associa- UE is one of ten joint programme tent with the Smart specialization cessful grant application under the The association represents the tion’s operation is supported by an initiatives of the European Union strategy. JPI UE brings together 20 ERA-NET Cofund call for proposals. collective interests of its members interdisciplinary Scientific Advisory addressing ten wider social chal- countries. and shapes the European Research Committee. In 2016, Professor Igor lenges. The aim of joint program- 2016 saw the publication of the next Area (ERA). Science Europe has 43 Emri from the Faculty of Mechanical ming initiatives is to form joint ad- December 2015 saw the publica- international call, jointly estab- members from 27 European coun- Engineering, University of Ljubljana, vanced solutions to issues faced by tion of Joint Programme Initiative’s lished by the Joint Programming tries, whose annual contributions took on the role of the Committee’s all European countries (e.g. ageing, international call Cofund Smart Initiative Urban Europe and the from national budgets dedicated to Vice-Chair. degenerative diseases, healthy liv- Urban Futures (ENSUF), which en- Belmont Forum. The call entitled science amount to approximately 2016 marked the fifth anniversary ing, urban progress, urbanization abled research teams from Slove- Sustainable Urban Global Initiative EUR 30 billion. In Europe, national of operation of the Science Europe challenges etc.) with cooperation nia to participate for the first time. (SUGI): Food-Water-Energy Nexus financing of research and innova- association. of national bodies from several Eu- In strong European competition, encourages research cooperation of ropean countries. The goal of JPI Slovenian research teams were partners at a global level for the first UE is to create attractive and en- successful with three projects, time. Within the framework of the vironmentally and economically whose total value amounts to EUR ERA-NET Cofund’s SUGI projects, the sustainable environments in which 700,000. The Agency will contrib- Agency leads the monitoring and the European citizens and commu- ute 425,000 EUR from the national impact assessment work package. NORFACE ERA-NET
The NORFACE network or New Op- The NORFACE network is charac- In 2016, the NORFACE network pre- portunities for Research Funding terized by highly competitive calls pared a joint international call en- Agency Cooperation in Europe is a with scientific excellence as the titled Transformations to Sustain- network of 18 European national fi- exclusive criterion for success. In ability (T2S) in cooperation with the nancing agencies. It is operational 2016, the assessment of the fourth Belmont Forum. The calls in ques- since 2004 and the Agency became international call on the topic Dy- tion are, together with the SUGI its full member in 2005. namics of Inequality Across the international calls, pilot efforts at Life-course (DIAL) was carried out. global research cooperation. The call’s budget amounts to EUR 15 million plus EUR 5 million, which were granted to the NORFACE net- work at the European Commission’s call ERA-NET Cofund.
36 37 INTERNATIONAL COMPARISONS
38 39 Citations
According to the number of citations Member States with nearly 54.000 country with most citations per mil- per million of population, Slove- citations in the period 2012-2016. lion of population followed by Swe- nia comes eleventh among the EU In the same period, Denmark is the den, the Netherlands and Finland.
120 % Number of citations of the EU Member States in the period 2012–2016
Relative impact factor 140.000 100 % 120.000 Investments in R&D 80 % by sector of performance (% of GDP) 100.000 for the government and the Publication per million inhabitants 80.000 higher education sector 60 % (reported by the government sector) 60.000
40 % 40.000
20.000 20 % 0 Italy U. K. Malta 0 % Spain Latvia EU-28 France Greece Cyprus Poland Ireland Croatia Austria Finland Estonia Sweden Slovakia Bulgaria Belgium Slovenia Hungary Portugal Romania Germany Denmark Lithuania Netherlands Luxembourg The number Citations Source: InCites, Clarivate Analytics, februar 2017 Czech Republic of European patent applications per million inhabitants per million inhabitants 10 % of highly cited publications
The established bibliometric indica- cific scientific field. This includes the exceeded the average growth in the tor used for international comparison publications in journals indexed in the EU within the top 10 % of highly cited is the number of publications of re- Scopus bibliographic database. A four- publications per million of popula- searchers in a particular country who year period including the year of publi- tion. In recent years Slovenia is ranked are ranked among the 10 % of highly cation is taken into consideration. ninth or tenth among the EU Member The publications The publications cited publications globally in a spe- From 2004 onwards, Slovenia has States. of the 1% most cited per of the 10% most cited million inhabitants per million inhabitants Number of publications within the top 10 % highly cited in 2012 per million of population in the EU Member States
Slovenia 9. EU country 600 14. EU country 500
400
The diagram shows the majority of standard bibliometric and other quan- 300 titative indicators that are used for monitoring research activities world- 200 wide and are also included in the Resolution of the Research and Innova- tion Strategy of Slovenia 2011-2020. The values for Slovenia are shown in 100
relation to the EU member state ranked ninth (the upper third of member 0 states). Information for the 14th country (the upper half of member states) Italy Malta Spain Latvia EU-28
is shown for comparison. France Greece Cyprus Poland Ireland Croatia Austria Finland Estonia Sweden Slovakia Bulgaria Belgium Slovenia Hungary Portugal Romania Germany Denmark Lithuania Netherlands Luxembourg Czech Republic United Kingdom Sources: InCites, Thomson Reuters / Science Metrix / European Patent Office / Eurostat Source: Science-Metrix, 2016
40 41 Relative impact factor Innovation index
The relative impact factor is a stan- Among the EU Member States, The Innovation Union Scoreboard The Member States are placed into dard international bibliometric indi- Slovenia is ranked twenty-second provides a comparative assessment the four country groups, with the cator measuring the ratio between based on the relative impact factor. of the innovation performance of in- innovation leaders representing the received citations and the num- The value of this indicator is still dividual countries. It is a composite the first group. Based on the above ber of publications in a particular below the EU average despite the indicator building on data for more mentioned indicators Slovenia is country according to the worldwide above-average growth of the rela- than twenty indicators covering the ranked twelfth and classified into average impact factor in a particular tive impact factor. educational structure, openness and the second group, of the so called scientific field. excellence of the research system, fi- innovation followers. nancing, support to investment, co- operation and entrepreneurship and on the intellectual capital.
Relative impact factor for the EU Member States in the period 2012-2016 Innovation index for the EU Member States in 2015
1.8 0.8
1.6
1.4 0.6 1.2
1.0 0.4 0.8
0.6 0.2 0.4
0.2
0 0 Italy Italy Malta Malta Spain Spain Latvia Latvia EU-28 EU-28 France France Greece Greece Cyprus Cyprus Poland Poland Ireland Ireland Croatia Croatia Austria Austria Finland Finland Estonia Estonia Sweden Sweden Slovakia Slovakia Bulgaria Bulgaria Belgium Belgium Slovenia Slovenia Hungary Hungary Portugal Portugal Romania Romania Germany Germany Denmark Denmark Lithuania Lithuania Netherlands Netherlands Luxembourg Luxembourg Czech Republic Czech Republic United Kingdom United Kingdom Other Innovation Innovation following leading countries following countries Moderate innovators countires The value of the relative impact factor increased to 1.06, which means that Slovenia exceeded the world average (1.00) for the first time since the Agency monitors this indicator.
Source: InCites, Clarivate Analytics, 2017 Source: Innovation Union Scoreboard, 2016
42 43 ABOUT THE AGENCY
44 45 Strategic orientations of the Agency’s operation and development Department of Research Programmes and Young researchers, Analysis and Monitoring • Sound implementation of activities according to the legal bases, De- This department evaluates and eral public and the promotion of cision Establishing the Slovenian Research Agency, and applicable na- selects research programmes and science represent one of the strate- tional strategic documents. carries out the tasks related to the gic orientations of the Agency. The • Transparency and responsiveness. young researchers programme. It main objective is to achieve a more • Optimisation of existing instruments and setting-up pilot instruments. analyses and monitors the develop- competent reporting and public de- • Monitoring the effects of the implementation of the activities. ment of scientific research activity bate on science and functioning of • International integration and comparability. and actively develops the area of the scientific system in Slovenia. • Transition to fully electronic services. science promotion. The department Public relations rest upon three • Open public communication and science promotion. is involved in the ERA-net Norface core principles: open, responsive and the Joint Programming Initia- and informative communication. tive Urban Europe. Head of Department: Dr. Marko Perdih, Open communication with the gen- Assistant Director. Tina Vuga, Public Relations Internal organisational units Department of Research Projects Director’s office This department carries out tasks in of this department are the launch- the field of evaluation and selection ing of the call for proposals to receive The Director’s office carries out spe- coordinates the work on joint tasks of research projects. Within its scope co-funding for research projects and cialised, advisory, coordination and with the Agency’s internal organisa- of operation, it organises the proce- the launching of the call for proposals administrative-technical tasks, and tional units and other bodies. dures for substantive monitoring and to receive co-funding for the Targeted control of co-funding, implementation Research Programmes projects. and attainment of the objectives of Head of Department: Simon Ošo, research projects. The main activities Assistant Director.
Department of Research Infrastructure and International Cooperation
This department carries out tasks in from activities within the mecha- the field of research equipment and nism of leading agencies to activi- infrastructure programmes, central ties related to the fostering of par- specialised information centres, sci- ticipation in the calls for proposals entific literature and bibliographical for European research programmes, databases, international scientific the setting up of complementary Prof. dr. József Györkös, Director Dr. Lidija Tičar Padar, Deputy Director research cooperation, promotion of scheme in connection with the calls science abroad, involvement of re- for proposals of the European Re- searchers in the activities of inter- search Council and the hosting of national scientific associations, and third country researchers. scientific meetings. Its tasks range Head of Department: Mojca Boc.
46 47 The review of the funding in 2016 according to the programme sub-items on an accrual basis
Department of Legal and General Affairs Realised 2016 (v €) FOUNDING OBLIGATIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMMES 27.870.119 The Department of Legal and Gen- dures regarding access to public The PRI founding obligations 14.552.326 eral Affairs carries out tasks in the information and keeping of private fields of law, labour law procedures researchers register, and manages Infrastructure programmes - material costs 5.622.596 and human resource services, and human resources. Reimbursement of work-related costs 3.861.245 public procurement procedures. Head of Department: Katarina Hren. Infrastructure programmes - salaries 3.833.952 It conducts administrative proce- RESEARCH PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS 87.425.398 Research projects 26.318.439 Research programmes 57.680.052 ERC, LA projects 2.213.125 Department of Finance and Accounting Target research projects 1.213.781 TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENTIFIC STAFF 20.198.044 This department draws up the Agen- ment, recovery and control mecha- Young researchers 17.287.475 cy’s financing plans and annual ac- nisms, coordinating the conclusion Postdoctoral projects 2.230.200 counts, and financial projections of joint contracts with research ac- regarding the financing of scientific tivity operators and implementing Promotion of the employment of young doctors 680.369 research activity, the securing of the other accounting tasks. RESEARCH EQUIPMENT 1.476.973 Agency’s solvency and the raising Head of Department: Mojca Kastelc Research equipment 1.476.973 of funds to finance its activity. It is Selan. SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE, LIBRARIES AND MEETINGS 6.085.713 responsible for putting in place pay- Domestic popular science periodicals 77.834 Domestic scientific periodicals 1.000.282 Scientific monographs 299.911 Foreign periodicals and databases 4.449.999 Department of Information Technology Libraries and Information Centres 257.686 INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION 1.536.784 The Department of Information formation and communication infra- CEA, cooperation within the EU 294.000 Technology lays the expert ground- structure. The department manages work for the determination and im- projects for the installation, opera- International projects, bilateral cooperation 463.878 plementation of the Agency’s infor- tion and maintenance of hardware, Applications for EU projects 487.000 mation policy, provides information system software and basic user in- Promotion of Slovenian science abroad 209.876 support for business processes and terface software tools. Operation of Slovenian scientific associations worldwide 82.031 coordinates the development of in- Head of Department: Mitja Tomažič. Total: 144.593.031
48 49 Public calls and tenders that commenced in 2016
International calls Domestic tenders Publication date Title of the international tender or call Publication date Public call for assigning mentor places to research programmes in 2016 11. 2. 2016 Public call for co-financing science and research cooperation between the Republic of Slovenia Public call for co-financing the publication of science monographs in 2016 18. 3. 2016 and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) in 2016–2018 15. 1. 2016 Public call for (co-)financing research projects for 2017 18. 3. 2016 Public call for proposals for Slovenian researchers in joint Flemish-Slovenian research projects with the Flemish FWO as Lead Agency 26. 1. 2016 Public call for proposals for financing research programmes for the next financing period and reports on results of research programmes for the previous financing period 1. 4. 2016 Public call for proposals for Slovenian researchers in customised projects under the complementary scheme for tenders of the European Research Council (ERC) 26. 1. 2016 Public call for granting concessions for carrying out public service in the field of research activities in the form of research programmes 1. 4. 2016 Public call for proposals for Slovenian researchers in joint Austrian-Slovenian research projects with the Austrian FWO as Lead Agency 26. 1. 2016 Public call for co-financing the purchase of international science publications in 2016 22. 4. 2016 Public call for proposals for project applicants under the EU Framework Programme for Public call for selecting research projects for the “CRP 2016” Target research programme 29. 4. 2016 Research and Innovation, Horizon 2020, for the payment of the envisaged contribution Public call for selecting research projects of the “Zagotovimo.si hrano za jutri” to the costs of project preparation and application 26. 1. 2016 Target research programme 10. 6. 2016 Public call for co-financing science and research cooperation between the Republic of Slovenia Public call for co-financing the publication of domestic science periodicals in 2017 and 2018 30. 9. 2016 and the French Republic, PROTEUS programme in 2017–2018 26. 2. 2016 Public call for co-financing the publication of domestic popular science periodicals in 2017 and 2018 25. 11. 2016 Public call for co-financing science and research cooperation between the Republic of Slovenia and the People’s Republic of China in 2017–2018 11. 3. 2016 Public call for co-financing work in international scientific associations in 2016 18. 3. 2016 Public call for co-financing science and research cooperation between the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Macedonia in 2017–2018 25. 4. 2016 Public call for co-financing activities related to the promotion of Slovenian science abroad in 2016 13. 5. 2016 Public call for co-financing science and research cooperation between the Republic of Slovenia and Hungary in 2017–2018 27. 5. 2016 Public call for co-financing science and research cooperation between Slovenia and Japan in 2017–2019 1. 7. 2016 Public call for co-financing science and research cooperation between the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Turkey in 2017–2019 15. 7. 2016 Public call for co-financing science and research cooperation between the Republic of Slovenia and Russian Federation in 2016–2018 15. 7. 2016 Public call for co-financing science and research cooperation between Slovenia and Federal Republic of Germany 7. 10. 2016 Public call for co-financing science and research cooperation between the Republic of Slovenia and the United States of America in 2017–2018 11. 11. 2016 Public call for co-financing customized research projects under the complementary scheme for tenders of the European Research Council (ERC) 18. 11. 2016 Public call for (co-)financing potential ERC candidates to visit ERC grantees in 2017 25. 11. 2016 Public call for co-financing the Slovenian part of joint Flemish-Slovenian research projects with the Flemish Research Foundation (Flanders, FWO) as Lead Agency 9. 12. 2016 Public call for co-financing science and research cooperation between the Republic of Slovenia and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) in 2017–2019 9. 12. 2016
50 51 EXCELLENT IN SCIENCE 2016
52 53 Excellent in science 2016 Natural Sciences
Every year, the Slovenian Research Agency organises presentations Direct observation of electron dynamics of research achievements selected within the Excellent in Science Essential progress in the understanding of microscopic mechanisms of superconductivity project. An important goal of contempo- which the excess energy is distributed Members of the Agency’s Scientific mation Science of the University of rary research in physics is to follow among neighboring charge carriers Research Councils select achieve- Maribor, University of Nova Gorica extremely fast quantum dynamic as well as other bosonic degrees of ments which are presented by the and the Slovenian Academic So- processes in real time. It takes only freedom. Study of the above men- researchers in the form of brief pop- ciety for Science and Engineering about one femtosecond for an elec- tioned processes involves solution ular lectures. (SATENA) which included individ- tron to travel one lattice site in a of extremely complex many-particle In 2016, the presentations of ual events in its popular science crystal. quantum problems. We have shown achievements took place for the lectures programme called Science that the energy transfer between an fifth consecutive year. The Excel- on the Street. Prior to the presenta- Because electrons are strongly cor- excited charge particle and local spin lent in Science project was included tions, the Agency gave the authors related in high-temperature super- degrees of freedom can be extremely in the series of events entitled the of achievements the possibility to conductors, we expect an exceptional- fast, much faster than in convention- Month of Science and organised by attend the media skills workshop ly fast transfer of information between al superconducting materials. Our the Ministry of Education, Science held by Igor E. Bergant and Jadran- charge carriers. After excitation with results thus represent an important and Sport. ka Jezeršek Turnes. a short laser pulse there is a rapid in- contribution to the understanding of These events were organised by All Excellent in Science events are crease in the energy of a charge carrier, the theory of high-temperature super- the Agency in cooperation with open to the public and supported by followed by a relaxation process during conductivity. the Faculty of Computer and Infor- the Videolectures.net portal.
Prof. dr. Janez Bonča, Faculty of mathematics and physics. University of Ljubljana, “Jožef Stefan Institute” [email protected]
Source: S. Dal Conte, L. Vidmar, D. Golež, M. Mierzejewski, G. Soavi, S. Peli, F. Banfi, G. Ferrini, R. Comin, B.M. Ludbrook, L. Chauviere, N.D. Zhigadlo, H. Eisaki, M. Greven, S. Lupi, A. Damascelli, D. Brida, M. Capone, J. Bonča, G. Cerullo, C. Giannetti. Snapshots of the retarded interaction of charge carriers with ultrafast fluctuations in cuprates, Nature Physics, Volume: 11, Pages:, 421–426, Year published:(2015).
54 55 A Simple and Efficient Preparation of High-Purity Hydrogen Trioxide (HOOOH) Fascinating four-stranded Water (HOH) and hydrogen per- to a wider accessibility of this com- Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the (HPV) are pathogens that cause DNA structures in Human oxide (HOOH) are the only known pound among the research com- carrier of hereditary information in head, neck and skin cancer as well Papillomaviruses natural stable compounds consist- munity. Significant progress in this humans and almost all other or- as cancer in anogenital regions of ing of the elements hydrogen and area is represented by a simple and ganisms. The information in DNA is the body. We have identified areas oxygen. The existence of a higher efficient method for the prepara- stored as a code made up of four nu- within the genomes of certain HPV homolog, namely hydrogen triox- tion of pure solutions of hydrogen cleobases: adenine (A), guanine (G), types that exhibit potential for the ide (HOOOH) has been assumed trioxide, which has been developed cytosine (C), and thymine (T). DNA formation of G-quadruplexes which for more than 100 years, but the at the Faculty of Chemistry and contains genes that code for pro- could serve as targets for the con- first reliable reports of its exis- Chemical Technology, University of teins and sections that exhibit reg- trol of transcription and replication tence date to the sixties of the last Ljubljana. Scientists assume that ulatory roles. In cells DNA typically of HPV. Our structural studies with century. In the past two decades, the HOOOH molecule is one of the adopts the form of a double helix. the use of Nuclear Magnetic Reso- research in this field has become key intermediates involved in bio- However, guanine-rich sequences nance (NMR) have demonstrated more intensive, mainly due to the chemical oxidation processes (ath- adopt alternative four-stranded that changes in the orientation of development of methods for the erosclerosis, cancer, and neurode- DNA structures called G-quadru- G-rich sequences have a substantial preparation and characterization of generative diseases), as well as in plexes. These can be formed in impact on the polymorphic nature hydrogen trioxide. chain processes in the environment telomeric sequences, in regulato- of the resulting G-quadruplexes and The unstable nature of the and atmosphere. ry regions, and in the genomes of their potential physiological roles. HOOOH molecule and The method has been published in viruses. Human papillomaviruses the presence of im- the prestigious journal Angewand- purities resulting te Chemie and has received a spe- Prof. dr. Janez Plavec, National Institute of Chemistry [email protected] from different cial compliment from the editor for preparation excellent reviews. The contribution procedures was ranked in the highest catego- are major ry (Hot Paper) and featured on the obstacles last page of the journal.
Prof. dr. Janez Cerkovnik, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana [email protected]
Source: Strle Gregor, Cerkovnik Janez, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2015, 54, 9917-9920. A Simple and Effi- cient Preparation of High-Purity Hydrogen Trioxide (HOOOH). Source: Marušič, M.; Plavec, J.; The Effect of DNA Sequence Directionality on G-Quadruplex Folding; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2015, 54, 11716-11719.
56 57 Using vibrational signals to control insect pests Complete complex surfaces in the ball
Knowledge of vibrational commu- Our research on the American A surface in the ball attached to the sional space, i.e. such that the sur- nication by insects, one of the most grapevine leafhopper (Scaphoideus boundary of the ball is called com- face near each of its points looks like widespread modalities in this animal titanus), the vector of a dangerous plete if a point, travelling along the a piece of the complex plane. In the group, has in recent years progressed grapevine disease, illustrates a path surface with constant speed, never article “A complete complex hyper- to an extent which enables the first from basic research of an insect reaches the boundary. It is not diffi- surface in the ball of C^N”, published serious ideas about using this knowl- species’ biology, which with the help cult to construct such a surface. The in a prestigious journal Annals of edge in applied scenarios, specifically of modern technology, enables the problem becomes difficult if we re- Mathematics, 182 (2015) 1067-1091, for pest control. However, its poten- development of an alternative pest place the usual (real) numbers with such a surface of maximal possible tial is still underemphasized. control technique. This innovative complex numbers, with the plane of dimension in the ball is construct- approach on the basis of disrup- complex numbers, and want to con- ed, which solves the problem of ex- tive vibrational signals is still in the struct a complete complex surface istence of such surfaces, posed in field research stage, but has already in the ball of complex multi-dimen- 1977. attracted the attention of profes- sional and wider pulications. This is Prof. dr. Josip Globevnik, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana reflected by the fact that the Pest and Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Mechanics, Ljubljana Management Science journal edi- [email protected] tor invited us to contribute a review paper on this topic. In the paper, we described the theoretical back- ground and existing research by our and other laboratories.
Dr. Jernej Polajnar, National Institute of Biology [email protected]
Research findings of studies in vibrational communication of insects open up possibil- ities in terms of developing alternative pest control methods.
Source: Polajnar J., Eriksson A., Lucchi A., Anfora G., Virant-Doberlet M., Mazzoni V. (2015): Manip- ulating behaviour with substrate-borne vibrations – potential for insect pest control. Pest Man- agement Science 71(1): 15–23. DOI: 10.1002/ps.3848 Source:J. Globevnik, A complete complex hypersurface in the ball of C^N, Ann. of Math. 182 (2015) 1067-1091
58 59 How does water circulate? Proteomic identification Proteases are enzymes that cleave identification of extracellular mem- of cysteine cathepsin In nature, water is constantly cir- comes from. Only a good under- the peptide bond and play an im- brane substrates of cathepsins on substrates on the surface culated. The proces of circulation standing of its path will allow for portant role in extracellular signal- the surface of five different types of of cancer cells can be described as a water cycle, adequate protection. Effective trac- ing, and transformation of the ex- cancer cells. We found that cathep- powered by solar energy. There are ers for the determination of paths tracellular matrix. Through peptide sins cleave two specific groups of numerous components of the wa- through the water cycle are stable bond cleavage they can activate, adhesion proteins and cell recep- ter cycle, from atmospheric water isotopes, which form a molecule inactivate or otherwise affect the tors, through which they can influ- and surface waters, to groundwater, of water. With them, we have ana- functionality of membrane protein ence the signaling and invasiveness all components are interconnect- lyzed the origins of precipitation and domains located on the cell surface. of cancer cells. With this discovery, ed in a complex interaction. In sci- constructed a mathematical model, Cysteine cathepsins are a group of we first demonstrated the potential ence, but even more so in everyday which connects understanding of the proteases known to be secreted to physiological mechanisms which practice, we are interested in where isotopic composition of water in rain- the extracellular space of the tumor could explain the impact of cathep- the water that feeds water sources fall and the state of the atmosphere. microenvironment where they in- sins in tumor development. fluence the processes of cancer de- velopment. However, little is known Assoc. prof. dr. Mihael Brenčič, Natural Sciences and Engineering Faculty, about their function at the molec- University of Ljubljana ular level. Our research used mass [email protected] spectrometry to perform global
Prof. dr. Marko Fonović, “Jožef Stefan Institut” [email protected]
Use of mass spectrometry for identification of extracellular substrate on the surface of cancer cells
Source: SOBOTIČ, Barbara, VIZOVIŠEK, Matej, VIDMAR, Robert, VAN DAMME, Petra, GOCHEVA, Vasilena, JOYCE, Johanna A., GEVAERT, Kris, TURK, Vito, TURK, Boris, FONOVIĆ, Marko. Proteomic identification of cysteine cathepsin substrates shed from the surface of cancer cell. Molecular & cellular proteomics, ISSN Source: Brenčič, Mihael, Kononova, Nina Konstantinovna, Vreča Polona, 2015: Relation between isotopic 1535-9476, 2015, vol. 14, no. 8, str. 2213-2228 composition of precipitation and atmospheric circulation patterns. Journal of Hydrology 529, 1422–1432
60 61 Engineering sciences
Does body wasting influence drug pharmacokinetics? Development of cordierite ceramics with a stable and low linear thermal expansion coefficient
Cachexia is a syndrome of involun- drugs. Compared to healthy animals Together with colleagues from the with a low and reproducible ther- tary weight loss due to lean and fat both processes increased only insig- ETI Elektroelement d.d. company mal expansion coefficient in com- tissue wasting. It is commonly as- nificantly with tumor development. in Izlake, Slovenia, researchers of bination with excellent mechanical sociated with a number of chronic After development of cachexia, he- the P2-0105 programme group de- properties was manufactured by a diseases, such as cancer, chronic patic drug metabolism declined veloped a non-porous cordierite designed use of natural and syn- heart failure, chronic obstructive significantly (more than 80%) while ceramic, type C410, with controlled thetic reagents. The invention was pulmonary disease, etc. Body com- renal elimination declined by 30% of thermal and mechanical properties, protected by a patent application. position and the functions of many the baseline value. In clinical prac- then transferred the development organs can be significantly changed tice, patients with cachexia could process to production. Cordierite in patients with cachexia, which can have greater fluctuations and high- materials have a low linear thermal influence drug pharmacokinetics. er maximal plasma concentrations expansion coefficient and are used In a rat model we investigated how of drugs, both increasing the risk of in production of components which cancer cachexia modifies liver me- side effects, especially in drugs with are exposed to rapid changes in tabolism and renal elimination of a narrow therapeutic index. temperature. The cordierite ceramic
Izr. prof. dr. Mojca Kerec Kos; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana Prof. dr. Barbara Malič, “Jožef Stefan [email protected] Institute” [email protected]
Microstructure of a cordierite ceramic after heating at 1300oC. GP-cordierite, LP-glassy phase, AO-aluminium oxide, M-mullite, SO-silicon oxide, P-pore
Changes in pharmakinetics of active substances in cachexia.
Source: ČVAN TROBEC, Katja, KEREC KOS, Mojca, TRONTELJ, Jurij, GRABNAR, Iztok, TSCHIRNER, Anika, PALUS, Sandra, ANKER, Stefan D., SPRINGER, Jochen, LAINŠČAK, Mitja. Influence of cancer cachexia on drug liver me- tabolism and renal elimination in rats. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 2015, 6 (1): 45-52.
62 63 Fault detection in electrical drives by modified operation of the power Seismic resistance of buildings and civil engineering structures supply converter sistance of buildings and civil engi- Electrical drives are becoming in- methods, the proposed procedure neering structures. One of the rec- creasingly complicated due to in- runs in real time on already existing ognitions for the results achieved is creasing demands on reliable op- electronic control devices, without the Zois Award for lifetime achieve- eration. Faults in electrical drives any additional hardware. Hence, ments, which was won by the group may arise within machines, in sen- it can also be applied to low cost leader. The ultimate goal of this ba- sors, and in control electronics, but drives. At the same time, a control sic research is to develop methods mostly occur in power supply con- approach was develped that enables of analysis which can be easily used verter circuits. almost uninterrupted operation of in practice, but nevertheless yield Members of the research pro- the drive immediately after the fault appropriately accurate results. The gramme have developed a method has been detected. The accomplish- most important result is the so- for very fast (few milliseconds) de- ment has been presented in a high called N2 method, which reliably tection of faults in power convert- ranking journal within its area. simulates the behaviour of build- ers. Unlike other more complicated ing structures during strong earth- quakes. The method represents a Prof. dr. Vanja Ambrožič, The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana combination of a nonlinear static [email protected] analysis of the modelled structure and a dynamic analysis of a simpli- The consequences of the earthquake The research group at the Faculty fied model using inelastic response in Italy, 2016 of Civil and Geodetic Engineering spectra. The method is included in at the University of Ljubljana has the European standard for earth- for many years been engaged in quake-resistant construction Euro- research in the field of seismic re- code 8.
Prof. dr. Peter Fajfar, Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering, University of Ljubljana [email protected]
Source: Fardis, Michael N., Carvalho, Eduardo C., Fajfar, Peter, 1943- Pecker, Alain. Seismic design of Source: KONTARČEK A., BAJEC P., NEMEC M., AMBROŽIČ V, NEDELJKOVIĆ D. Cost-effective threephase concrete buildings to Eurocode 8. Boca Raton : Crc Press : Taylor and Francis Group, cop. 2015. COBBIS PMSM drive tolerant to open-phase fault. IEEE trans. on ind. electr., Nov. 2015, vol. 62, no. 11, str. 6708- ID: 6993505. 6718
64 65 Hybrid powertrain TransGen: for ultralight aircraft: A tool for identifying reconstruction potential to reduce Project FP7 Hypstair energy consumption, costs and emissions
powering-up the most powerful TransGen is a software tool aimed cations, all profitable modifications, hybrid electric powertrain for avi- at identifying feasible and opti- modifications depending on the ex- ation to date. All of the powertrain mal possibilities to reduce energy pected size of investment or the de- components, which were developed consumption in companies. It also sired period of return on investment by Siemens, represent cutting-edge enables the identification of possi- etc. Furthermore, it provides for an technology in aviation propulsion. bilities to integrate energy outside easy exclusion of modifications not The drive motor (delivering 200 the company (e.g. for the district feasible in practice in order to make kW take-off power and 150 kW con- heating of buildings). This software the identified possibilities to im- tinuous power) and the generator tool has a general format and can prove energy efficiency realistically (delivering 100 kW) feature a power be applied to any company with attainable. This tool has proved to density exceeding 5 kW per kg, as a potential to reduce energy con- be promising in the case of a me- well as two dual windings connect- sumption. TransGen allows for the dium-sized and relatively complex ed by four power controllers to pro- identification of possibilities to im- company. In addition to the identi- vide unprecedented reliability. An prove energy efficiency for compa- fication of reconstruction potential, additional element in this unique nies in fixed or variable operating TransGen also enables the synthe- The serial hybrid aircraft concept In cooperation with Siemens AG, innovative achievement is its user conditions, taking into account the sis of heat exchanger networks of currently represents the best compro- mise yet between the efficiency and MBVision, the University of Pisa and interface, which is designed to sim- investment and energy costs. It en- new processes and of entire areas reach of light aircraft, as it enables the University of Maribor (Faculty plify the operation of the complex ables the identification of a certain with optimal energy consumption. the aircraft to fly longer distances of Electrical Engineering and Com- powertrain. The University of Mari- number of the most optimal modifi- with lower noise emissions and in a more environmentally-friendly man- puter Science and Faculty of Civil bor carried out pioneering work on ner. Despite the powertrain’s complex- Engineering, Transportation Engi- the haptic feedback response for ity, flying the aircraft will be a simple Prof. dr. Zdravko Kravanja, Assis. Prof. dr. Lidija Čuček, Faculty of Chemistry and and user-friendly experience. neering and Architecture), Pipist- the user interface (HMI), enabling Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor rel d.o.o. achieved a breakthrough the pilot to apply power with a sin- [email protected], [email protected] in the field of electric-powered air gle lever and to identify any errors travel at the beginning of 2016 – in or changes to the system.
Prof. dr. Miro Milanovič, The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science University of Maribor [email protected]
The haptic interface for the aircraft’s propulsion lever helps the pilot communicate more easily with the powertrain.
Source: L. Čuček, Z. Kravanja, 2016, Retrofit of Total Site Heat Exchanger Networks by Mathematical Pro- gramming Approach. V: M. Martín (urednik). Alternative Energy Sources and Technologies: Process De- Source: http://www.hypstair.eu/tag/hypstairproject/ sign and Operation. Cham, Švica: Springer International Publishing; strani 297-340.
66 67 Medical Sciences Temporal and spatial analysis of the 2014–2015 Ebola virus Study of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow outbreak in West Africa
Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow ogy of UNE was not known, and as sonographic parameters, their been expressed that the virus might (UNE) is the second most common a consequence therapy was chosen sensitivity and specificity, as well be adapting to humans and become focal neuropathy. It affects at least according to physicians’ subjec- as ability of these two methods to more easily transmissible. Deep se- 500 Slovenians and 125,000 Eu- tive preferences. Our prospective precisely localize the lesion. We quencing of 179 patient samples, ropeans every year. It causes pain, blinded study, included 220 UNE found that UNE actually consists of published in the journal Nature, tingling, numbness, hand muscle patients and 49 healthy controls. two focal neuropathies. The first is revealed the epidemiological and atrophy and weakness. Before the We determined normative values an entrapment neuropathy caused evolutionary history of the epidem- publication of our results the etiol- for neurophysiological and ultra- by decades of hard manual work ic from March 2014 to January 2015. that requires immediate surgical The genetic fingerprint of each iso- release. The second is caused by late was defined and compared us- extrinsic compression of the nerve ing mathematical modelling that in the non-dominant arm. Most of- The Ebola virus epidemic (2014–2015) The Ebola virus has claimed the lives confirmed the virus was introduced in West Africa started with the death ten this occurs by laying the arm of a 2-year old boy infected by contact of over 11,000 people during the ep- into the human population at a sin- on the desk while using a computer with an infected fruit-eating bat. idemic in West Africa. The origin of gle source. From an initial lineage mouse with the dominant hand. In the virus is thought to have been A linked to early Guinean cases, a such patients only recommenda- a zoonotic transmission from a bat second lineage B emerged in May/ tion of appropriate arm positioning to a two year-old boy in December June 2014. As the epidemic expand- is needed. We expect that our find- 2013. From this index case the virus ed, lineage A was successfully con- ings will help to improve selection was spread by human-to-human fined in Guinea during the initial 4 of treatment and long-term conse- contact throughout Guinea, Sierra months after the outbreak, but lin- quences of UNE. Leone and Liberia. However, the or- eage B spread further into Guinea, igin of the particular virus in each Liberia and Sierra Leone. Data from Phylogenetic relatedness and nucleo- country and time of transmission the study together with epidemi- Prof. dr. Simon Podnar and tide sequence divergence of EBOV iso- assist. Gregor Omejec lates from the 2013–2015 outbreak. was not known and concerns have ological information are useful for University Medical Centre Ljubljana retrospective testing of the effec- [email protected], tiveness of control measures, and [email protected] provide an unprecedented window into the evolution of an ongoing vi- ral outbreak. The data also indicate that the Ebola virus has mutated at a lower rate than feared during the recent outbreak, giving hope that Hand affected by the ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) new diagnostic methods, treat- ments and vaccines under develop- ment should still be effective in the fight to eradicate the disease.
Prof. dr. Tatjana Avšič Županc, dr. Miša Korva, Faculty of Medicine University of Ljubljana [email protected], [email protected]
Source: CARROLL, Miles W., MATTHEWS, David A., HISCOX, Julian A., ELMORE, Michael J., POLLAKIS, Georgios, RAMBAUT, Andrew, KORVA, Miša, AVŠIČ-ŽU- PANC, Tatjana, et al. Temporal and spatial analysis of the 2014-2015 Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa. Nature, ISSN 0028-0836., 6. avg. 2015, vol. 524, Source: Omejec G., Podnar S. What causes ulnar neuropathy at the elbow? Clin Neurophysiol. 2016 Jan;127(1):919-24. doi: 10.1016/j.clinph.2015.05.027. Epub 2015 Jun iss. 7563, str. 97–101, doi: 10.1038/nature14594.
68 69 Overcomming challenges in contemporary kidney transplantation
Kidney transplantation is the best replacement treat- ment for end-stage renal failure. One of the major chal- Electroporation as a technological platform lenges of contemporary kidney transplantation is subop- timal long-term graft survival. In an observational study Electroporation is a phenomenon in of 319 recipients with kidney grafts from deceased donors, which increased permeability of a cel- we have found that decrease in first year kidney graft size lular membrane occurs when the cell (from 1 month to 1 year after transplantation) predicted is exposed to an electric field of suf- inferior outcomes as compared to increase in graft size ficient strength. Electroporation can in the same period. By means of a simple, non-invasive be performed on eukaryotic, prokary- Doppler-ultrasonography examination during the early otic or archaeal cells, and on unicel- post-transplant period, we can detect patients with an lular or multicellular organisms (tis- increased risk of shorter long-term survival of the trans- sues). Increased permeability of the planted kidney. With additional diagnostics the cause can cell membrane is transient and non- be detected and treated. selective, i.e. molecules can be driven into or out of the cell. The latter class Prof. dr. Jadranka Buturović-Ponikvar, University Medical Center Ljubljana, faculty Doppler ultrasonography of the transplanted of application – extraction of mole- of Medicine, University of Ljubljana kidney (white arrow – bipolar kidney length). cules by means of electroporation – is [email protected]; [email protected] of special interest in biotechnological processes, where bacteria, yeasts and Source: ČERNE, Senka, ARNOL, Miha, KANDUS, Aljoša, BUTUROVIĆ-PONIKVAR, Jadranka. Decrease in first year kidney graft size predicts inferior outcomes after microalgae may be used as bioreac- deceased donor kidney transplantation. Transplantation, 2015; 100: 1759-1766 (online first 2015). [COBISS.SI-ID 2665388] tors. Furthermore, electroporation of tissue changes the diffusion of water and water-soluble molecules, allow- Effective programme for detection of familial hypercholesterolaemia in children to prevent early mortality ing for more successful and effective Observation of a bacterial culture and morbidity caused by cardiovascular diseases after electroporation biomass processing.
Prof.dr. Damijan Miklavčič, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana In the developed world, familial hy- screening. Currently, Slovenia is A disease-causing genetic variant [email protected] percholesterolaemia is rarely de- the only country in the world with for familial hypercholesterolaemia tected early, however, in untreated a hypercholesterolemia screening was identified in 57% of total 272 young adults, the risks for early car- programme for children at 5 years children with a positive screening diovascular complications are up to of age, performed in the context of test, which means that in children 100 times more common compared a regular health check. The research born in 2008, assuming the familial to those who are unaffected. Most group led by Tadej Battelino was the hypercholesterolaemia incidence of of these cases of early mortality first to publish the findings on the 1 in 500, we detected practically all and morbidity rates of people in effectiveness of the programme of expected patients. This report has their most active years of life can population screening of children in received a lot of attention from the be prevented with early treatment. detecting the patients with familial international professional public The most effective method for the hypercholesterolaemia in the lead- and will feed into further expert rec- early detection of familial hyper- ing cardiology journal, the Journal ommendations on early detection Scanning electron micrographs of bacterial cells: control (left), after electroporation (middle), after mechanical disintegration with glass beads (right). cholesterolaemia is population of American College of Cardiology. of familial hypercholesterolaemia.
Prof. dr. Tadej Battelino, Division of Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lju- bljana, [email protected]
Source: Kotnik T, Frey W, Sack M, Haberl Meglič S, Peterka M, Miklavčič D. Electroporation-based applica- Source: KLANČAR, Gašper, GROŠELJ, Urh, KOVAČ, Jernej, BRATANIČ, Nevenka, BRATINA, Nataša, TREBUŠAK PODKRAJŠEK, Katarina, BATTELINO, Tadej. Uni- tions in biotechnology. Trends Biotechnol. 33: 480-488, 2015 versal screening for familial hypercholesterolemia in children. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, ISSN 0735-1097. [Print ed.], Sep. 2015, vol.
70 71 Biotechnical Sciences
Construction of a New Class of Tetracycline Lead-Structure with Potent Antibacterial Activity Using ‘Lučka’, ‘Janja’ and ‘Martina’ – new varieties of the sweet potato Biosynthetic Engineering
Increased self-sufficiency in food is Sweet potato belongs to In recent decades bacterial resis- the University of Ljubljana, have de- such as sepsis and lung infections the morning glory family one of the key goals of the Resolu- (Convolvulaceae) and so is tance development and the short- veloped novel atypical tetracycline of the cistic fibrosis patients. The tion on the Strategic Orientations not related to the potato age of novel antibiotics has led to antibiotic carboxyamido-chelocar- work on the development of this of the Development of the Slove- (Solanum tuberosum L.). an urgent need for new antibacte- din by applying modern methods of atypical tetracicline was published The tubers and young nian Agriculture and Food Industry leaves of the plant are rial drug leads. The worldwide ris- biosynthetic engineering. Thereby in high-impact journal Angewand- before 2020. The changed structure suitable for human con- ing occurrence of multi-resistant they generated a broad-spectrum te Chemie. University of Ljubljana sumption. of crop production, environmental pathogens currently presents one antibiotic lead structure exhibit- filed international patent applica- protection, biodiversity conserva- The tubers contain the of the greatest challenges to mod- ing significantly improved activity tion in collaboration with Acies Bio polysaccharide inulin, tion and climate change, require belong among the foods ern health care. Researchers from against all Gram-negative patho- Ltd. New tetracycline antibiotic is constant adaptation of the compo- with a low glycemic index Biotechnical faculty and biotechnol- gens of the ESKAPE panel, including currently in preclinical evaluation in sition of species. (around 50), which are ogy SME Acies Bio Ltd. (Ljubljana), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is collaboration with Helmholtz Insti- suitable for the nutrition of Farmers cannot avoid natural con- diabetics. which licensed the technology from causing heavy hospital infections tute (Germany). ditions as these cannot be prevent- ed, but they do need to adjust to Prof. dr. Hrvoje Petković, Biotechnical Faculty University of Ljubljana [email protected] them. Therefore, new crops resis- tant to extreme weather conditions are needed. To this end, the Pro- gramme Group of Horticulture at the Department of Agriculture be- gan to test the cultivation of (sub) tropical perennial crops - sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.). Af- ter several years of work, we have managed to grow three varieties: a variety with an orange peel and or- ange flesh (‘Lučka’), one with white skin and white flesh (‘Janja’) and one with purple skin and white flesh (‘Martina’).
Prof. dr. Dragan Žnidarčič, Biotechnical Faculty University of Ljubljana, [email protected]
Source: Lešnik U1, Lukežič T, Podgoršek A, Horvat J, Polak T, Šala M, Jenko B, Harmrolfs K, Ocampo-Sosa A, Martínez-Martínez L, Herron PR, Fujs Š, Kosec G, Hunter IS, Müller R, Petković H.(2015) Construction of a new class of tetracycline leadstructure with potent antibacterial activity using bio- Source: Registry number: IPB001, COBISS.SI-ID: 8112505//Registry number: IPB002 COBISS.SI-ID: 8112249 synthetic engineering. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 23;54(13):3937-40. IF = 11,261
72 73 Mechanism of neurotoxic action of the ostreolysin A/pleurotolysin B pore-forming complex isolated from edible oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) Hydrophobic polyurethane coating for protection of wood made from a natural renewable resource – wood This work aimed to reveal the mech- nal cells using confocal microscopy anisms responsible for respiratory and spectrofluorometry to reveal Environmental concerns have ini- od. Liquefied wood is an excellent arrest induced by cytolytic com- changes in morphology and intra- tiated extensive investigations raw material for the preparation of plex OlyA/PlyB (Ostreolysin), isolat- cellular Ca2+ activity, respectively. of wood coatings made from sus- polyurethane type coatings. Hydro- ed from edible oyster mushrooms Ostreolysin affected the morpholo- tainable and renewable resources. phobicity of the bio-polyurethane (Pleurotus ostreatus). Previous gy of neuronal cells and increased One such resource is wood that wood finish was increased with the studies have demonstrated that the intracellular Ca2+ activity, has been transformed into a liquid addition of a water repellent agent at low concentrations Ostreolysin which could lead to neuronal dys- state by a simple chemical meth- and silica nanoparticles. Mechan- causes acute respiratory arrest in function and respiratory arrest. Us- ical properties of the coating and rats. Based on that two hypotheses ing pharmacological tools, the pos- its resistance against ethanol were were postulated: i) Ostreolysin pro- sible mechanisms underlying this improved as well. Hydrophobicity is duces swelling of neuroblastoma toxic action were described. These the consequence of the formation NG108-15 cells; and ii) Ostreolysin observations are important steps of a silane layer on the surface of a increases neuronal intracellular toward understanding the toxic re- cured polyurethane film. Our inves- Ca2+ activity. Experiments were spiratory effects of Ostreolysin. tigation showed that the properties performed on differentiated neuro- of bio-coatings are comparable to those of commercial wood finishing Prof. dr. Robert Frangež, Veterinary faculty, University of Ljubaljan products made from non-renewable [email protected] resources – oil derivatives. Source: Milka Vrecl, Monika Babnik, Uroš Diacci, Evelyne Benoit in Robert Frangež. Effect of the ostreolysin A/pleurotolysin B pore-forming complex on neuroblastoma cell morphology and intracellular Ca2+ activity. Prof. dr. Marko Petrič, Biotechnical Toxicological sciences, 2015, vol. 144, no. 2, str. 276–283. Faculty University of Ljubljana [email protected] Predicting the nutritional niche of Prevotella spp. with bioinformatics.
There has been a radical improve- component of the niche occupied ment in the ability to study dense by species of the bacterial genus microbial consortia of the animal Prevotella, a numerically dominant gut, owing to the advent of next genus in the rumen. According to generation sequencing in the our analyses Prevotella species are past decade. While a multitude of heterogeneous in their glycan de- studies essentially cataloged the grading capabilities. This is proba- microbial genera found,, studies bly the basis of their cohabitation in focusing on the actual niche occu- the rumen/large intestine and also pied by these microbes were scarce. explains their ability to colonize Here we present a bioinformatic other habitats like the oral cavity. approach to predict the nutritional
Assist. dr. Tomaž Accetto, Biotechnical faculty, University of Ljubljana [email protected]
Source: Anuj Kumar, Marko Petrič, Borut Kričej, Jure Žigon, Jan Tywoniak, Petr Hajek, Andrijana Sever Škapin, and Matjaž Pavlič: Liquefied-Wood-Based Source:Tomaž Accetto, Gorazd Avguštin, Systematic and applied microbiology :Polysaccharide utilization Polyurethane–Nanosilica Hybrid Coatings and Hydrophobization by Self-Assembled Monolayers of Orthotrichlorosilane (OTS) locus and CAZYme genome repertoires reveal diverse ecological adaptation of Prevotella species, 2015.
74 75 Social Sciences
A business model approach to supply chain management The slovenian system of criminology
The paper was published in a spe- istence of multiple business models Criminology is a systematic, com- compared with and assessed by do- cial issue of the top-ranked journal within a supply chain. In addition we plete and multifaceted presenta- mestic criminological research. The Supply Chain Management. We drew on the concept of knowledge tion of criminological problems researchers of the Institute of Crim- upgraded the paper on business sharing and dynamic capabilities dealing with questions like the inology at the Faculty of Law, Uni- process management from 2007, theory to show how supply chains causes of crime, crime phenome- versity of Ljubljana, who represent which provided researchers and can reach a level of strategic flexibil- nology. ways of reacting to crime the majority of au- practitioners with rationale for busi- ity and change their business model problems in contemporary society, thors of the volume, ness process reengineering and elements (partners, processes, cus- problems of crime prevention, and have thus joined substantially affected research on tomers, products, and employees) others. Crime is dealt with as an in- those academic in- business process management. In without knowing which changes will dividual, as well as a social problem. stitutions that have the award-winning 2016 paper A be required in the future. The paper The system of criminology has been produced in-depth, business model approach to sup- developed two frameworks show- written by Slovenian criminologists well documented ply chain management, we placed ing the elements of an SC business and other specialists from the field and complete pre- emphasis on the importance of the model to assist management supply and is based upon the results of sentations of crime development, evolution and co-ex- chains in turbulent environments. foreign research which have been problems.
Prof. dr. Aleš Groznik Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana [email protected] Prof. dr. Alenka Šelih [email protected] Prof. dr. Katja Filipčič, Faculty of Law, University of Maribor Source: TRKMAN, Peter, BUDLER, Marko, GROZNIK, Aleš. A business model approach to supply chain man- [email protected] agement. Supply chain management, ISSN 1359-8546, 2015, vol. 20, iss. 6, str. 587-602, doi: 10.1108/SCM- 06-2015-0219. [COBISS.SI-ID 22809574]
Two sides of the same coin? The role of rumination and reflection in elementary school teachers’ classroom stress and burnout
Even when exposed to similar envi- value per se, and their role as moder- job characteristics and stress. Among ronmental stressors, teachers differ ators between teacher-reported job others, the combination of high work- in their perceptions of classroom characteristics,,stress and burnout. load and high reflection predicted stress and burnout. In understanding 439 elementary school teachers par- higher levels of stress. These results teachers’ strain, both environmental ticipated in the study. Dispositional highlight the importance of simulta- and individual characteristics, as well characteristics explained additional neously investigating environmental as their interactive effect have to be variance in teachers’ stress and burn- and dispositional characteristics of taken into account. The purpose of out beyond job characteristics. Ru- teachers’ strain. In addition, they in- the study was to investigate the role mination was a significant predictor dicate that reflection and rumination of rumination and reflection in teach- of both stress and burnout, whereas function in a more similar way than ers’ classroom stress and burnout, reflection was not. However, reflec- predicted. thereby assessing their predictive tion moderated the relation between
Assoc. prof. dr. Katja Košir, Faculty of Education, University of Maribor [email protected]
Source: KOŠIR, Katja, TEMENT, Sara, LICARDO, Marta, HABE, Katarina. Two sides of the same coin? : the role of rumination and reflection in elementa- ry school teachers’ classroom stress and burnout. Teaching and teacher education, ISSN 0742-051X. [Print ed.], 2015, vol. 47, str. 131-141, doi: 10.1016/j. Source: KRIMINOLOGIJA/(authors Matjaž Ambrož... /et al./: Editors: Alenka Šelih, Katja Filipčič. Ljubljana; IUS Software. GV tate.2015.01.006. [COBISS.SI-ID 21087240] založba; Inštitut za kriminologijo pri Pravni fakulteti, 2015.COBIS. SI-ID 280033536
76 77 Humanities
The profession and science of web surveys 19th century architecture in Slovenia
The use of web surveys is crucial for pling designs, and sophisticated 19th century architectural creativity architectural production of the 19th research of voting behaviour, public strategies for nonresponse conver- has had a profound influence on the century to reach all fields of public opinion polls, business surveys, cus- sion, as well as complex data editing appearance of the Slovenian space. and private life. Distancing from tomer satisfaction surveys, online and modelling. The methodology It took shape in the controversial era Baroque culture, the architecture phenomena, etc. They have been of web surveys is thus becoming a of the emerging modern nations, a resulted in new levels of develop- introduced into these research ar- demanding scientific field that is period of rapid population growth ment, as distinguished by its perva- eas over 15 years ago as a cheaper, not only a creative profession, but and irrepressible optimism and sive creative progress. However, the faster and simpler data collection demands thoughtful scientific elab- faith in the power of science, which architectural achievements of this mode. Nevertheless, we now face oration and knowledge from the seemed to possess the final an- period have so far remained virtualy several problems related to their fields of survey methodology, psy- swers to the final questions. During unknown. We wish to change this usage: people are not always will- chology, sociology, statistics, infor- this period, an unprecedented num- with an extensive research. ing to respond, they have low trust matics and familiarity with current ber of buildings were erected. New in institutions and reservations social contexts. The monography building types began to emerge about revealing personal data, over- Web Survey Methodology system- alongside the traditional building surveying.... These issues make the atically covers the whole process of types. Social, economic and political survey research profession more a web survey project and offers con- factors enabled the highly versatile difficult and require thoughtful and siderations and solutions for the complex survey designs, including above mentioned salient issues. mixed-mode surveys, complex sam- Assoc. prof. dr. Igor Sapač, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering and Architecture, University of Maribor [email protected], Assoc. prof. dr. Katja Lozar Manfreda, Faculty of social sciences University of Ljublja- Assist.prof. dr. Franci Lazarini, Faculty of Arts Universi- na [email protected] ty of Maribor [email protected] Prof. dr. Vasja Vehovar, Faculty of social sciences University of Ljubljana [email protected]
Source: Callegaro, Mario, Katja Lozar Manfreda in Vasja Vehovar. 2015. Web Survey Methodology. Los Angeles: Sage. Source: Igor Sapač, Franci Lazarini. Arhitektura 19. stoletja na Slovenskem. Ljubljana, 2015. COBISS.ID: 276146688
78 79 The Beka-Ocizla cave system: History, Memory, Heritage karstological railway planning in Slovenia The Ljubljana music society “Glasbena matica” until the end of World War II (Založba ZRC, 2015)
Once again the effort to develop waters that shape and connect the The Ljubljana music society Glas- trait of what was once the central in the Slovenian territory and with comprehensive karstology that karst, but we could clearly predict bena matica (founded in 1872) has and largest Slovenian musical and what specific characteristics. It also uses select approaches for getting what is to be expected during con- operated in the Slovenian territory cultural society, and opens a new describes the development of the to know and understand the uni- struction and what this construc- during the time of fateful political critical insight into the cultural and notion of the peculiarities of Slo- form, three-dimensional karst land- tion should be like. This will make developments as well as vital ide- political history of the Slovenes up venian music, which drew on folk scape, has proved to be the best the construction more successful; ational and artistic currents. The until World War II. By conducting songs, as well as the formation of choice. Under specific research con- it will be possible to protect more society set the institutional foun- a thorough examination of sourc- the attitude towards common lore ditions we have been able to obtain of the newly-discovered karst phe- dations for all forms of musical work es, and a critical analysis of prior and traditional awareness. In doing a good understanding of the karst nomena, which are an important on the national level (the publish- knowledge, the author presents so, the author re-evaluates the pro- across which the railway will run. It part of our natural heritage; more- ing house, the music school, the an innovative interpretation that gressive concept of Glasbena mati- is true that we could not precisely over, the waters that are also im- concert agency, the archives of mu- elucidates how the widely acknowl- ca’s cultural activities. determine the locations of caves portant for the water supply will be sical works by Slovenian composers, edged Central European canon was that will be opened up during con- protected more efficiently. the Folklore Institute) and ensured introduced struction and all the paths of the its professionalization by establish- ing the music conservatory. Glas- Prof. dr. Martin Knez, Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Science and arts bena matica is considered a para- [email protected] digmatic example of a Slovenian cultural institution, as its activities co-shaped not only the musical but also the cultural and national (self-) image and identity of Slovenes. The book History, Memory, Heritage is the first comprehensive and con- temporary historiographical por-
Dr. Nataša Cigoj Krstulović, Research Cen- tre of the Slovenian Academy of Science and arts [email protected]
First photo of the ‘Glasbena matica’ choir depicting its members that sang in the Vienna concerts in 1896.
Source: The Beka-Ocizla cave system : karstological railway planning in Slovenia / co-authors Franci Gabrovšek [et al.] ; editors Martin Knez [et al.], editors Cham [etc.] : Springer, cop. 2015 (Alphen aan Den Source: Cigoj Krstulović, Nataša . Zgodovina, spomin, dediščina: ljubljanska Glasbena matica do konca druge svetovne vojne. Ljubljana, 2015. COBISS.SI-ID: Rijn (Nizozemska) : Printforce) 279469312
80 81 Fran Dictionary Web Portal: Dictionaries of the Fran Ramovš Institute of the Slovenian Language ZRC SAZU ZBORZBIRK – The international ZBORZBIRK proj- al, and organized more than twenty Cultural Heritage in ect aimed to evaluate (identify, reg- events for experts and the general the Collections The Fran Dictionary Web Portal of the new orthography dictionary. the field of language technology. ister, digitalize, contextualize, ar- public. The network of collections between the Alps and Karst enables users to simultaneously Moreover, the portal is linked to all The Fran Portal is an approximation range, present, and promote) local and info-points is a potential for search all essential linguistic refer- relevant Slovenian linguistic data- of the ideal of a virtual thesaurus cultural heritage collections on the development of cultural tourism. ence works for the Slovenian lan- bases, especially corpora. The portal integrating a large number of lan- Slovenian-Italian border area, from Collaboration among experts of guage. The portal contains 31 dictio- presents the knowledge of several guage reference works that com- Canale to the Natisone Valley in It- different disciplines (ethnology, naries and 2 dialect atlases with a generations of linguists with differ- plement one another in one virtual aly, and from the Upper Sava Valley folklore studies, linguistics, digital total of 590,033 entries. It also con- ent expertise in a way that is acces- place, and for the first time in Slove- to Brda in Slovenia. We registered humanities, and museology) with sists of two counselling sites that sible to the general user, while also nian history the language is simul- thirty-four cultural heritage col- representatives of local communi- answer users’ questions about both facilitating the advanced searches taneously presented in its diastratic, lections, implemented five invest- ties enabled the transfer of research general language and terminology, of more ambitious users. diatopic and diachronic dimensions. ments, arranged equipment for the findings into practice. a subportal with descriptions of Slo- On one hand, the portal offers the to- The portal is not based on any exist- presentation of twelve collections, venian grammar and orthography tality of all the relevant works of the ing language portal and is one of the established eleven info-points, pub- reference books and their scanned Slovenian lexicography and gram- largest originally created portals in lished different scientific, expert images, and a database with de- mar-writting, and can be perceived Europe and worldwide. and promotional publications (a scriptions of problematic categories as a great research achievement in guidebook, a collection of scientific papers, CDs, leaflets, promotional Assoc. prof. dr. Kozma Ahačič, Research roll-ups and posters), established a Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sci- website enabling access to the digi- ence and arts, [email protected] tal repository and gathered materi-
Assist. prof. dr. Mojca Ravnik: [email protected] Dr. Špela Ledinek Lozej: [email protected]
Gornjesavski Museum Jesenice, photo: Špela Ledinek Lozej, 2013
The portal is edited by the editorial board (dr. Helena Dobrovoljc, dr. Nina Ledinek, dr. Andrej Perdih, Alenka Porenta, dr. Marko Snoj, dr. Peter Weiss, dr. Mojca Žagar Karer) under the guid- ance of dr. Kozma Ahačič.
Source: http://www.fran.si/ Source: http://zborzbirk.zrc-sazu.si/sl-si/domov.aspx
82 83 Slovenian Research Agency Abbreviated name: ARRS Year of foundation: 2004 Core activity: Performance of professional, development and executive tasks relating to the implementation of the Resolution on Research and Innovation Strat- egy of Slovenia 2011-2020 and other tasks with statutory duties in public interest in order to ensure permanent, professional and independent de- cision-making on the selection of programmes and projects financed from the national budget. Internal organisational units: Director’s Office Department of Research Projects Department of research Programmes, Young Researchers and Analysis Department of Research Infrastructure and International Cooperation Department of General Affairs Department of Finance and Accounting Department of Information Technology Number of employees: 47 Funds received from the national budget for scientific-research activities in the 2016 financial year: EUR 144.6 million Basic documents: Research and Development Act (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slove- nia, nos. 22/06 – official consolidated text, 61/06 – ZDru-1, 112/07, 9/11 in 57/12-ZPOP-1A) Decision establishing the Slovenian Research Agency (Official Gazette of the RS, nos. 123/09 and 105/10) Resolution on Research and Innovation Strategy of Slovenia 2011-2020 (Official Journal of the RS, no. 43/11) Website: www.arrs.gov.si/en
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