NEWS
Prime Minister attended the Jožef Stefan Golden Emblem award ceremony
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Alenka Bratušek, today attended the Jožef Stefan Golden Emblem award ceremony. In her address, Prime Minister Bratušek pointed out that every visit she pays to the Slovenian scientists at Jožef Stefan Institute strengthens her awareness that Slovenia is only small in terms of square kilometres but certainly not by the number of outstanding achievements.
She stressed that the success of Slovenian scientists reflects in last year's achievements of the Jožef Stefan Institute: "One of the most outstanding achievements, which made Slovenian names appear in the prominent foreign journals, was the discovery of ferromagnetism in suspensions of magnetic platelets in liquid crystal. As a graduate from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, I have been particularly interested in the invention of a self-cleaning coating for cotton fabrics. Let me also mention the finding of the Jezersko Meteorite – a very well preserved stone meteorite named after the village in Gorenjska Region. Your achievements make me believe that up to now Slovenia has provided good working conditions for researchers but will have to further develop and improve them in the future."
President Bratušek thanked all employees, participants and organisers for acknowledging the importance of accomplishments by young scientists and extended her sincere congratulations to the three PhDs who have received the awards for their remarkable work in the areas of natural science and technology, technical, medical and biotechnical sciences. She wished them every success in their research work and expressed her hope that they would be engaged in well-paid jobs.
Prime Minister Bratušek concluded her address by touching upon the issue of women in science. "Your research work and achievements set an example, even if unintentionally, for generations of girls and pave way for stronger representation of women in science and technology. I thank you for your work and contribution to the development of our country," said Prime Minister Bratušek.