The SPOZNAJ project
The SPOZNAJ project (Support for the Implementation of Open Science Principles in Slovenia) is a national initiative that began in August 2023 and will run until the end of June 2026. It is a strategic project aimed at accelerating the adoption of open science principles within the Slovenian research and higher education sectors. The project is led by the Central Technical Library of the University of Ljubljana and includes 20 public research and higher education institutions across Slovenia, including all major universities and key institutes such as National Institute of Chemistry, Jožef Stefan Institute, the Pedagogical Institute, and the Geological Survey of Slovenia.
The main goal of the project is to establish the conditions for the sustainable implementation of open science practices, with a strong focus on open access to research data and results, adherence to the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable), and the strengthening of competencies among researchers and support staff. Activities include the development of manuals, training sessions, the organization of public events, and pilot implementations of new practices within participating institutions. Special attention is also given to the development of institutional policies and support structures that will enable the systematic application of open science in the future.
SPOZNAJ is not just a technical or administrative project – it promotes a cultural shift in Slovenian science, moving from closed, individual research practices to more open, collaborative, and transparent approaches. The project is co-funded by the European Union through the NextGenerationEU mechanism and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, with a total value of approximately four million euros. Its long-term impact is expected to be reflected in higher research quality, greater visibility of Slovenian science on the international stage, and a more effective transfer of knowledge to society.
The SPOZNAJ project: https://projekt-spoznaj.si/en/
