Director's Address at the 80th Anniversary of the National Institute of Chemistry
National Institute of Chemistry – Science That Creates the Future
In 2026, the National Institute of Chemistry will celebrate 80 years of its existence. Since its founding in 1946, it has grown from modest beginnings into Slovenia’s most important research institution in the fields of chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, materials science, and related disciplines. We look back with pride on the path our institution has taken—from a small research group to what it is today: an institution firmly embedded in the European and global scientific research landscape. An overview of everything our researchers have achieved is extensive. It fills us not only with pride and satisfaction, but also with gratitude that today we can stand on solid foundations built over past decades through the exceptional dedication, scientific excellence, and ingenuity of our predecessors. We participate in numerous international projects, publish in prestigious journals, and are a driving force behind innovations that are transforming the economy and society.
We do not neglect our roots, but our gaze is firmly directed toward the future. We are keenly aware of the extraordinary challenges it brings—addressing climate change, anthropogenic pressures on the environment, the need for energy sources that do not affect the climate, technological breakthroughs, population growth and the resulting food demands, and the treatment of diseases considered incurable. All of these areas are addressed, directly or indirectly, by the diverse and wide-ranging activities of our institute. Through continuous reflection, we conduct research and seek answers to the questions posed by the present, while preparing for those that will arise in the future. This is precisely why we are expanding our existing activities with two additional research centers: the Center for Gene and Cell Therapy Technologies and the Center for the Development, Demonstration, and Training of Carbon-Free Technologies.
We know that the National Institute of Chemistry, a multidisciplinary center where fundamental science, applied research, and high-tech development converge, makes an important contribution to overall societal well-being. Committed to our responsibility to contribute to the welfare of Slovenian and global society in the future, we will become even more strongly integrated into the global research network, strengthen our collaboration with industry, listen even more attentively to the signals of emerging changes, and respond to the needs of society. Our institute is a meeting place of top-level knowledge, curiosity, and vision—a place where the future is created, molecule by molecule, idea by idea.
Behind us are 80 years of successful research, and at least as many lie ahead. The challenges of the future are immense, but we are prepared for them—and we look forward to them!
Prof. Dr. Gregor Anderluh
Director