en
Slovenščina
Italiano
Today, at the Centre for Humanities of ZRS Koper, the Science and Research Centre Koper (ZRS Koper) presented its 2025 Annual Report, published as part of the annual ZRS Koper Bulletin. The publication provides an overview of the institution’s key research, development, and infrastructure achievements over the past year.
The year 2025 was marked by the continued research excellence of ZRS Koper, particularly in the fields of European projects and international networking. Researchers successfully implemented numerous European projects and participated in programmes such as the ERC, Horizon Europe, LIFE, Interreg, Erasmus+, COST, and other international initiatives.
A major development milestone in 2025 was the commencement of construction of the Competence Centre for Olive culture and Other Mediterranean Crops in Plavje. The symbolic planting of an olive tree marked the beginning of the construction of a modern research and development centre dedicated to supporting the sustainable development of olive growing, viticulture, and other Mediterranean crops. The new centre will significantly contribute to strengthening cooperation between science, local communities, and industry, while fostering innovative solutions for climate change adaptation.
At the end of 2025, ZRS Koper also initiated the procedures for the purchase of the building at 45 Pristaniška Street in Koper, the former Jadroagent building. In April 2026, the institution officially became its owner. This acquisition represents an important development and infrastructure investment, providing a long-term spatial solution for the institute’s research and applied activities. In its initial phase, the building will primarily accommodate research activities in the fields of life sciences and health, as well as laboratory and diagnostic services. Additional research and infrastructure units currently operating in rented premises will gradually relocate to the new facility. This acquisition strengthens the conditions for further research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and knowledge transfer while ensuring adequate space for the institute’s long-term development.
During 2025, ZRS Koper also continued activities related to the development of research infrastructure and the restoration of significant cultural heritage sites in Koper. Among the key projects is the preparation of the renovation of Palazzo De Belli, which will become the new administrative centre of ZRS Koper and a hub for open science and research. The revitalisation of historic buildings not only creates space for new research and innovation activities but also contributes significantly to preserving the Renaissance character of the city of Koper.
A special role in connecting science and society is played by the Centre for Humanities of ZRS Koper, located in the historic Tiepolo–Gravisi Palace. Throughout 2025, the centre hosted numerous scientific, professional, and public events, lectures, conferences, and discussions, further strengthening its position as an important intellectual and cultural venue in the region.
Research at ZRS Koper spans the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences and is strongly interdisciplinary in nature. This interdisciplinarity represents a distinctive niche within the international research landscape and one that the institution successfully leverages. In 2025, researchers published more than 80 scientific articles in international journals with an impact factor.
The excellence of the institution’s research is further reflected in numerous awards and recognitions, including the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Award, the Excellence in Science Award presented by the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS), and the ZRS Koper Science Bulletin Awards.
At the same time, 2025 marked the first year of implementation of the new ZRS Koper Strategy 2025–2030, adopted the previous year. The strategy guides the institution’s future development in the areas of internationalisation, interdisciplinarity, research infrastructure development, and the transfer of knowledge to industry, local communities, and public policy.
“The achievements of 2025 confirm that ZRS Koper is successfully continuing its development path. It combines scientific excellence, a forward-looking development vision, and responsibility towards the environment in which it operates. Through the development of modern research infrastructure and international cooperation, we are creating opportunities for new knowledge, innovation, and collaboration,” emphasized Professor Dr Rado Pišot, Director of ZRS Koper, during the presentation.
The publication ZRS Koper Bulletin – Annual Report 2025 provides a comprehensive overview of the organisational structure, projects, achievements, events, and staff of all research and infrastructure units of ZRS Koper.