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On Thursday, 19 March 2026, the public discussion event SPOZNAJ: Career paths in science – conditions, obstacles and opportunities took place at Koper Theatre, organized by the Science and Research Centre Koper. The event formed part of the series Relaxed Conversations about Science – SPOZNAJ, which promotes open dialogue between the scientific community and the wider public while bringing contemporary research topics closer to society.
The event brought together distinguished experts and numerous visitors, who jointly opened a discussion on accessibility, fairness, and inclusiveness within the scientific environment.
The discussion featured Prof. Dr Mirjana Nastran Ule from the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, a leading Slovenian social psychologist and professor emerita; Prof. Dr Milica Antić Gaber from the University of Ljubljana, professor of sociology at the Faculty of Arts and one of the key experts on gender equality in Slovenian academia; Assoc. Prof. Dr Branislava Vičar from the University of Maribor, associate professor of Slovenian language at the Faculty of Arts and head of the doctoral programme in Slovenian Studies; and Dr Robert Devetak from the Institute for Ethnic Studies, a researcher focusing on the Slovenian community in Italy from the 19th century to the present day. The discussion was moderated by Dr Saša Pišot from the Institute for Kinesiology Research at ZRS Koper.
The central topic of the discussion was the extent to which science today truly functions as a meritocratic system. The discussion showed that despite the ideal of equal opportunities, scientific career paths are often shaped by less visible social factors such as gender, social background, informal networks, and institutional practices. Participants highlighted that many researchers encounter challenges already in the early stages of their careers that can have long-term effects on their professional development.
Special attention was devoted to so-called invisible barriers, which significantly affect career advancement and individuals’ positions within academia. The discussion also highlighted the importance of balancing professional and private life, as well as the issue of representation of different social groups in leading positions within science. The speakers emphasized that diversity is not merely a question of equality, but also a key factor in the quality of scientific work and its societal impact.
The event underlined the need for systemic changes that go beyond individual efforts. Research institutions, policymakers, and the broader academic culture all play a crucial role in actively co-creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for the development of scientific careers.
Through an in-depth and open discussion, the event reaffirmed the importance of public dialogue on the role of science in society and further strengthened the position of the Science and Research Centre Koper as an important actor in addressing current social issues. The SPOZNAJ series thus remains an important platform for connecting science with the public and encouraging critical reflection on its future development.
The event was co-financed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, under whose auspices the Commission for Equal Opportunities in Science operates.
