ZRC SAZU Gold Award: dr. Jana Horvat

Jana Horvat, SAZU Associate Member, ZRC SAZU Institute of Archaeology

Jana Horvat already demonstrated in her master’s thesis research on ancient Nauportus that she was aware of the challenges faced by the archeology of Antiquity in Slovenia. She continued to pursue this line of research in her doctoral dissertation, in which she analyzed the remnants of the early Roman settlement at Sermin near Koper, elucidating the Romanization processes in northwestern Istria. In the following years, she expanded her research interest to Romanization in the southeastern Alps and the characteristics of Roman-era settlement and urbanization between the northern Adriatic and the Pannonian Basin. Also worth noting is her long-term engagement with ancient Poetovio, in which she often included specialists from other disciplines in her detailed studies of archaeological material culture as well as fieldwork.

Over the years, Jana Horvat has established herself as one of the leading experts in the archeology of Antiquity in Slovenia, in both Slovenian and international specialist circles. Her scholarly achievements have helped increase the profile of both the Institute of Archeology and all of ZRC SAZU as the central Slovenian research establishment in the humanities..

ZRC SAZU Silver Award: dr. Katarina Bačnik

Katarina Bačnik, National Institute of Biology

Already while conducting research at the University of Freiburg as a student, Katarina Bačnik discovered a new enzyme mechanism with a group of colleagues, and they reported their discovery in the journal Science. In 2017, she began work as a junior researcher at the National Institute of Biology. During her doctoral studies, she advanced her expertise in virology, molecular virus detection methods, and bioinformatics. Her doctoral dissertation focused on detecting viral genomes in complex samples, such as wastewater, the invertebrate hepatopancreas, and cell lines for the production of biologics in the biopharmaceutical industry. She was also involved in research on using spider webs to detect environmental DNA, which was conducted in collaboration with the ZRC SAZU Jovan Hadži Institute of Biology. She used her research findings to establish pilot monitoring for SARS-CV-2 concentrations in Slovenian wastewater. She was also a science editor at Radio Študent, where she produced over fifty pieces, contributing extensively to science communication. 

ZRC SAZU Blue Award: Franjo Drole

Franjo Drole, ZRC SAZU Karst Research Institute

Franjo Drole has been employed at the ZRC SAZU Karst Research Institute since 1986. Trained as a surveying technician, his research passion is karst caves. His primary area of work is cave surveying, which is also linked to other activities related to cartography and speleology. He is also responsible for maintaining and updating the Cave Cadaster. An outstanding organizer, Drole is also distinguished by excellent technical skills and resourcefulness. He is also in charge of maintenance of the institute’s main and ancillary buildings. Through his skills, he supports the research activity at other institutes and, for many years now, he has been involved in surveying the area of the Triglav Glacier conducted by the ZRC SAZU Anton Melik Geographical Institute. He is skilled at creating strong social ties with his colleagues and, with his great sense of humor and positive energy, he makes every social event at work even more enjoyable.

ZRC SAZU Blue Award: Tanja Valte

TTanja Valte, ZRC SAZU Assistant Director

Tanja Valte already demonstrated her excellent organizational skills as an assistant specialist at the ZRC SAZU Fran Ramovš Institute of the Slovenian Language. This is why she took over the administrative monitoring of national research projects within the ZRC Board. Her colleagues—she was nominated for the Blue Award by all the institutes and the Založba ZRC publishing house—believe that it is thanks to her careful work and dedication that all project proposals are technically flawless and exemplary, and that research reporting complies with all the requirements. Her constant availability and responsiveness are among qualities worth noting. Even in the most stressful moments, she carries out her work with patience, calm, and an encouraging attitude, as well as a great deal of goodwill and readiness. With all this, Tanja Valte contributes to the stability and good organization of our research institution, as well as its internal flexibility and relaxed atmosphere.