The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, in a speech at the ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the National Institute of Chemistry, said that the Institute had become a globally recognised research organisation in chemistry and similar branches of science, as its research work and modern infrastructure generates top research results, educates professionals and ensures that new know-how is translated into the economy.

 

(Photo: Primož Lavre/Salomon 2000)

 

The PM stressed that Slovenia's economic situation today facilitates setting higher and more ambitious goals than when the Institute was established and that we need to created conditions for retaining and attracting the most prominent scientists, which was a key challenge for Slovenia and the EU.  "Therefore, we must commend the successful participation of the National Institute of Chemistry in European projects, collaboration with national and foreign organisations and industry, and the mobility of researchers," said Mr Janša.

 

In the Resolution on National Research and Development Programme 2006-2010 Slovenia commits itself to increasing the influence of R&D and investment in the sector, and to raising the quality of the research network by encouraging the education of professionals and promoting a suitable environment for the development of research institutions and high-tech companies. The PM also said that development changes require long-term efforts from the whole of society. "Slovenia is convinced that a knowledge-based development of society, which is also incorporated in the Seventh Framework Programme for research and technological development, is the only possible future," said Mr Janša.

 

The PM welcomed the Institute's contribution to economic progress and raising the quality of life, and the attention it offers the young, particularly students. "A person’s authority lies in knowledge, so we wish that the National Institute of Chemistry will participate even more actively in programmes aimed at encouraging the young to study natural and technological sciences, and encourage its researchers to tutor primary school pupils and secondary school students, and their teachers," said the PM.

 

The PM congratulated the National Institute of Chemistry and the winners of the Pregel Awards for their work and wished them success in the future.