The POP Science Compendium: Non-Governmental Organizations as a Key Driver of the Science Revolution in Slovenia
Together with the partners of the POP Science project, we have published a new compendium in slovenian language titled “POP Science” (POP znanost), which brings a fresh perspective to the popularization of science in Slovenia. It reveals how non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have become a crucial engine for scientific literacy and how interdisciplinary collaboration is paving the way toward a sustainable future.
NGOs as a Motor for Scientific Literacy
For a long time, it was believed that the popularization of science was the exclusive domain of faculties and research institutes. With this newly created compendium, we aim to prove the opposite: the real revolution began in non-profit offices, garages, and even on the streets. With its flexibility and responsiveness, the NGO sector successfully bridges the gap between the academic sphere and the general public, bringing science closer to people in every corner of Slovenia.
The POP Science project, which officially launched in February 2025, brings together four key partners:
- EKTC Maribor (European Cultural and Technological Centre Maribor).
- ASEF (American Slovenian Education Foundation).
- SLAIS (Slovenian Artificial Intelligence Society).
- SDI (Slovenian Society INFORMATIKA).
Faces of Slovenian Science: From Sustainable Construction to Artificial Intelligence
Through four in-depth interviews, the compendium introduces visionaries who are pushing boundaries: Dr. Alenka Mauko Pranjić reveals the future of circular construction and emphasizes that sustainable building is primarily a challenge of social responsibility. Prof. Dr. Marko Robnik Šikonja opens the door to the democratization of science through the GaMS project, which promotes open science in Slovenia. Distinguished Prof. Dr. Lidija Zadnik Stirn highlights the necessity of interdisciplinary cooperation, as science is only successful when experts from different fields work together. Dr. Andrej Košmrlj sheds light on the crucial role of mentorship, which is essential not only for academic knowledge but for the lives of young researchers in general.
In addition to expert insights, the publication documents milestone events, such as international conferences on artificial intelligence and student hackathons, which prove that top-tier science today happens in direct contact with industry and society.
A special chapter is dedicated to the regional mobility of science, featuring an interactive map that allows every individual to contribute to the co-creation of the Slovenian scientific landscape and the spread of knowledge beyond the capital.
Do you know a non-profit organization in Slovenia involved in the popularization of science? Simply add it to our map database by scanning the QR code in the compendium.
About the Project
The project activities are co-financed by the Ministry of Public Administration of the Republic of Slovenia within the framework of the public tender for the development and professionalization of NGOs and volunteering 2024. The project strives to reduce the brain drain in Slovenia by promoting excellence and scientific literacy.