When the Future Becomes a Community: The 2026 ASEF Gala Reception Successfully Hosted
When the Future Becomes a Community: The 2026 ASEF Gala Reception Successfully Hosted
Ljubljana, June 9 – Celebrating the connection between Slovenian scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, and supporters from Slovenia and around the world, the City Museum of Ljubljana hosted this year’s traditional ASEF Gala Reception. Organized by the ASEF Institute for Education and Research, the event once again proved that top-tier Slovenian knowledge transcends geographical boundaries and that the strength of our community lies in mentorship, collaboration, and giving back to society.
From a Simple Idea to a Global Family
The official part of the evening opened with welcome addresses by the co-founder of ASEF and the Minister of Education, Science, and Youth, who both highlighted the profound significance of this global network.
Prof. Dr. Jure Leskovec, Professor of Computer Science at the prestigious Stanford University and co-founder of ASEF, reflected on the organization’s inception. He emphasized that ASEF grew out of a simple yet powerful idea: that Slovenian knowledge and the success of our people at top universities and research centers worldwide represent one of our country’s greatest assets. In his view, it is vital to connect, share, and systematically pass this invaluable wealth on to new generations of young talent.
The role of the state and the broader support ecosystem was further outlined by the Minister of Education, Science, and Youth, Prof. Dr. Borut Rončević. In his speech, he stressed that close cooperation between science, the economy, and state institutions is crucial for the progress of any society. He added that steady support from policymakers provides young researchers and entrepreneurs with the wings they need to reach global heights.
Premiere: The ASEF Map of Knowledge and Entrepreneurship in the USA
A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of a new project titled “Analysis of the Entrepreneurial Diaspora and the Development of a Support Ecosystem for Slovenian Entrepreneurs in the USA.”
On stage, Nika Burja premiered the ASEF Map of Knowledge and Entrepreneurship. The project maps out Slovenian entrepreneurial and research hubs in key American nodes, including Silicon Valley, Boston, New York, and Austin. The goal of this map is to foster long-term, systemic integration of the Slovenian diaspora into the development of Slovenia.
The Power of Mentorship: Research Abroad and Visit Slovenia
As the program continued, the spotlight turned to the two pillars of the institute – fellowship programs and the mentors who open doors to the world and to Slovenia. Through a video collage, prominent mentors from abroad shared their experiences and the impact of the 10-week research visits. Insights were provided by Prof. Dr. Boštjan Kobe (University of Queensland, Australia), Prof. Dr. Marinka Žitnik (Harvard University, USA), and Prof. Dr. Jernej Ule (University College London, UK). Sharing her perspective live on stage, Prof. Urška Velikonja from Georgetown University illuminated the immense value of these exchanges based on her personal experience.
Our second, equally vital program enables young people of Slovenian descent living abroad to conduct research in their ancestral homeland. The program was presented by a newly joined ASEF mentor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Urh Grošelj (Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana and UKC Ljubljana), who emphasized the value of international cooperation and building lasting ties with the homeland of their ancestors.
The ASEF ZGLED 2026 Award Presented to Prof. Dr. Zdenko Časar
The most emotional and significant moment of the evening was the presentation of the ASEF ZGLED 2026 Award. This accolade honors individuals who inspire the entire community through their professional excellence, dedication to mentorship, and personal example.
Following a moving video tribute from grateful mentees, the Director of the ASEF Institute, Dr. Rok Sekirnik, proudly presented the award to Prof. Dr. Zdenko Časar. Recognized as this year’s pillar of excellence and mentorship, Dr. Časar follows in the footsteps of last year’s recipient, the artificial intelligence pioneer Prof. Dr. Ivan Bratko.
Networking Over Cuisine and Interactive Bingo
Following the formal proceedings, the hall of the City Museum was transformed into a relaxed “living room,” complete with comfortable lounge areas, an atrium garden, and music by a DJ. Guests enjoyed premium local delicacies featuring Slovenian culinary classics with a modern twist—ranging from Karst prosciutto and Idrija žlikrofi to mini Bled cream cakes and traditional potica.
Adding an extra spark of energy and connection was the ASEF Bingo game, which encouraged guests to mingle, talk, and expand their networks. The evening concluded with an exciting raffle draw for the grand prize: a travel voucher contributed by the company Nomago.
Acknowledgments to Partners
An event of this scale would not be possible without our outstanding partners. Sincere thanks go to the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth, the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS), the City Museum of Ljubljana, Nomago, and all the donors who supported our fellowship funds.
ASEF remains more than just a collection of programs—it is a family that stays connected, no matter where we are in the world. Thank you all, and see you at the next Gala!
Photo credits: Aleš Rosa