The Scientific Council (SC) of KIS is an independent body of the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, which deals with issues related to the scientific and professional work of the institute. The mission of the SC KIS is to ensure the development of research and professional work in the fields of activity of the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia.
The development of our institute and its role in society depend on the quality and recognition of the research and professional achievements of our employees. Young people in particular need help, encouragement and praise in their work.
Composition of the KIS Scientific Council (2022–2026)
- Prof. Dr. Andrej Simončič, Director of KIS
- Prof. Dr. Marjeta Čandek-Potokar, Chair***
- Dr. Kristina Ugrinović, Vice-Chair***
- Dr. Barbara Gerič Stare**
- Dr. Matej Stopar
- Dr. Špela Velikonja Bolta
- Dr. Maja Kožar
- Dr Vladimir Meglič*
- Dr Jaka Razinger*
*from 18 May 2023, following a decision by the director, in accordance with the new Statute of the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia
**until 22 January 2024: President
***from 22 January 2024
ZS KIS awards
The purpose of the awards of the Scientific Council of the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia for scientific, research, professional and development achievements (hereinafter referred to as ZS KIS awards) is to recognise and highlight the achievements of KIS employees in a given year. The indirect purpose of the ZS KIS awards is also to:
- to encourage researchers and professional staff, especially young people at the beginning of their careers, to strive for excellence in their work;
- to promote the quality of scientific research, professional and development work at KIS; and
- promote KIS as a scientific and research institution.
SC KIS awards recognitions in three categories:
- significant scientific research or professional or development achievement in the current year;
- significant scientific research or professional or development achievement in the current year for young employees;
- achievement that contributes to the recognition of the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia in the Slovenian and international environment.
SC KIS awards for 2025
- The following individuals received awards for achievements that contribute to the recognition of KIS in Slovenia and internationally:
- Dr. Maja Kožar for the development of simplified accounting on farms – FADN in Slovenia, ensuring its visibility and the use of its results, and the transition to FSDN.
- Romana Rutar, M.Sc., and colleagues from the Seed Laboratory of the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia for international accreditation by ISTA – International Seed Testing Association
- Recognition for significant professional and research achievements was awarded to Dr. Špela Modic and her colleagues Dr. Eva Praprotnik, Primož Žigon, Dr. Jaka Razinger, and Igor Nekrep for the early discovery of the quarantine pest Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica), diagnostics, scientific publication, professional support and coordination in identifying new outbreaks of the pest, and the development of measures for its eradication.
