Why are events like the European Night of Researchers important? "It is important for people to see what is happening behind the walls and doors of research institutions, universities and other organizations working in the field of research and innovation. People need to get to know the enormous work that has been put into new knowledge and technologies, not only because of greater appreciation of the their effort but also to know what is happening,” explained the secretary at the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport Jernej Štromajer at the “Humanities, that’s you!” event, organised as part of the European Night of Researchers 2018 in Ljubljana.

Knowledge as the only competitive advantage
"Investing in research, science and development is a key potential competitive advantage of Slovenia and the European Union. If we want to become a knowledge-based society, we will have to invest," emphasized Štromajer, stressing that knowledge is "Slovenia’s only long-term competitive advantage".

Has science been overlooked in recent years? "Yes, the crisis has also taken its toll on investment in research and development. We are not at the pre-crisis level yet, and we have to reverse the trend. The current coalition has made a clear commitment to increasing the level of expenditure for science to one percent of GDP – the trend of investing in knowledge needs to be a positive one," the secretary replied.

The main problem of researchers is the money that the governments dedicates too little for this purpose. "It is true that finances have been inadequate for years and there is no indication that anyone will seriously address this issue. It is linked to all the material conditions in which researchers must work, but nevertheless, we are working hard, as reflected in our numerous research achievements,” argued Jasna Mažgon, who pointed out the lack of money but added that despite small funds Slovenia has had a number of truly impressive research achievements.