Invited lecturers
🧪 LabCore
Where there’s a will, there’s a way
Founded during the turbulence of COVID-19, LabCore has grown into a powerhouse of medicinal chemistry. From GMP anaylitcs (e.g. cannabinoid analysis) and anti-aging research (Sirtuin 6 activator) to biopharma processing, specialized organic synthesis, and deformulation – they thrive on complex challenges and deliver cutting-edge pharmaceutical solutions.
🔬 dr. Iva Hafner Bratkovič (National Institute of Chemistry Slovenia)
Curiosity-driven immunology research inspires novel treatment strategies
A renowned expert in the molecular mechanisms of innate immune signaling, dr. Hafner Bratkovič focuses on processes linked to inflammation and cancer. Her recent work introduces a novel cancer immunotherapy approach that combines immunostimulatory protein secretion with immunogenic cancer cell death. For her impactful research, she received the Miroslav Zei Award for Exceptional Achievements.
☢️ doc. dr. Luka Ležaić (UKC Ljubljana)
From bench to bedside – clinical translation of radiopharmaceuticals in first-in-human trials
A specialist in internal and nuclear medicine, Luka Lezaič MD PhD research and clinical interests span across the clinical fields of cardiovascular disease (specifically diagnosis and therapy of advanced cardiac dysfunction), diagnosis of infectious and inflammatory conditions and oncology (in particular the diagnosis and therapy of endocrine and neuroendocrine neoplasms). Following these interests he attended fellowships and sholarships in Europe (Essen, Germany; London, UK) and the USA (Stanford). Currently he heads the Department of diagnostic imaging at the Division of nuclear medicine, University medical centre Ljubljana, Slovenia.
🧬 JAFRAL
The use of bacteriophage technology to address upcoming health & biotechnology challenges
A world-leading CDMO in bacteriophage, plasmid DNA, mRNA, LBP and recombinant protein production. In addition to their key role in phage-based solutions in various fields (e.g. human therapeutics, veterinary, and more), JAFRAL is also involved in cell therapy and gene therapy where among others they also produced drug for treating cancer, as part of SmartGene.Si project. In 2012, they were finalists for the Slovenian Start-up of the Year award.
⚗️ prof. dr. Petar Djinović (National Institute of Chemistry Slovenia)
Using light for new discoveries in catalytic reactions
An expert in heterogeneous catalysis and chemical engineering, with a strong emphasis on utilizing nanomaterials in his research, dr. Djinović focuses on the catalytic conversion of CO₂ into value-added chemicals. He also explores hydrogen production, epoxidation, and hydrocarbon functionalization, and is a pioneer of photothermal catalysis research in Slovenia. For his globally relevant research contributions, he received the Pregl Award—the most prestigious scientific recognition given by the National Institute of Chemistry.
🌍 assoc. prof. dr. Gabriela Kalčíková (Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology Ljubljana)
The secret life of microplastics: Understanding their environmental impacts
An expert in microplastics, dr. Kalčíková explores their production, environmental aging, ecotoxicological effects, and interactions with other pollutants. She leads the PLANTERASTICS group at the University of Ljubljana, which, in addition to raising awareness about microplastic pollution, drives research focused on pollution mitigation and plastic waste reduction.
💠 dr. Matjaž Mazaj (National Institute of Chemistry Slovenia)
Smart Materials for a Breathable Future: Tackling CO₂ Indoors
An expert in porous materials, dr. Mazaj specializes in the synthesis, structural optimization, and characterization of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for diverse gas adsorption applications. His work focuses on enhancing CO₂ capture, especially in confined spaces, and on developing bioMOFs for efficient drug delivery. Crystallography underpins his work by providing critical insights into the structural features necessary for fine-tuning MOF performance.
🔥 dr. Matija Uršič (ZAG)
What We Learn from Burning Things
At the crossroads of materials science, toxicology, and engineering, Dr. Uršič explores fire safety through rigorous research and real-world testing at the Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG). His work focuses on the chemical analysis of fire residues—gases, particulates, and semi-volatile organics—to understand their toxicity and long-term health impact. From safer battery systems to sustainable construction materials, his research helps design solutions that protect both people and the planet.
Main sponsor presentation
Krka d.d.
From mg to kg – Development of API synthesis
Lek Pharmaceuticals d.d.
From Vision to Reality: Setting Up a New State of the Art Bioinjectables Drug Product Production Site“
A space where ideas meet and possibilities unfold is making a return.
Where minds connect, curiosity rises — and the scent of something freshly baked is in the air. 🍪
| 8:00 | Registration and poster installment | |
| 8:30 | Opening ceremony Ines Babnik, prof. dr. Marko Novinec | |
| 8:45 | LabCore Where there’s a will, there’s a way | |
| 9:15 | dr. Iva Hafner Bratkovič Curiosity-driven immunology research inspires novel treatment strategies | |
| 9:35 | doc. dr. Luka Ležaić From bench to bedside – clinical translation of radiopharmaceuticals in first-in-human trials | |
| 9:55 | coffee break | |
| 10:10 | Jafral The use of bacteriophage technology to address upcoming health & biotechnology challenges | |
| 10:40 | dr. Matjaž Mazaj Smart Materials for a Breathable Future: Tackling CO₂ Indoors | |
| 11:00 | dr. Matija Uršič What We Learn from Burning Things | |
| 11:20 | Lek Pharmaceuticals d.d. From Vision to Reality: Setting Up a New State of the Art Bioinjectables Drug Product Production Site | |
| 11:35 | coffee break | |
| 11:50 | prof. dr. Petar Djinović Using light for new discoveries in catalytic reactions | |
| 12:10 | assoc. prof. dr. Gabriela Kalčíková The secret life of microplastics: Understanding their environmental impacts | |
| 12:30 | Krka d.d. From mg to kg – Development of API synthesis | |
| 12:45 | Lunch | |
| 14:00 | Elevator pitch sessions | Young Minds² 14:00 – 15:30 |
| 15:00 | Poster session & coffee break | |
| 16:30 | Closing remarks and award ceremony | |
| 17:00 | Afternoon mingle | |