About us
The Geological Survey of Slovenia (GeoZS) is a multidisciplinary public research institute with a wide range of activities with a scientific and professional focus on geology and other geosciences. By fulfilling our mission and tasks, we respond to the needs of society and remain the central geological institution in Slovenia. We are a national custodian of geological information with a central role in national geological research and a long tradition of data acquisition, information production and dissemination, and management of geological research. We conduct basic and applied research and provide access to objective and accurate data and research results. We follow the principles of open science. We are involved in global research trends and also pursue our goals within the network of European geological survey organisations, EuroGeoSurveys (EGS), which provides expert, science-based information in the European area to address challenges and shape policies, regulations and programmes in geoscience-related areas.
In 2024, we adopted a new strategic document that set outs the framework for the development of the GeoZS until 2030. A summary of the GeoZS 2030 Strategy is available in Slovene and English.
The cornerstone of GeoZS is basic and applied research in the field of geosciences with the aim of gaining a precise understanding of the geosphere: its origin and history, physical and chemical structure, dynamics and interactions with the hydrosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere and, increasingly, the anthroposphere. At GeoZS, we collect and interpret data, presenting it through published research findings, including fundamental and thematic geological maps and models, as well as expert reports and studies. Our information is to be shared with the industry sector, policy-makers and the public. As a research organisation, GeoZS provides its expertise and technical advice to support sustainable land use, responsible natural resource management, and ensuring a healthy and safe living environment on Earth. A comprehensive understanding of the Earth in its broadest sense is essential for the well-being and prosperity of humanity.
Looking ahead
Geological research, the data obtained and their interpretation play a key role in planning the future development of human society in accordance with the Earth's capacity and limited natural resources.
Based on basic and applied research and expertise, GeoZS will support national and European decision-makers in all activities of sustainable land use management and planning on and below the Earth's surface, including the use of natural resources, vulnerability assessment and risks, and the provision of a healthy and safe living environment. We will continuously provide the critical mass of knowledge, research capacity, data and equipment needed to fulfil this task.
Geoscience professionals work in accordance with the ethical standards in the geosciences adopted by the International Association for the Promotion of Geoethics. In accordance with the principles of geoethics, we pursue our values with an awareness of our role and responsibility to society at large.
Our core values are intellectual freedom, research integrity and the creation of an inclusive environment in which we can address the needs of society and our business partners.
Through the targeted results of our work, we are working towards sustainable development and a circular economy, mitigating the effects of global environmental and climate change, and reducing and managing natural risks and risks caused by anthropogenic interference with the natural environment.
We continuously improve our expertise through training to achieve professional visibility and competence in international research projects and to maintain the trust of our business partners.
We build relationships on trust, transparency and professional credibility.
Looking back
Next year, GeoZS celebrates its 80th anniversary. It was founded on 7 May 1946 as the Geological Institute of Slovenia under the Ministry of Industry and Mining. After the decentralisation of the economy in 1950, it came under the administration of the Energy and Extractive Industry Council of the People's Republic of Slovenia and was renamed to the Administration for Geological Investigations of Slovenia. In 1952, it merged with the Drilling Company and settled in Ljubljana. In 1974, the institute was divided into three units and in 1979 into six basic organisations of associated labour. In 1989, it moved to its current location at Dimičeva 14 in Ljubljana. Following the Enterprise Act of 1990, it was transformed into six independent companies, with the Institute of Geology, Geotechnics and Geophysics becoming the national geological survey. In 1998, the institute was transformed into the public research institute Geological Survey of Slovenia and the company Geonženiring, d.o.o..