Director Dr Miloš Bavec's view on the past, present and future of GeoZS.

The Geological Survey of Slovenia celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. Could you briefly outline its development from its establishment to the present day?

The Geological Survey for Slovenia, today known as the Geological Survey of Slovenia (GeoZS), was established in May 1946 within the then Ministry of Industry, primarily to meet the needs of the newly formed state for natural resources and the management of their use. At that time, it was one of the first research institutes in Slovenia, which only later developed into such institutions. Its rapid establishment was undoubtedly supported by the fact that relevant expertise already existed in Slovenia. The study of geology at the University of Ljubljana had been established as early as 1919, and scientists and experts in this field had been active in the Slovenian territory long before that.

This was followed by several organisational transformations and a true expansion of activities until the 1990s, when the then substantial Geological Survey Ljubljana was significantly reduced and divided. A part of the institute, named the Institute of Geology, Geotechnics and Geophysics, assumed the role of the national geological survey and, following further reorganisation in 1998, became a public research institute under its current name, the Geological Survey of Slovenia (GeoZS). This transformation was crucial, as it marked the point from which GeoZS has operated as a research institute, grounding its extensive knowledge transfer to society in scientific excellence.

Today, GeoZS is comparable to the most advanced and modern organisations of its kind in Europe and globally. One of the key challenges facing modern society is the transition to sustainable development and the green transition. What role can GeoZS play in these efforts?

Achieving the sustainable use of natural resources, increasing the share of renewable energy sources, ensuring efficient supply systems and a circular economy, maintaining a clean and safe environment, and achieving climate neutrality—these are only some of the most important objectives of sustainable development and the green transition, all of which are fundamentally based on knowledge of the subsurface. The majority of resources, energy potential, and opportunities for infrastructure development are located beneath the Earth’s surface. It is therefore essential to align societal interests with the capacities and possibilities of the subsurface in a systematic manner. Direct observations and data from the subsurface are, of course, limited, and its properties can only be reliably understood through sound and modern interpretations grounded in high-quality scientific research. It can therefore be said that the objectives of sustainable development and the green transition are closely aligned with the research priorities of GeoZS.

Only in recent years has our society begun to fully recognise once again the importance of applying domestic knowledge within the national context—a shift that has fortunately now taken place. As a result, our research outputs are in high demand—not only as scientific achievements, but also as a foundation for our expert and advisory services to the state, businesses, and individuals.

Retrospective reflections at milestone anniversaries typically lead to consideration on future development. How would you define your vision for the near future?

Geological research, data acquisition, and their interpretation play a key role in planning the future development of society in alignment with the Earth’s capacities and limited natural resources. Based on both fundamental and applied research, as well as professional expertise, GeoZS will continue to provide increasingly important support to national and European decision-makers in all activities related to sustainable and nature-based management and spatial planning of both the Earth’s surface and subsurface. This includes the use of natural resources, vulnerability and risk assessments, and ensuring a healthy and safe living environment. A comprehensive understanding of the Earth in the broadest sense is essential for human well-being and quality of life. Our vision is grounded in a clearly defined strategic orientation to further strengthen scientific excellence through national and international research projects, while ensuring its long-term and robust foundations through the considered stewardship of stable science funding from the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency.

Strengthening partnerships, both nationally and internationally, is also essential for achieving our objectives. Through successful cooperation within high-quality partnerships, we enhance our international reputation, improve the quality of our work and results, and contribute to broader societal development.

What are the key thematic areas shaping your future activities?

There is a growing number of complex challenges related to environmental change and quality of life. Addressing these challenges requires multidisciplinary research collaboration and active participation in shaping Slovenian and European policies that ensure a clean environment, clean air, access to uncontaminated drinking water, preservation of soil quality, and sustainable use of natural resources. One of the key strategic directions in the coming years is also the strengthening of research into geohazards.

Energy supply is another major challenge for the future. We will therefore strive to achieve breakthroughs in understanding the potential and applicability of geothermal energy as an important strategic resource for the green energy transition and decarbonisation.

At the same time, the importance of self-sufficiency in mineral and energy resources is increasingly becoming part of everyday public discourse. GeoZS is therefore strategically focusing on research into the potential and evaluation of mineral and energy resources and reserves. We will strengthen research across the entire life cycle of mineral and energy resources, including secondary raw materials. We will continue to provide expert support to ministries and local communities in decision-making processes related to mineral resources, as well as environmental protection and the conservation of natural heritage.

Our digital transformation is guided towards what may be described as the “holy grail” of our discipline: the establishment of a digital twin of the subsurface—a dynamic digital representation of conditions and processes based on acquired data and scientifically grounded interpretations. We will also continue to advocate for the adoption of a new Geological Data Act, which, in line with the principles of open science, will ensure open access to interpreted data and position GeoZS as the central custodian of all geological data in Slovenia. This is already standard practice elsewhere in Europe, whereas Slovenia is still somewhat hesitant in this regard.

What key message would you like to convey to the readers of GeoNovice on the occasion of this important anniversary?

The development of cutting-edge science and the progress of any research institute, including GeoZS, are primarily based on the competence, motivation, satisfaction, and high-quality work of researchers and all employees, who represent its greatest asset. It is therefore essential to create a supportive environment that enables continuous learning and both professional and personal development. Without an inclusive and supportive working environment, research institutions cannot achieve outstanding scientific breakthroughs; therefore, the well-being of employees must remain at the centre of our efforts.