Ljubljana, 9 June 2026 – Ljupka Vrteva, recipient of the Slovenian Engineer of the Year 2023 award and an alumna of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana, has been selected as one of twelve outstanding engineers featured in the prestigious international list Women Engineers You Should Know – 2026, compiled annually by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the world’s largest organization dedicated to supporting, advancing and connecting women in engineering.
The recognition is considered one of the most distinguished international acknowledgements in the engineering profession, celebrating technical excellence, impact on the advancement of the field, contributions to society, and leadership in shaping the future of engineering. The selected engineers come from diverse countries, research environments and industries, yet share a common commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and driving technological innovation.
In its profile of this year’s honourees, SWE highlighted Vrteva’s strong commitment to sustainability and her contribution to energy-efficient and socially responsible engineering.
As a development engineer specializing in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, she has played a key role in optimizing energy consumption across 73 buildings in Slovenia, resulting in annual energy savings of approximately 10 GWh and a reduction of nearly 4,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year.
She has also contributed significantly to the development of an innovative ventilation unit designed to improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency in schools. Her work directly supports the creation of healthier, safer and more comfortable environments for building occupants. SWE further recognized her holistic engineering approach, which combines technical excellence with social responsibility, sustainability and long-term environmental impact.
This latest recognition marks another milestone in Vrteva’s distinguished professional career. Following her selection as Engineer of the Year 2023 in Slovenia, the international acknowledgement confirms that her achievements resonate far beyond national borders. It also represents an important recognition of Slovenian expertise, research excellence and engineering innovation.
Since receiving the Engineer of the Year title, Vrteva has been actively promoting engineering and technical careers among young people. Through media appearances, public lectures and educational initiatives, she has inspired many young women to pursue studies and careers in engineering and other STEM fields. Her story demonstrates that women engineers can lead complex technical projects, develop sustainable solutions and make a meaningful contribution to society.
Her inclusion among the twelve selected engineers carries particular significance for Slovenia. It underscores the ability of Slovenian professionals to contribute to global engineering advancements and to help address some of the most pressing challenges of the future. Achievements such as this enhance the international visibility of Slovenia’s research and academic community while inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in engineering, science and technology.
At the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, we are committed to fostering an environment in which young people, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities to develop their talents and fulfil their potential. The achievements of our alumni demonstrate that knowledge, dedication and perseverance can lead to world-class accomplishments and make a lasting contribution to society both at home and internationally.
Photo: Personal Archive
