The University of Ljubljana and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation have signed an agreement to finance the construction of the new building of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana, one of the largest infrastructure and research projects undertaken by the university in recent years.
The project will be financed through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the EU Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027, as well as through national funding from the ministry. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion planned for June 2029.
Rector of the University of Ljubljana, Prof. Dr Gregor Majdič, emphasized that securing funding for the new facility represents an important step in the long-term development of the university and Slovenian science. According to him, the new building will provide improved conditions for research, innovation, and the education of future generations of engineers and scientists.
Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Igor Papič, highlighted that alongside stable funding, modern infrastructure is essential for the development of high-quality higher education and scientific research. The construction of the new Faculty of Mechanical Engineering forms part of a broader investment cycle aimed at strengthening higher education and research infrastructure across Slovenia.
Minister for Cohesion and Regional Development, Dr Aleksander Jevšek, noted that the total value of the project amounts to €80 million, with €32 million provided by the European Regional Development Fund. He stressed that the project will significantly enhance research capacities, increase the competitiveness of the Slovenian economy, and create new opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Prof. Dr Jernej Klemenc, emphasized that the new building will provide students, researchers, and industry partners with state-of-the-art facilities: “The new Faculty of Mechanical Engineering clearly demonstrates that Slovenia is investing in knowledge and development. Mechanical engineering is one of the key sectors of the economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and enabling technological progress. With new laboratories, advanced research infrastructure, and modern teaching facilities, we will further strengthen our research activities, open new opportunities for young people, and deepen cooperation between academia and industry.”
The new building will be located in the Brdo university area, where several other faculties of the University of Ljubljana are already situated, further strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration. The facility will be designed as a highly energy-efficient and sustainable building, in line with modern standards of sustainable construction.
The new Faculty of Mechanical Engineering building represents an important milestone in improving research and teaching conditions and further strengthens the faculty’s position as one of the leading technical and research institutions in Slovenia.
Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA