On July 16, 2025, Prof. Dr. Leon Cizelj began his term as Acting Director of the Jožef Stefan Institute. He took over the leadership of Slovenia’s largest scientific research institute from Prof. Dr. Boštjan Zalar. At the handover of duties, Dr. Mark Pleško, Chairman of the Institute’s Management Board, and Prof. Dr. Denis Arčon, Chairman of the Institute’s Scientific Council, both thanked the outgoing director for his work.

Acting Director Leon Cizelj considers leading the Institute a great honour, a personal milestone, as well as a significant challenge and responsibility. “With more than 1,300 employees, the Institute is today the largest and most renowned Slovenian research organization in the fields of natural sciences, engineering, and life sciences. We are well established and recognized both nationally and internationally. Our biggest challenges in the coming years will be designing and implementing major interdisciplinary and strategic projects, improving business processes, and relieving researchers of administrative burdens.”