A delegation from the Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, led by Director Dr. Slavko Dimović, undertook an important working visit to Slovenia on May 29th and 30th, 2025. This dual visit to the Krško Nuclear Power Plant and the Jožef Stefan Institute in Ljubljana was not merely ceremonial. Still, it aimed to further enhance inter-institutional collaboration, facilitate knowledge exchange, and open avenues for academic and scientific mobility.

Day One: Visit to Krško Nuclear Power Plant

The first day of the visit began at Slovenia's only nuclear power plant, a crucial energy hub in the region. The Vinča Institute delegation was welcomed by representatives of the plant's management, who, through presentations and open discussions, outlined the operational and safety aspects of the facility.

Our Institute's delegation made a significant impression, with the hosts openly expressing great interest in the demonstrated capabilities and research expertise.

A special emphasis during the visit was placed on knowledge exchange regarding:

• Operational Procedures and Monitoring Systems: This provided an opportunity to gain insight into the practical implementation of continuous reactor monitoring, as well as how to respond in various operating modes and potential incident situations.
• Human Resource Management and Personnel Training: The delegation toured the training center, which features a precise replica of the control room, where operators acquire practical knowledge in realistic conditions. The experience and work at this center are particularly valuable for developing domestic training programs and educational content in the field of nuclear energy.
• Public Communication and Trust Building: The hosts shared their experiences concerning strategic approaches to informing citizens, including transparency, education, and managing public perception of nuclear energy.
• Commitment to Sustainability and Environmental Protection: Representatives provided a detailed presentation on radioactive waste storage methods, covering all phases: from temporary storage to long-term management, with the application of strictly controlled procedures aligned with the highest standards of the European Union and international regulatory bodies.

The hosts' hospitality was exceptional, and their openness in sharing experiences and expert knowledge attested to their readiness to contribute to strengthening regional cooperation in nuclear safety and energy. 

Day Two: Visit to Jožef Stefan Institute and Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana

On the second day, the visit continued at the Jožef Stefan Institute, the country's most eminent scientific institution. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Director Dr. Boštjan Zalar, who demonstrated an exceptional personal and institutional commitment to developing regional cooperation and promoting nuclear science through open dialogue and concrete proposals for future collaboration.

The Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at the University of Ljubljana, Prof. Dr. Janez Bonča, presented their educational programs and expressed openness to accepting students from Serbia for master's and doctoral academic studies. This laid the foundation for stronger educational cooperation and personnel exchange.

The program at IJS included a series of thematic presentations and tours:

• Presentation of the activities of IJS and the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics.

• Presentation of the Vinča Institute and its potential for joint projects.
• An insight into the operation of the TRIGA Mark II reactor, a unique research facility in the region.
• Tours of Thelma Laboratory, the ICJT center, the Department of Reactor Engineering and Physics, accelerator systems, and environmental laboratories.

During their stay, the delegation particularly highlighted the importance of the educational dimension of cooperation and initiated a proposal for sending students from Serbia for master's studies within IJS and the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics. This initiative is a crucial step towards developing human resources in nuclear sciences, strengthening scientific mobility, and fostering regional integration.

Both the Krško Nuclear Power Plant and the Jožef Stefan Institute are institutions with clearly defined research focuses and exceptionally well-developed cooperation with international partners. Their dedication to excellence and to educating new generations of scientists makes them ideal partners for the Vinča Institute's future activities in research, innovation, and education.