Ceremonial academy on the occasion of the centenary of INV

Celebration on the 100th anniversary of the Institute for Ethnic Issues
“Researching Ethnicity, Understanding Diversity“

In 2025, the Institute for Ethnic Issues celebrates its 100th anniversary. INV is the oldest scientific research institute in Slovenia. The centenary at the INV was marked by various events, presentations of the results of scientific research work and scientific conferences.

The main event took place on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 6 p.m., when the ceremonial academy on the 100th anniversary of the Institute for Ethnic Issues (INV) was held at the National Gallery in Ljubljana, entitled “Researching Ethnicity, Understanding Diversity”.

As part of the ceremony, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, PhD presented the Institute for Ethnic Issues with the high state decoration Golden Order of Merit for its historical contribution to the understanding of ethnic and national relations and to the development of scientific and professional knowledge in this field. The Institute for Ethnic Issues is the first scientific research institute in Slovenia to receive such a high state decoration.

In 2025, the INV also received the Capital City of Ljubljana Award, which is awarded by the Municipality of Ljubljana to exceptional individuals or institutions from Ljubljana who, with their achievements and excellence, contribute to the reputation and development of the city of Ljubljana.

The INV has already received several state decorations and awards in the past. In 1995, it received the Silver Badge of Freedom of the Republic of Slovenia from the then President of the Republic of Slovenia, Milan Kučan, for its long-term systematic and successful study of minority issues in Slovenia and issues of the Slovenian national community outside the borders of the Republic of Slovenia. In 2021, on the 30th anniversary of Slovenia’s independence, the Institute was also the recipient of a commemorative medal.

A short film was presented on the history of the Institute for Ethnic Issues from its beginnings to the present day, as well as on its current research work, international cooperation and other aspects of its operations. At the ceremony, special emphasis was placed on the Institute’s international engagement and its contribution to policy-making in the field of ethnic and national issues.

In her ceremonial address, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, PhD emphasized the importance of investing in the study of ethnic and national issues, as appropriate policies cannot be formulated without scientific foundations. Above all, she emphasized that ethnic issues are not only a matter of the past, but also of the present and future, which enrich our space and hold up a mirror to it. The topics studied by the Institute for Ethnic Issues are more urgent today than ever before, as they are one of the foundations of a modern and tolerant society.

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Igor Papič, PhD, congratulated the INV, as the work of the institute is today applicable and relevant and offers support in finding a balance between technology and the humanities and social sciences in the face of rapid technological development.

The President of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Acad. Peter Štih, PhD, outlined the development of the Institute and highlighted the most important turning points to date.

The Director of the Institute for Ethnic Issues, Prof. Sonja Novak Lukanović, PhD, emphasized that the INV contributes to a better society through its scientific work. One hundred years of research on ethnicity and diversity is a celebration for everyone, as research on ethnic diversity is not just an academic mission, but a reminder of how rich human society is. It is a reminder and an encouragement, as well as a moral compass when society needs it, and at the same time a look into the future, how to build an inclusive society and an example of cooperation between different scientific disciplines.

The ceremony program included a presentation of the history of the Institute for Ethnic Issues from its beginnings to the present day, as well as an overview of current research work and international cooperation.

The Academy concluded with the thoughts of young researcher Natko Štiglić and young researcher Antonija Todić about the Institute today and in the future. The event was also accompanied by a short cultural program.

Please see the photo gallery below.