letopis sazu 2010

ing of academies of South-Eastern Europe, co-organised by IAP, the Global Alliance
of Academies, was devoted to regional cooperation in the fields of science,
technology and innovation. The participants appreciated the cooperation of the
Slovenian Academy with the national government in managing the fields of science,
culture and education as a visionary model to follow. The glimpse into the
next decades was accepted with approval, calling for governments’ responses to
important global and local issues. Particularly well received was the attention to
the educational system at all levels, for the acquisition of knowledge as a value and
the emphasis on value-based education.
In the past year, SASA continued its membership in the same inter-academy
associations as in previous years. A detailed presentation of the activities will be
available in the annual report of the Department for International Relations and
Scientific Coordination. However, SASA decided to withdraw from the European
Science Foundation (ESF). The benefits of membership in this organization were
not considered commensurate with the membership fee. Moreover, the ESF is
currently undergoing reorganization, and other academies that do not serve as
research funding agencies will also probably withdraw.
SASA also tried to mediate in the disagreements between the national government
and the Slovenian Science Institute (Slovenski znanstveni inštitut) in Vienna.
In our opinion the complication was unnecessary. SASA assessed that the
Institute performs its important mission of representing Slovenian science, art
and culture in Vienna very well, especially considering the meagre resources at
its disposal. SASA recommends that the Institute continues its activities unhindered
in the same format and with similar contents. The other members of the
consortium of the Institute – all four Slovenian universities and the SASA Science
and Research Centre, have joined this recommendation to the ministers without
reservation.
SASA has sought, in cooperation with the Ministries of Science and Culture,
to contribute to more long-term funding arrangements for the Slovenska Matica.
These efforts too, have not yet come to fruition.
The public response to the creative work of Academy members is also shown
by recognitions. I must mention the high decorations from abroad received by our
distinguished colleagues France Bernik, Andrej Jemec and Boris Pahor. Professor
Kajetan Gantar received the Žiga Zois Award for Lifetime Achievements. The
full record of a variety of awards to SASA members will appear in the Academy
Yearbook.
Several SASA artists exhibited their works in Slovenia and abroad, and scientists,
as always, added an abundant list of publications.
Members of the Presidency and other members often accepted invitations
to contribute opening speeches or introductory lectures at scientific and cultural
events in Ljubljana and elsewhere in Slovenia.
35