NEWS | 
Last saturday, 28.3.2026, we welcomed numerous visitors to our laboratory as part of the Institute’s Open Days. Our team presented key research areas, including smart coatings, atomic-scale material simulations (DFT), and innovative strategies for extending the lifetime of metals through electrochemical methods, protective coatings, and inhibitors. In addition to presenting our department, we also set up an interactive station. Visitors could take part in our corrosion-themed memory game, explore self-cleaning “lotus effect” surfaces, and discover the ElectrochemisTREE—illustrating how corrosion processes can be used as a source of energy. A big thank you to everyone who joined us and to our team of researchers who made it all possible. We look forward to seeing you again next year!
This week, we had a wonderful and creative team gathering organized by our colleague Chenyang Xie, who led a hands-on dumpling-making workshop. With additional support from our colleague Lin Zhang, who shared her experience and guided us throughout the process, the gathering became a fun and engaging experience for everyone. Together, we prepared four different types of dumplings and enjoyed not only the cooking, but also the great company. A big thank you to Chenyang for the fantastic idea and organization, and to everyone who participated and helped make it both delicious and enjoyable. Looking forward to more moments like this.
Dr. Brajesh Rajesh Bhagat participated in the Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad Memorial National Science Conference 2026, held from 11–12 March 2026 and organized by the The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, India. The conference was centered around the theme “Accelerating Innovation for a Sustainable Future.” During the event, Dr. Bhagat delivered an oral presentation titled “Crystal field splitting vs. Hund’s rule: A curious case of CoOOH & CoFeOOH,” which was awarded the Best Oral Presentation Award (3rd place). The research investigates how the interplay between crystal field splitting and Hund’s rule determines the electronic and spin states of metal centers in CoFeOOH-based materials, offering important insight into their catalytic behavior for seawater electrolysis. The work was carried out under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Anton Kokalj, with valuable contributions from colleagues dr. Matic Poberžnik and Lin Zhang, and experimental collaboration from Dr. Suraj Gupta (K9 Department). This research is part of the @ASTERISK EU project and is supported by the @Clean Hydrogen Partnership, co-funded by the European Union. We congratulate him on this award, a well-deserved recognition of both his work and his excellent presentation.
On the occasion of Civil Protection Day, the central national ceremony was held on 2 March 2026 at Brdo pri Kranju, where awards were presented to individuals and organisations for their selfless assistance and outstanding achievements in protecting against natural and other disasters. The highest award (the Civil Protection Statuette) was presented this year to the Ecological Laboratory with a Mobile Unit (ELME). The award recognises lifetime work and achievements in the field of protection and rescue. On behalf of the Institute, the award was accepted by the Director, Prof. Dr. Leon Cizelj. As part of the mobile chemical laboratory operating within ELME, two researchers from our department, Assoc. Prof. Peter Rodič and Barbara Kapun, also contribute their expertise, playing an important role in an effective response to environmental and other emergency incidents. We sincerely congratulate the ELME team on receiving this award and wish them continued success in their training and in safe field operations.
Photo: Marjan Verč
On 5 of February, on TV SLO 1, the programme Orthopedic Implants brought together leading experts from research, clinical practice, and engineering. The programme featured our Prof. Dr. Ingrid Milošev, together with Dr. Vesna Levašič from Ortopedska bolnišnica Valdoltra Ankaran Slovenia. In addition, research activities at the University of Ljubljana, Faculty Of Mechanical Engineering, were presented through a faculty visit led by Prof. Dr. Edvard Govekar, including laboratory work and 3D printing of implant materials, as well as by Prof. Dr. Franc Pušavec, who presented surface treatment. The programme offered valuable insight into how science, engineering, and clinical practice are shaping the future of orthopedic implants. A good example of successful collaboration is also the BIOAD project, where experts combined their knowledge and researched advanced materials for the development of modern orthopedic solutions.
Photo: Screenshot from the programme
After 20 years as the head of our department, Prof. Dr. Ingrid Milošev is handing over the leadership to Prof. Dr. Anton Kokalj. We sincerely thank Prof. Dr. Milošev for her many years of dedicated work, professional leadership, and continuous care for the development and well-being of the department. We wish her more relaxed working days ahead and much joy and success in her continued research activities. We welcome prof. dr. Tone Kokalj as the new head of department and wish him much patience and satisfaction in meeting the challenges of his new role.
On 11 February, we mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science — a celebration of the achievements of women scientists and a reminder that we still need to work towards equal opportunities and fair representation across STEM fields. In Slovenia, according to She Figures 2024, women represented 54% of doctoral graduates between 2013 and 2021, yet made up only 34% of researchers in 2021. Women account for 47% of research board members, but just 30% of board leaders. Globally, women in STEM earn 85% of what men earn.
At the Department of Physical and Organic Chemistry (K3) at the Jožef Stefan Institute, we remain committed to excellence and inclusivity in corrosion science and materials research. On this occasion, Prof. Dr. Ingrid Milošev participated in the round table entitled From the Invisible to the Groundbreaking: Women Who Have Pushed and Continue to Push the Boundaries of Science.
On 5 February 2026, Lea Gašparič successfully defended her doctoral dissertation entitled “Computational insights into catalytic hydrogen formation: dry reforming of methane and hydrogen evolution reaction” at the Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School. The dissertation was prepared under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Anton Kokalj. The doctoral committee consisted of Dr. Matic Poberžnik, Dr. Mira Todorova, and Prof. Dr. Nejc Hodnik. In her doctoral research, Lea focused on the study of catalysts for hydrogen production. Using molecular modeling, she investigated the relationships between catalyst structure and catalytic activity. Her work concentrated on materials of practical relevance, and her findings were closely linked to experimental observations. On this occasion, we extend our sincere congratulations and wish her much success and enjoyment in her future research.
Recently, we held a project meeting within the framework of the applicative ARIS project: "Enhancing heat exchanger performance using advanced superhydrophobic coating (Super-COR-Al)". The meeting took place at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, and brought together project partners from our institute, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, and two companies FerroČrtalič and Gorenje d.o.o., Slovenija (Hisense). We discussed the project's current status, reviewed the work completed to date, and outlined the following steps and future activities. Following the meeting, Dr. Matic Može kindly guided us through a tour of the faculty laboratories, providing insight into the available experimental facilities and ongoing research activities. We would like to sincerely thank all partners and colleagues involved in this project for their collaboration and contributions.
As of January 1, 2026, The Electrochemical Society Europe Section appointed Prof. Ingrid Milošev as Chair of the new Executive Committee for the next two years. The Electrochemical Society is a learned society (professional association) based in the United States that supports scientific inquiry in electrochemistry, solid-state science, and related technologies. The Society's membership comprises more than 8,000 scientists and engineers in over 85 countries at all degree levels and across all fields of electrochemistry, solid-state science, and related technologies. Today, the ECS Europe Section includes over 600 members. Founded to advance science, technology, and human understanding, the Section is committed to encouraging young scientists and fostering the exchange of ideas between fundamental and applied research across Europe. The new Executive Committee, chaired by Prof. Milošev, includes Prof Thierry Djenizian from France as Vice Chair. Dr Iwona Rutkowska from Poland as Secretary, Dr Andrea Bourke from Ireland as Treasurer and nine members-at-large.
We are proud to share that a recent study by Dr. Nilesh Kumar, published in Nano Letters, was selected for the journal cover. The work was carried out within the LERCO project at the University of Ostrava and demonstrates how stacking order alone — without any lattice mismatch — can dramatically modulate excitonic responses in BP/CrSe₂ van der Waals heterostructures. The study illustrates how simply rearranging the stacking of atomically thin layers — without introducing strain or defects — can fundamentally change how light-induced electron–hole pairs (excitons) form and behave, offering a new and precise way to control optical properties in ultrathin materials. For more information, see the full study. We congratulate Dr. Kumar on this achievement!
From 1–5 December 2025, Dr. Ana Kraš and Dr. Denis Sačer visited the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade (TMF), within the framework of the bilateral research project »Electrochemical Production of Composite Biomaterials for Medical Hard Tissue Implants.« The collaboration is led by Prof. Ingrid Milošev and Dr. Ana Janković (TMF), in partnership with Dr. Marija Đošić, Dr. Milena Stevanović, and Prof. Vesna Mišković-Stanković. At the Department of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, the teams aligned upcoming research activities, examined advanced electrochemical strategies for functional implant surfaces, and outlined the preparation of a joint scientific publication. During the visit, our researchers also delivered invited lectures at the Electrochemical Section of the Serbian Chemical Society:<<BR>>
• Dr. Ana Kraš: Mechanistic Insights and Substrate-Specific Optimization of Zirconium Conversion Coatings via Integrated Modelling and Surface Analysis
• Dr. Denis Sačer: From Additive Manufacturing to Implant Interface: DED-LB Ti-6Al-4V-Based Alloys - Microstructure, Corrosion, Biocompatibility and Surface Modification
A visit to the Innovation Center further opened opportunities for future collaborative projects and student involvement. This visit significantly strengthened our international partnership and set a solid foundation for future joint research in electrochemical biomaterials and implant surface engineering.
As part of the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility for Training programme, Dr. Ana Kraš completed a research visit to the DELTA Synchrotron (TU Dortmund) from 24–28 November 2025, in collaboration with Prof. Dirk Lützenkirchen-Hecht (University of Wuppertal). The training focused on in-situ XANES/EXAFS investigations of zirconium-based conversion coatings, with particular emphasis on grazing-incidence measurements and time-resolved analysis of coating nucleation and growth. The visit further strengthened collaboration between JSI, the University of Wuppertal, and the DELTA beamline team, supporting ongoing research on Zr-based protective systems and joint scientific publications. We sincerely thank Prof. Lützenkirchen-Hecht and the DELTA team for their outstanding hospitality, open discussions, and dedication to knowledge transfer and synchrotron training.
We are proud to share that Prof. Ingrid Milošev, the project leader of Antibacterial Alloys: Development with Additive 3D Technology, Characterization and Clinical Application (BIOAD), was featured in a recent Delo interview discussing our latest advancement — enhancing titanium alloys with a small amount of copper to improve antibacterial performance and overall implant safety. In the interview, Prof. Ingrid Milošev shares insights into the project’s progress, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, the potential of 3D additive manufacturing, and the metals that may shape the future of medical implants.
Funded by the Public Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation, BIOAD brings together natural sciences, engineering, and medicine with a clear mission: to develop a new generation of metallic implant materials with long-term antibacterial activity, supported by strong collaborations across Slovenia — including the Jozef Stefan Institute, University of Ljubljana, Faculty Of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, and the Ortopedska bolnišnica Valdoltra Ankaran Slovenia.
On 17 November 2025, our research group took part in the Academy of Mechanical Engineering 2025, held at Cankarjev dom in Ljubljana and organized by the Slovenian Association of Mechanical Engineers. This year’s programme emphasized the role of engineering as a cornerstone of stability in times of strategic transformation, highlighting innovation, sustainability, digitalization, and the crucial contribution of mechanical engineering to addressing today’s industrial and societal challenges. We are proud to announce that our department presented four posters:
• DED-LB Ti–6Al–4V as a Template for TiO₂ Nanotube Growth: Comparison with Wrought Alloy, authors: Denis Sačer, Ali Eralp Birer, Ana Kraš, Barbara Kapun, Ingrid Milošev
• Design of a Scratch Testing Apparatus for Investigating the Repassivation Capability of Corrosion-Resistant Alloys, authors: Chenyang Xie, Ingrid Milošev
• Corrosion Behavior and Protection of AZ91 Magnesium Alloy in Eagle’s Medium: Toward Biomedical Applications, authors: Nina Kovač, Lara Moreno Turiegano, Barbara Kapun, Slavko Kralj, Ingrid Milošev, Peter Rodič
• Corrosion Protection of Aluminium Using Zirconium Conversion Coating, authors: Ana Kraš, Barbara Kapun, Nina Kovač, Marko Kralj, Ingrid Milošev, Peter Rodič
Congratulations to all authors for their dedication and excellent work. We also extend our sincere thanks to the organizers for an outstanding programme, inspiring presentations, and a beautifully arranged evening.
We are pleased to announce that Prof. Ingrid Milošev and Prof. Anton Kokalj have been recognized among the World’s Top 2% Scientists and ranked among the top five researchers at the Jožef Stefan Institute — according to the prestigious global ranking by Stanford University and Elsevier, published on the TopSciNet platform. The World’s Top 2% Scientists initiative identifies researchers whose scientific influence ranks within the top 2% worldwide. The ranking is based on a composite citation index (c-score) that integrates several bibliometric indicators, including total citations, h-index, and author position, and encompasses 22 scientific fields and 174 subfields.
Dr. Ingrid Milošev is internationally recognized for her research in corrosion science and sustainable protective coatings, while Dr. Anton Kokalj is a leading expert in computational chemistry and surface modeling. Their inclusion in this list highlights their outstanding scientific achievements and the global impact of research carried out at the Jožef Stefan Institute. Congratulations to both for this well-deserved recognition, and to all researchers who continue to advance the frontiers of science every day.
We are proud to share that during the 248th ECS Meeting in Chicago, Prof. Dr. Ingrid Milošev was elected Chair of the European Section of The Electrochemical Society (ECS) for the 2026–2027 term. Prof. Milošev has been an active member of the ECS community for many years, contributing to numerous conferences, symposia, and editorial activities. She also continues to serve as Associate Editor of the Journal of The Electrochemical Society. This election reflects her longstanding scientific excellence, leadership, and commitment to advancing electrochemistry and corrosion science in Europe and beyond. Congratulations, Prof. Milošev, on this well-deserved recognition!
From October 12 to 18, 2025, Prof. Dr. Ingrid Milošev and Dr. Ana Kraš attended the 248th Meeting of The Electrochemical Society (ECS) in Chicago, USA. The ECS Meeting is one of the world’s leading international events in electrochemistry and corrosion science, bringing together over 2,200 participants from academia, industry, and research institutions.
• Prof. Dr. Ingrid Milošev contributed two oral presentations: "Effect of Temperature on the Corrosion of Ni–Cu–Ni-Coated NdFeB Permanent Magnets" (C04 – Corrosion in Sustainable Energy Systems) and "Effect of Copper Addition to Titanium Alloy Prepared by Additive Manufacturing for Biomedical Applications" (C05 – Corrosion of Emergent Materials)
• Dr. Ana Kraš delivered an invited lecture in session C03 – Metallic, Organic, Inorganic, and Composite Coatings for Corrosion Protection 2, titled "Zirconium Conversion Coatings: Understanding and Optimization through Speciation and Multimodal Characterization." She also received a Travel Grant from the ECS Corrosion Division in support of her participation!
Participation in the ECS Meeting provided an invaluable opportunity to exchange ideas with leading scientists, foster new collaborations, and gain insight into the latest developments in corrosion mechanisms, advanced materials, and sustainable technologies. They return from Chicago inspired and full of new ideas, eager to apply fresh perspectives to our ongoing research!
Dr. Matic Poberžnik attended the conference "The 2025 International Symposium on Materials Corrosion and Protection (ISMCP)", which took place from 22 to 24 September in Shenyang, China, organized by Northeastern University. The aim of the conference was to bring together experts in the field of materials science corrosion engineering and protection technology. Participants had the opportunity to present the challenges they face in the field of corrosion protection, with an emphasis on the development of new corrosion-resistant materials, smart protective coatings and green (environmentally friendly) corrosion inhibitors. Dr. Poberžnik presented an invited lecture at the conference entitled "First-Principles Computational Insights into Aluminum Corrosion Inhibitors", where he summarized the results of first principles based modeling of the formation of protective inhibitor layers on oxidized aluminum surfaces.
Head of the Department, prof. dr. Ingrid Milošev, was named Person of the Week on Val 202. At this year’s European Corrosion Congress (EUROCORR) in Norway, she received the European Corrosion Medal, one of the most prestigious international honors in the field of corrosion and the highest recognition awarded by the European Federation of Corrosion. In 2024, she was also presented with the H. H. Uhlig Award for outstanding contributions to corrosion science. With these achievements, she has reached a historic milestone — becoming the first woman to receive both awards and only the third female recipient of the European Corrosion Medal.
We sincerely congratulate her on these exceptional accomplishments and thank everyone who cast their vote. The interview for Person of the Week on Val 202 is available via the following link.
Photo: Marjan Verč
At the Slovenian Chemical Society Annual Meeting 2025, held from 17 to 19 September in Portorož, prof. dr. Anton Kokalj received the Slovenian Chemical Society Award for Outstanding Achievement. The award recognizes his highly influential publication “Corrosion inhibitors: physisorbed or chemisorbed?”, published in Corrosion Science in 2022, which has become the journal’s most cited paper since 2022. In this work, dr. Kokalj convincingly demonstrates that the traditional criterion based on the standard adsorption Gibbs energy is not suitable for distinguishing between physisorption and chemisorption, and he proposes more reliable alternative criteria. Our sincere congratulations on this remarkable achievement!
On September 15, 2025, the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana hosted the sixth international scientific student conference Cutting Edge 2025. At the conference we presented the following papers:
• "PMMA-Siloxane Silica Coating for Corrosion Protection of AA2024-T3 in NaCl solution". Authors: Nina Kovač, Ana Kraš, Karolina Mulec, Ingrid Milošev, Peter Rodič
• "Role of Surface Pretreatment in Film Formation and Corrosion Protection of AZ-Series Magnesium Alloys". Authors: Nina Kovač, Andrej Bogataj, Ingrid Milošev, Peter Rodič
• "Problem-based learning in polymer chemistry using the context of firefighter protective clothing". Authors Katja Gubič, Peter Rodič, Miha Slapničar
A student section was also organized as part of the conference, where we presented the following paper:
• "Galvanic Coupling of Aluminum Alloy and Copper for Electric Vehicle Applications". Authors: Peter Rodič, Eva-Arolea Trdan, Andraž Logar, Ingrid Milošev, Damjan Klobčar
Congratulations to the organizers for a successful conference, and we wish the students a lot of research inspiration also in the future.
At the European Corrosion Congress (EUROCORR 2025) held in Stavanger, our Head of Department, prof. dr. Ingrid Milošev, received the prestigious European Corrosion Medal – the highest scientific recognition presented by the European Federation of Corrosion (EFC). Prof. dr. Milošev also delivered a plenary lecture to more than 1,200 participants, presenting the results of many years of dedicated research carried out together with her team and collaborators.
The EFC Medal is one of the most distinguished honors in the field. It is awarded annually to researchers whose work has significantly advanced the understanding and application of corrosion science. Over its 40-year history, the medal has recognized leading scientists from across the world. Prof. dr. Milošev is only the third woman to receive this award, following prof. Erika Kalman and prof. Fatima Montemor, which also highlights the importance of greater visibility for women in science. This achievement reflects prof. dr. Milošev’s sustained scientific excellence, leadership, and lasting impact on the field of corrosion. As a department, we are honored by this recognition and grateful to follow her example, which continues to inspire our work and future directions.
From 7–11 September 2025, prof. dr. Ingrid Milošev and Nina Kovač attended the European Corrosion Congress (EUROCORR 2025), held in Stavanger, Norway. The event brought together approximately 1,200 scientists and experts from across the world to discuss the latest advances in corrosion science and engineering. In addition to the comprehensive scientific program, the congress offered several thematic and networking events, including the Women in Corrosion Luncheon, aimed at fostering professional connections and supporting the visibility of women in science, as well as the EFC Young Networking & Job Fair, to encourage collaboration and career opportunities for early-career researchers. Our department contributed to the program with two presentations:
• Plenary lecture by prof. dr. Ingrid Milošev: “Integrating Corrosion Protection into Sustainable Materials Engineering”, and
• Oral presentation by N. Kovač (with co-authors B. Kapun, M. Može, I. Golubić, S. Kralj, I. Milošev & P. Rodič): “PMMA-Siloxane-Silica Coating to Enhance Corrosion and Anti-Icing Abilities”.
We extend our sincere thanks to the organizers for an excellently executed congress and look forward to contributing again at future EUROCORR events.
Our colleagues Dr. Matic Poberžnik, Erik Gregori, and Lea Gašparič participated in the Psi-K Conference, one of the world’s largest international conferences in molecular modeling, held from 25 to 28 August in Lausanne, Switzerland. The conference covered a wide range of topics – from modeling of material properties to catalysis and the development of computational software. Matic contributed to the organization of sessions dedicated to software development, while all three presented posters:
• Matic Poberžnik, Anton Kokalj: "Surprising adsorption of hydrogen on ultrathin native alumina films and its consequences"
• Erik Gregori, Anton Kokalj: "Enhancing thiadiazole–Cu(111) interactions via chemisorbed oxygen adatoms: A DFT study"
• Lea Gašparič, Milutin Smiljanić, Marjan Bele, Nejc Hodnik, Anton Kokalj: "Activity of ruthenium catalysts for HER: influence of support and crystal phase"
The event was an excellent opportunity to present our results and to connect with researchers from all over the world. We look forward to future gatherings of the Psi-K community.
Our researchers, dr. Peter Rodič and Nina Kovač participated in the 40th Topical Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE), held in Changchun, China from 15 to 17 August. The meeting gathered international experts in the field of interfacial electrochemistry, providing a platform to discuss the latest developments in areas such as electrochemical interfaces, spectroelectrochemistry, photoelectrochemistry, imaging techniques, single entity electrochemistry, and electrochemistry for energy and materials. Our contributions included two oral presentations: “Multilayer Coatings to Enhance Corrosion Protection of Aluminium Alloys”, and “Advanced Hybrid Sol-Gel Coatings for Corrosion Protection of Magnesium Alloys for Biomedical Applications”. We express our appreciation to the organizing team for hosting such an inspiring scientific program that combined excellent scientific content with valuable networking opportunities.
From August 12 to 15, 2025, dr. Peter Rodič and Nina Kovač participated in the 20th International Symposium on Electroanalytical Chemistry (ISEAC), hosted in Changchun, China. The symposium brought together international experts to present the latest research in electroanalytical chemistry, covering topics from battery science and biosensors to corrosion processes. They presented two contributions:
• Oral presentation: “Enhanced Corrosion Inhibition of AA7075-T6 via Synergistic Action of Cerium Salts and Sodium Sulphate”
• Poster presentation: “The Effect of Surface Pre-treatment on the Corrosion Resistance of AZ31”
We are especially proud that their poster presentation was recognised with the Elsevier Poster Award (one of 10 awards from 191 posters). We express our sincere gratitude to the entire organising team for creating such an inspiring symposium and allowing our team to participate. We look forward to contributing again at the next ISEAC.
From June 15 to 19, we had the pleasure of attending the 14th Conference on Electrochemical Methods in Corrosion Research (EMCR), held on the scenic island of San Servolo in Venice, Italy. The conference brought together leading experts from academia, research institutes, and industry to share the latest developments in electrochemical approaches to corrosion research. The program featured plenary lectures by distinguished scientists as well as a rich selection of oral and poster presentations addressing corrosion mechanisms, advanced experimental techniques, and protection strategies. We were proud to contribute to the scientific program: Ana Kraš delivered an oral presentation on the use of response surface methodology for optimizing zirconium conversion coatings on cold-rolled steel, zinc, and AA5754 substrates, while Nina Kovač presented a poster on the corrosion protection of AZ31 magnesium alloy using sol-gel coatings for biomedical applications. Beyond the scientific content, EMCR 2025 provided an inspiring environment for exchanging ideas, exploring new research directions, and forging meaningful connections within the international corrosion science community. Sincere thanks to the organizers for an excellently executed event—we are already looking forward to future EMCR meetings!
At the 4th Coatings and Interfaces Online Conference (CIC 2025), our researcher Dr. Peter Rodič received the Best Poster Award for his presentation: "Superhydrophobic Aluminium Surface Obtained via Laser Structuring and Stearic Acid Grafting with Corrosion Protection and Anti-Icing Abilities". The work was done in collaboration with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of University of Ljubljana. Dr. Rodič presented a study demonstrating that the combination of laser surface structuring and stearic acid grafting leads to significantly enhanced corrosion resistance and water repellency of aluminium surfaces. The approach offers a scalable and cost-effective solution for improving surface performance, with potential applications in environments where durability and anti-icing are essential, such as transportation and aerospace.
Our young researcher Nina Kovač recently presented her research work at the 2nd International Electronic Conference on Metals (IECM 2025) with a poster titled: "PMMA–Siloxane–Silica Coating to Enhance Corrosion Resistance of AZ31". The work was carried out in collaboration between our department and the Department for Materials Synthesis (K8). Nina presented a novel PMMA–siloxane–silica hybrid coating that offers enhanced corrosion protection for AZ31 magnesium alloy. The methodology holds particular promise for biomedical applications, where improved surface protection is critical. For her outstanding contribution, she received the Best Poster Award.
Last week, we had the privilege of hosting Prof. Marjorie Olivier, the University of Mons (UMONS), Belgium, and attending her engaging and insightful lecture. Prof. Olivier is a Full Professor and Head of the Department of Materials Science at UMONS. During her visit, she presented an overview of the department’s main research activities and expertise. Her talk offered valuable insights into the field of surface treatment. She also discussed recent advances in plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO), anodization, and sol-gel coating techniques for the corrosion protection of aluminum and magnesium alloys—materials commonly used in a variety of industrial applications.
We are sincerely grateful for the opportunity to host Prof. Olivier and learn from her experience. It was a pleasure to exchange ideas and explore potential future collaborations.
On Tuesday, our team stepped away from the lab and enjoyed a well-earned day dedicated to team-building and connection.
We began with a guided tour at the Museum of Post and Telecommunications and the Technical Museum of Slovenia, where we explored the fascinating world of metal—ranging from traditional metalworking techniques to the history and development of automobiles. Later, we headed outdoors for a refreshing hike through Pekel, taking in the natural surroundings, fresh air, and great company.
We’re already looking forward to future events like this—opportunities to reconnect, recharge, and strengthen our team spirit!
From 28 to 30 May 2025, the 17th Conference of the Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School was held in Kamnik. All young researchers currently employed in our department actively participated in the conference, and we are especially proud of their contributions. Among these, Ana Koblar and Lea Gašparič also participated as members of the conference's Organizing Committee. The presenters, listed in the same left-to-right order as in the photograph below, gave the following talks:
A. Koblar, I. Milošev, B. Kapun: "Corrosion of 3D printed aluminium alloy AlSi10Mg"
L. Zhang, A. Kokalj: "Atomistic modeling of cobalt borides as catalyst materials for water electrolysis: a DFT study"
I. Podlipnik, M. Poberžnik: "Modeling the earliest stage of aluminum oxidation with kinetic Monte Carlo"
E. Gregori, A. Kokalj: "DFT-based bonding analysis of thiadiazoles on Cu(111)"
L. Gašparič, M. Smiljanić, M. Bele, N. Hodnik, A. Kokalj: "Exploring the activity of TiON supported ruthenium nanoparticles for the hydrogen evolution reaction"
N. Kovač, M. Mursa, A. Bogataj, I. Milošev, and P. Rodič: "Fluorinated Siloxane-Silica Hybrid Sol-Gel Coating for Long-Term Corrosion Protection of AA2024-T3"
Our researcher, Dr. Nilesh Kumar, recently presented a poster at the YAMBO School 2025, held at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy. His work, Stacking-Dependent Interlayer Excitons in BP/CrSe₂ van der Waals Heterostructure, explores how different stacking arrangements in BP/CrSe₂ heterostructures influence excitonic behavior — a crucial aspect in the design of next-generation optoelectronic and quantum devices. Using advanced many-body perturbation theory (GW+BSE) with the YAMBO code, Dr. Kumar demonstrated that interlayer excitons emerge selectively depending on the stacking type, with stable configurations exhibiting strong and long-lived excitons. This study underscores the role of symmetry and hybridization in tuning exciton lifetimes and brightness.
Our young researcher, Lea Gašparič, recently presented a poster at the ML4MD conference in Finland, showcasing machine learning models for predicting hydrogen adsorption energy on platinum — a key descriptor for efficient hydrogen production via water electrocatalysis. In collaboration with the Department of Knowledge Technologies (E8), we investigated ideal surfaces and various nanoparticle models, confirming that descriptors related to the local atomic environment play a crucial role in accurately predicting adsorption energies.
April 24 marks Corrosion Awareness Day – a global reminder of the importance of understanding and preventing corrosion. Although corrosion is not always visible, its impact is all around us: in the bridges we cross, the buildings we live and work in, and even in the preservation of art and cultural heritage.
To mark the occasion, we created a video showcasing real-life corrosion cases from our Photo of the Month series. Beneath the visual intrigue lies a serious challenge: corrosion threatens public safety, drives up maintenance costs, and results in significant resource waste. Globally, it causes financial losses in the billions and contributes to environmental burdens that could be avoided.While corrosion cannot be completely eliminated, science offers powerful tools to manage and mitigate its effects. You can explore our past Corrosion Day videos here: https://www.youtube.com/@K3-JSI
On Saturday, March 29, 2025, the Jožef Stefan Institute opened its doors to the public as part of the 33rd Jožef Stefan Days. Our department welcomed curious visitors to explore our research on smart coatings that resist corrosion and maintain surface cleanliness, as well as computer simulations that reveal atomic-level interactions on material surfaces. We also presented strategies for extending the lifespan of metals using advanced corrosion protection techniques. We sincerely thank everyone who visited — we look forward to seeing you again next year!
As part of the 33rd Stefan Days at the Jožef Stefan Institute, selected outstanding national and international projects were presented, recognized for their topical scientific relevance, interdisciplinarity, and scale of funding. In the field of chemistry, the following top projects were presented (from left to right in the photo below):
• Prof. Andreja Benčan Golob, who leads the 4DSTEM project, focused on the use of advanced scanning transmission electron microscopy with matrix detectors for the characterization of selected energy-efficient materials,
• Prof. Ingrid Milošev, who leads the BIOAD project in our department, dedicated to the development of antibacterial titanium alloys using additive manufacturing technologies, aimed at reducing infections associated with biomedical implants,
• Prof. Kristina Žužek Rozman, who coordinates the HE GREENE project, which is dedicated to an innovative approach to developing high-energy permanent magnets based on the Nd-Fe-B system for applications in green technologies.
Photo: Marjan Verč
Throughout history, women have played a vital role in electrochemistry and corrosion science, pushing boundaries and driving innovation despite significant challenges. Their pioneering contributions have advanced material science, improved industrial safety, and laid the foundation for modern electrochemical applications. However, their efforts have often been overlooked. Only 30% of science and technology professors worldwide are female, and between 2016 and 2020, women received just 19% of prestigious research prizes. In Slovenia, the representation of women in science reflects similar challenges. As of 2022, women comprised 44% of all doctorate holders in the country. Notably, among individuals under 50, the gender ratio is relatively balanced, but in the 65 and older age group, only 27% of doctorate holders are women. Encouragingly, half of the new doctorate recipients in 2022 were women, indicating progress in gender parity among emerging scientists. However, disparities persist in certain fields such as information and communication technologies. Additionally, female doctorate holders in Slovenia earn, on average, nearly 12% less than their male counterparts, highlighting ongoing gender pay gaps in the scientific community.
At K3, Department of Physical and Organic Chemistry at the Jožef Stefan Institute, we are proud to contribute to the advancement of corrosion science. One of our leading researchers, Dr. Ingrid Milošev, has dedicated her career to understanding corrosion protection and biomaterials, earning international recognition, including the 2024 H. H. Uhlig Award.
Here’s to our incredible team! Together, we stand for a more inclusive and impactful future in STEM.
On December 10th, the Mechanical Engineering Academy 2024 took place under the auspices of the Association of Mechanical Engineers of Slovenia, which brings together experts, innovators, and researchers in the field. Researchers from the K3 department also participated, presenting their achievements through three contributions:
• B. Kapun, M. Može, I. Milošev, P. Rodič: The Effect of Laser Structuring Parameters on Ti6Al4V Topography and Composition,
• N. Kovač, M. Spuller, B. Kapun, I. Milošev, J. M. Lackner, R. Kaindl, W. Waldahauser, M. Cabrioli, G. De Pasquale, P. Rodič: Corrosion Protection of Additive Manufactured AlSi10Mg0.3 Using PMMA-Siloxane Silica Sol-Gel Coating,
• A. Logar, U. Trdan, D. Klobčar, E.-A. Trdan, N. Kovač, B. Kapun, I. Milošev, P. Rodič, G. Černivec: Mitigating Galvanic Corrosion Between Copper and AA6082 via Anodising.
Between December 4 and 7, 2024, Prof. Dr. Philippe Marcus and Dr. Davide Ceratti from CNRS – Chimie-ParisTech, Institute de Recherche de Chimie, Physical Chemistry of Surfaces Group, in Paris, France, visited our department. We have been collaborating closely with Prof. Marcus's group for the past eight years, as our research directions, methodologies, and instrumentation are complementary. This cooperation has resulted in ten joint scientific articles, conference presentations, and collaborative projects. Currently, our collaboration continues through the bilateral Proteus project between Slovenia and France. During the visit, Dr. Ceratti delivered a lecture titled "Corrosion in Modern Materials: Halide Perovskite Solar Panels and Advances in Sol-Gel Coatings for Metal Protection" as part of the departmental seminar series.
- From November 24 to December 14, 2024, Milena Stevanović, M.Sc., from the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, participated in a professional exchange at our department. The visit took place within the framework of a bilateral project between Slovenia and Serbia entitled "Electrochemical Preparation of Composite Biomaterials for Medical Implants," financed by ARIS. The project leaders on the Slovenian and Serbian sides are Prof. Dr. Ingrid Milošev and Dr. Ana Janković. The purpose of the visit was to conduct research on coatings based on hydroxyapatite, with and without the addition of the antibiotic gentamicin. During her stay, Milena collaborated with Dr. Ana Kraš and Dr. Denis Sačer.
- From November 18 to 29, 2024, Dr. Ana Kraš participated in a short-term research visit at Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon in Germany, under the mentorship of Dr. Sviatlana Lamaka. The training, funded by the ERASMUS+ program, built upon research initiated the previous year, with a focus on reproducing local electrochemical measurements on zirconium conversion coatings. The findings provided fresh insights into the deposition and enhanced the understanding of coating formation processes. This visit not only facilitated valuable knowledge exchange but also established a strong foundation for drafting a joint scientific article and fostering ongoing collaboration.
- The AMEB2024 Symposium on Additive Manufacturing in Engineering and Biomedicine, held on October 24 at the Jožef Stefan Institute and organised by Prof. Ingrid Milošev (Department of Physical and Organic Chemistry, IJS) together with Prof. Edvard Govekar (University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering), brought together industry experts, researchers, and innovators for a deep dive into the latest advancements in additive manufacturing. In addition to an overview of technologies, post-treatments and process monitoring, highlights included materials characterisation and corrosion resistance, novel polymer and ceramic applications, and cutting-edge additively-manufactured medical implants. The discussions underscored the transformative potential of these technologies across industrial and biomedical sectors. With such a strong presence of expertise in Slovenia, we are hopeful that more events like this will continue to inspire and drive innovation in the field!
Photo: Marjan Verč
Prof. Ingrid Milošev is this year's recipient of the prestigious international H.H. Uhlig Award, awarded by The Electrochemical Society, a distinguished scholarly organization based in the USA. Established in 1973 in memory of the renowned corrosion scientist Herbert H. Uhlig, the award recognizes Prof. Milošev for her outstanding achievements in corrosion science and technology, including her fundamental contributions to corrosion inhibition research, surface treatment, and the study of biomaterial corrosion. During the award ceremony, Prof. Milošev delivered an invited lecture titled "The Remarkable Versatility of Copper: From Its Corrosion Resistance to Antibacterial Properties." More information at: https://www.electrochem.org/prime2024/division-awards/
From 8 to 21 September 2024, the renowned European Summer School for Quantum Chemistry (ESQC) took place at the Torre Normanna Hotel, near Palermo (Sicily, Italy). Two young researchers from our department (Lea Gašparič and Erik Gregori) attended the school as the only representatives from Slovenia. The highly intensive school is dedicated to presenting modern theoretical and computational methods used in quantum chemistry. The young researchers presented the following posters:
• L. Gašparič, A. Kokalj: "Structure-Activity Relationship of Ruthenium Catalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction"
• E. Gregori, A. Kokalj: "A DFT Study of the Peculiar Case of 2-(Methylthio)benzimidazole as a Corrosion Inhibitor for Copper"
This year, 100 young talents from 19 Slovenian high schools participated in the call for the 54th Krka Prizes for high school research projects. Out of the 55 research projects submitted, 26 were awarded Krka Prizes, while 29 received Krka Certificates of Recognition. Two Krka Prizes were also awarded to research projects prepared by students from Jože Plečnik Gymnasium Ljubljana (GJP), in collaboration with the Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Physical and Organic Chemistry (IJS K3), and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana (FS UNI), specifically the Laboratory for Thermal Engineering (LTT). The projects were:
• Surface protection of magnesium alloy for applications in biomedicine, by Mija Kapun; mentors: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Peter Rodič (IJS K3), Grega Celcar (GJP).
• Laser structuring of the aluminium alloy surface to prepare the superhydrophobic surface, by Maks Lah and Maj Horvat; mentors: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Peter Rodič (IJS K3), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Matic Može (FS UNI), and Grega Celcar (GJP).
The research work of Maks and Maj was also presented at the symposium on September 27, 2024, which was followed by the award ceremony (https://www.krkinenagrade.si/). We congratulate the awardees and look forward to continued collaboration with aspiring high school researchers in the future.
Dr. Tanja Lunić from the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, has been on a professional exchange at our department from 1 to 30 September 2024. The visit has taken place within the framework of a bilateral project between Slovenia and Serbia, financed by ARIS and led by Assoc. dr. Peter Rodič and Prof. dr. Bojan Božić. The visit aimed to research the effect of herbal extracts as potential corrosion inhibitors. Tanja Lunić, who is an expert in molecular biology, presented a lecture entitled "Immunomodulatory potential of the moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. Extracts”.
At the EUROCORR 2024 conference in Paris from September 1 to 5, chaired by prof. Philippe Marcus and hosted by CEFRACOR in collaboration with Chimie ParisTech, SFV, and DECHEMA, we engaged in numerous discussions on corrosion and materials protection. This year's conference, themed "A Step Forward in Societal Awareness of Material Degradation Issues," provided a global platform for experts from academia, research, and industry to connect. We contributed three presentations: one keynote lecture (prof. dr. Ingrid Milošev) and two oral presentations (prof. dr. Ingrid Milošev and dr. Ana Kraš). The event, hosting over 1200 participants, offered valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and insights into the latest advancements in corrosion research.
Ana Kraš successfully defended her PhD dissertation titled "Deposition and protection mechanisms of zirconium conversion coatings on aluminium alloy, steel and zinc substrates" at the Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School on June 20, 2024. Ana Kraš completed her thesis in the Department of Physical and Organic Chemistry under the mentorship of Prof. Ingrid Milošev. The dissertation evaluation committee included Dr. Sviatlana Lamaka (Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Germany), Dr. Miha Čekada, Asst. Prof. (Jožef Stefan Institute), and Prof. Miran Gaberšček (National Institute of Chemistry). Congratulations!
From 3rd to 7th June 2024, we participated in the RSE-SEE conference (Regional Symposium on Electrochemistry - South East Europe). More than 150 participants joined at the conference giving an excellent opportunity to meet colleagues from South-East Europe involved in research in electrochemistry. At the 2024 conference, we participated with five contributions: one key-note lecture, three oral presentations, and a poster.
This year, under the mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Peter Rodič at the Department of Physical and Organic Chemistry, students from Vič High School and Jože Plečnik High School prepared secondary school research projects. These projects were entered in the 58th Meeting of Young Researchers of Slovenia, organized by the Association for Technical Culture of Slovenia on May 20, 2024. The students participated in three different topics across various fields:
• Multifunctional superhydrophobic coatings applied to the surfaces of glass and aluminum (students from Vič High School, a field of physics)
• Laser structuring of surfaces, the future of surface treatment (students from Jože Plečnik High School, a field of mechanical engineering)
• Corrosion of magnesium alloys: advantages and disadvantages (student from Jože Plečnik High School, a field of biology)
The first two projects received bronze awards, while the last received a silver award from the ZOTKS.
Congratulations to the students! Thanks go also to the school mentors for their successful collaboration.
- From 29 to 31 May 2024, the 16th conference of the Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School was held in Piran. All young researchers currently employed at our department actively participated in the conference with the following presentations:
- N. Kovač, P. Rodić, B. Kapun, I. Milošev: "Corrosion protection of AZ31 magnesium alloy using sol-gel coating",
- A. Kraš, I. Milošev: "Assessing Feasibility of Corrosion Resistance Evaluation Techniques for Zirconium Conversion Coatings on Zinc",
- L. Gašparič, A. Kokalj: "Structure-Activity Relationship of Ruthenium Catalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction",
- A. Koblar, I. Milošev: "Copper patina as a form of corrosion protection" in - E. Gregori, A. Kokalj: "Adsorption of thiadiazoles on Cu(111) promoted by chemisorbed O: a DFT study".
From 20 to 24 May 2024, we organized an online PWTK tutorial. The aim of the tutorial was to teach participants how to use the PWTK scripting environment to effectively automate their Quantum ESPRESSO calculations by employing built-in workflows or creating their own. The tutorial covered topics ranging from basic to more advanced scripting. About 150 candidates registered, out of which about 100 were selected to attend. The online PWTK online tutorial was well-received by the participants. The tutorial was organized under the auspices of the MaX Centre of Excellence in collaboration with NCC Slovenia.
- Two articles published by the K3 departmental researchers are among the top-cited recent articles in the Corrosion Science journal.
On April 24, we mark the Corrosion Awareness Day. In the video, you can view a selection of photographs that reveal the beauty of corrosion on artworks and sculptures, as well as photographs of objects that demonstrate the harmful effects of corrosion on materials. This selection visually presents the dual nature of corrosion: on one hand, it creates unusual and appealing visual effects that can add artistic value, while on the other hand, it can cause irreversible damage to cultural heritage and industrial structures. The purpose of this video is to raise awareness about the importance of proper protection and preservation of artworks and infrastructure exposed to corrosion, to ensure their long-term preservation and safety.
- Between March 27 and 29, 2024, our department was visited by dr. Ana Janković and dr. Marja Đošić from the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade. The visit took place within the framework of the bilateral project entitled "Electrochemical preparation of composite biomaterials for medical implants", which was approved at the Public Call of ARIS on (co)financing of scientific research cooperation between Slovenia and Serbia in the period 20232025. The project leaders are dr. Ana Janković and Prof. dr. Ingrid Milošev. The purpose of the visit was to tour the laboratories and work on the plan of the study and experiments that are set within the framework of the project. dr. Ana Janković presented a lecture entitled "Electrochemical Syntheses of Antibacterial Biomaterials for Medical Applications", which was followed by an in-depth discussion.
We are pleased to announce that from the 18 to the 23 March we will be holding our traditional Jožef Stefan Days, which are organized to commemorate the birthday of the renowned physicist Jožef Stefan, after whom our institution is named. Organising committee has put together a unique and interesting programme for all six days: from topical and entertaining panel discussions, to guest lectures by renowned speakers, to exciting demonstrations of experiments and research departments. The detailed programme is available here.
- On February 6, 2024, we visited the company Kolektor Mobility d.o.o. in Idrija. We have a joint project with the company on research of corrosion processes of rotor and stator components of electric motor drives for automotive applications. Our host and project manager at Kolektor Mobility was dr. Nataša Kovačević, and the purpose of the visit was to review the results of the last three-month period and visit the company's laboratories. The joint project takes place within the framework of the GREMO i-Motion mission, which was established by Slovenian automotive companies as a joint development plan with the aim of the mission of green and digital transformation of the Slovenian automotive industry. It is an interesting and contemporary research problem and we look forward to the common challenges ahead.
- In December 2023, we were visited by prof. dr. Daniel M. Lyons from the Center for Marine Research of the Ruđer Bošković Institute. The Center for Marine Research is located in Rovinj, prof. Lyons is the head of the Laboratory for Marine Nanotechnology and Biotechnology. The purpose of the meeting was to prepare a joint scientific research project. Prof. Lyons visited our laboratories and presented a lecture entitled "Leveraging materials chemistry for environmental research".
