Research areas
FVO’s research spans eight interconnected areas, from wildlife and genetics to soil, water, plastics and the environmental footprint of products. Each area lists relevant projects and researchers you can contact.
Area 1
Wildlife and population management
We monitor ungulates using camera traps and GPS telemetry, and seek solutions to conflicts between people and wildlife, from damage to farmland to wildlife–vehicle collisions.
Projects
CRP (MKGP) · lead: Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana
CRP (ARRS, now ARIS) · lead: FVO
Researchers
Area 2
Biodiversity genetics and genomics
We investigate genetic diversity in wildlife populations and contribute to the development of reference genomes for European species.
Projects
ARIS, Weave · lead: UP FAMNIT
Researchers
Area 3
Soil and pedology
We study soil properties and contamination, contribute to the national soil classification system (the 2025 monograph Classification of Soils of Slovenia) and bring soil knowledge into schools.
Projects
14 institutions from ten countries; FVO implements the project in Slovenia.
Horizon Europe · partner
Researchers
Area 4
Plastics, microplastics and the circular economy
We monitor microplastics in small watercourses, study plastic waste along rivers and the coast, and provide education on plastics in the circular economy.
Projects
An FVO innovation; special recognition at ED.VITA 2026.
FVO and VŠPI · within the PLASTIX project
Erasmus+ KA220-HED · partner
Researchers
Area 5
Environmental risks and safety
Environmental analyses of military sites, societal security issues and public trust in environmental policies.
Projects
CRP (ARRS, now ARIS) and MORS · lead: FVO
Researchers
Area 6
Chemicals in products and health
Safe and sustainable use of cosmetics, cleaning products, food supplements and non-prescription medicines, supported by educational tools developed in two Erasmus+ projects.
Projects
17 events at FVO involving almost 700 young people.
Erasmus+ KA220-YOU
Researchers
Area 7
Water, karst and landscape
Karst water resources, changes in vegetation and land use, and pressures on mountain areas. A study on karst land use was selected for the 2025 Excellent in Science initiative (ARIS).
Projects
Municipality of Rečica ob Savinji · VŠVO (now FVO), partner
Researchers
Area 8
Environmental footprint, LCA and the energy transition
Life cycle assessment (LCA), carbon footprinting and advice on developing environmentally friendly products, as well as the environmental impacts and spatial planning of renewable energy sources.
Researchers
Interested in a final thesis or taking part in research? Contact a researcher in the relevant field directly. Click their name to open their profile and contact details.
Contact for research cooperation
Research projects
Boštjan Pokorny, PhD, Full Professor
Dean of FVO, Chair of the Scientific Research Committee
Last updated: October 2026
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If you’re interested in the environment, nature, technology and the challenges ahead, FVO is your next step.
Explore study options, practical training and career paths in environmental protection.
