Sustainable Growth of the University of Maribor: Advancing Quality, Innovation, and Competitiveness for a Secure Future

Ana Vovk, holding a double doctorate, is the Head of the International Center for Ecoremediation and the Learning Polygon for Self-Sufficiency. She studied in Vienna, where she participated in international projects. She is employed at the University of Maribor and is an internationally recognized expert in sustainability, permaculture, and integrated self-sufficiency based on the geographical characteristics of landscapes. Her research includes ecosystem-based solutions for climate change, protection of soil and water resources. As a project leader at the International Center for Ecoremediation, she develops innovative models for sustainable living and collaborates with municipalities to implement natural methods of spatial management. Her publications in scientific journals, books, and media contributions highlight the importance of holistic approaches. She actively participates in educational programs, leads workshops, conferences and excursions as well as encourages students to explore self-sufficient living models. Her efforts connect academic knowledge with practice for a more sustainable future.

Maribor, Slovenia. E-mail: ana.vovk@um.si

Robert Presker, Professor of Sociology and M.A. in Translation and Interpreting for English, is Head of the Department of Development and Student Affairs at the Rectorate of the University of Maribor. He is responsible for coordinating strategic planning, the internal system for monitoring and assuring quality at the University of Maribor, and external evaluation processes at the University of Maribor. He collaborates professionally with the Slovenian Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (NAKVIS) on national and international conferences and projects related to quality in higher education. During his studies, he was already involved in evaluating higher education institutions and served as Vice-Rector for Student Affairs at the University of Maribor.

Maribor, Slovenia. E-mail: robert.presker@um.si

Gorazd Meško is a Full Professor of Criminology and Head of the Chair of Criminology at the Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security, University of Maribor (FVV UM). He has previously served as Vice-Dean for Research, Head of the Institute of Criminal Justice and Security, Dean of FVV UM, and President of the University of Maribor Management Board. He has also been a member of several university committees and a UM Senator. He was the first Head of the Doctoral Program in Criminal Justice and Security (2007–2015) and leads the first research program group at FVV UM, Security and Safety in Local Communities (since 2015). For his research, collaboration with practice, and contributions to the development of criminology and criminal justice at both national and international levels, he has received the G.O.W. Mueller Award from the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (2024) and the Freda Adler Distinguished Scholar Award from the American Society of Criminology (2022). He also received the Zois Award for Ecological Criminology (Social Sciences) in 2014. He is the author and editor of several monographs and a member of editorial boards of journals and book series in criminology published by international publishers. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Criminal Investigation and Criminology, indexed in WoS and Scopus. 

Maribor, Slovenia. E-mail: gorazd.mesko@um.si

Marko Marhl is a Full Professor who has been connected with the University of Maribor for over thirty years – not only as a teacher and researcher but also through active involvement in its governance, development, and quality assurance. He currently chairs the Quality Assessment Committee of the University of Maribor. In the past, he has held several positions, including Vice-Rector, University Senator, Dean, and multiple terms as Vice-Dean. He is also active in national expert bodies, participating in committees and councils of the Ministry of Education and the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency. His international engagement includes numerous research stays abroad and participation in university associations and organizations. Notably, he has been a long-standing member of the Executive Committee of the IREG Observatory on Academic Ranking and Excellence, where he has been contributing to the development of global university ranking practices since its establishment.

Maribor, Slovenia. E-mail: marko.marhl@um.si