On Tuesday, 12 February 2013, the Slovenian Forestry Institute’s new director Primož Simončič, who was appointed during the government’s 47th regular meeting on 1 February 2013, introduced himself to the workers’ assembly. He greeted the workers’ assembly in the Slovenian Forestry Institute’s Grand Hall with brief remarks: “Last week we received official notice from the government of the Republic of Slovenia on my appointment as director of the Slovenian Forestry Institute. I wanted to let you know about this in person, and explain my views on managing the Institute in the future.”

The Workers’ Assembly, whose ranks were slightly depleted by the heavy snow, convened in SFI’s Grand Hall. Acting director Tom Levanič, who has been head of the Institute since September 2012, welcomed everyone and explained the timeline for appointing the director. He added: “Now I’m diving back into research. But first, I’d like to thank everyone for their work and their support in managing the Institute.” He then gave the floor to the Institute’s newly appointed director, Primož Simončič, who first spoke about his previous work at the institute, where he started working in 1988 as an early stage researcher. Eight years later he became head of the Department of Forest Ecology, which was at that time one of the biggest departments at the Institute. This gave Simončič experience leading large groups. He also made it clear continuity at the Institute was to be an important part of his directorship. He also offered his view on how to run the Institute in the future: “In my view, the Institute is made up of different parts, which can only form a cohesive whole by working together. High quality scientific and professional work, as well successfully acquiring projects is of utmost importance for the Institute to function as a whole.” He announced changes in running the Institute, which he will present in detail after a review of the 2012 annual report. The annual report will reflect the Institute’s current position, as well as its forecast for 2013. The new program for running the Institute with the changes announced will be presented a month from now.

The Slovenian Forestry Institute