After Valvasor, only the second Slovenian in the prestigious association of selected world scientists

A Slovenian scientist has made history by joining one of the world’s most esteemed scientific institutions, becoming only the second Slovenian ever to be elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society. Prof. Dr. Boštjan Kobe, a structural biologist based in Australia, was honored during a formal ceremony in London on 9 July. This marks a significant milestone for Slovenian science, as the last Slovenian to achieve this honor was Janez Vajkard Valvasor in 1687, more than 340 years ago. The Royal Society, established in 1660, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously functioning scientific academy globally. It is renowned for recognizing individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced the field of science. Being named a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) is considered one of the highest accolades in the scientific community, reflecting exceptional achievement and impact in research. Boštjan Kobe’s election underscores the global significance of his work in structural biology. His research primarily involves understanding the function of proteins within the human body, especially in relation to immunity and disease resistance. Through advanced methodologies, Kobe and his team analyze protein structures in intricate detail, mapping their three-dimensional forms. These studies contribute to a deeper comprehension of molecular processes involved in infections and immune responses, potentially paving the way for new therapeutic approaches to treat various diseases. Kobe’s academic journey began in Slovenia, where he earned his degree in chemistry from the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology at the University of Ljubljana. He later pursued his doctoral studies in biochemistry and biophysics at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in the United States. Since 2000, he has held the position of professor of structural chemistry at the University of Queensland’s School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences in Australia. Over the past 26 years, he has conducted extensive research and teaching in this region, contributing significantly to both local and international scientific communities. In addition to his recent honor, Kobe has already been recognized for his contributions to science. He was appointed a member of the Australian Academy of Science several years ago and was named Slovenia’s science ambassador in 2020. During the ceremony in London, he emphasized the foundational role that his early education in Slovenia played in shaping his career. He noted that the knowledge and skills acquired during his time in primary school and university were crucial in guiding him toward achieving such a distinguished status. The Slovenian Engineering Academy expressed pride in Kobe’s accomplishments, highlighting that his election confirms the ability of Slovenian researchers to make substantial contributions to global scientific progress and attain top international honors. Prof. Dr. Matjaž Mikoš, president of the Slovenian Engineering Academy, stated that Kobe’s induction into the Royal Society represents one of the most significant achievements in Slovenian science and can serve as inspiration for future generations of researchers, engineers, and scientists. Kobe’s success continues a family legacy of scientific excellence. His father, Prof. Dr. Jože Kobe, was a respected figure among chemists and contributed notably to the development of antiviral compounds and bioactive molecules. This lineage of scientific contribution further reinforces the significance of Kobe’s recent recognition, linking it to a broader tradition of innovation and discovery within Slovenian academia.