Slovenian scientist joins Royal Society

Slovenian-born structural biologist Boštjan Kobe has joined the Royal Society, one of the world's most prestigious scientific institutions, becoming only the second Slovenian in history to be elected to the British academy.

Kobe, a professor of structural chemistry at the University of Queensland in Australia and a member of the Australian Academy of Science, received the title of Fellow of the Royal Society at a ceremony in London on 9 July, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

Founded in 1660, the Royal Society is the world's oldest continuously operating scientific academy, and election to its fellowship is widely regarded as one of the highest honours in science.

For Slovenia, Kobe's election carries special weight. He is the first Slovenian in almost 340 years to join the Royal Society, following polymath Janez Vajkard Valvasor, who was elected in 1687 for his pioneering work in natural science.

The University of Queensland said Kobe's research focuses on how proteins work in the body, particularly in immunity and resistance to disease. His team uses advanced methods to examine proteins in detail and map their three-dimensional structure, helping explain the molecular processes behind infection and the body's defence mechanisms.

Kobe studied chemistry at the University of Ljubljana before earning a doctorate in biochemistry and biophysics from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in the United States. He has been a professor at the University of Queensland's School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences since 2000.

Commenting on the honour, Kobe said recognition of that kind helped scientists "persevere through the ups and downs of scientific careers". He also highlighted the importance of his Slovenian education, saying the knowledge he gained in primary school and at university in Slovenia had played an important role in his path to the distinction.

Photo: Royal Society