IN MEMORIAM: Prof. Dr. Urška Vrhovšek (1968–2026)

It is with deep sorrow that we bid farewell to Prof. Dr. Urška Vrhovšek, a renowned scientist, full professor, and scientific advisor, whose work left an indelible mark on the Slovenian and international scientific communities.

Prof. Dr. Urška Vrhovšek dedicated her academic career to the advancement of agri-food sciences. After earning her bachelor’s degree from the Biotechnical Faculty at the University of Ljubljana, she received her Ph.D. from the prestigious BOKU (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna). Her exceptional research career soon took her abroad, where she successfully led the metabolomics platform at the prestigious Edmund Mach Foundation in Trentino for many years. She brought her wealth of knowledge, invaluable experience, and vision back to Slovenia with the same dedication, where she took over the leadership of the Center for Metabolomics at her home institution, the UL BF, as part of the ERA Chair Foodomics project.

As a leading expert in the field of food metabolomics, she tirelessly pushed the boundaries of science through her innovative research. Despite all her scientific achievements, she remained a dedicated and inspiring mentor who guided and encouraged numerous generations of students and younger colleagues. Her contribution to the establishment and recognition of Slovenian science on the global stage will remain a lasting example for future generations.

With her passing, we have lost an exceptional scientist, a respected professor, and a valued colleague. Her warmth, professional excellence, and unwavering dedication to her work will remain in our memories forever.

May she rest in peace.

A memorial service for the late Prof. Dr. Urška Vrhovšek will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. in Lecture Hall Ž1 at the Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Food Science, Jamnikarjeva 101, Ljubljana.