Hotel Plesnik Strengthens Its Role as a Venue for World-Class Scientific Exchange
From 29 May to 1 June, Logar Valley hosted one of the most influential events in modern physics for the second year in a row – the international conference New Directions in the Foundations of Physics. The event coincides with the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ 2025), proclaimed by UNESCO to mark the centenary of quantum mechanics.
Aligned with the vision of the International Year, the New Directions in the Foundations of Physics conference fosters global scientific dialogue and once again brought leading experts in physics, philosophy, mathematics, and information technology to Logar Valley. With this, Slovenia continues to strengthen its ambition to become the “Davos of Quantum Physics” – positioning itself as a centre of forward-thinking discourse, where research and scientific dialogue intertwine with inspiring natural beauty and bold visions of the future.
Although the conference is an-invite-only event intended for a selected group of academics and researchers, this year’s edition also included a special evening gathering, organised in cooperation with AmCham Slovenia. Held on Saturday, 31 May, in the inspiring setting of Hotel Plesnik, the event fostered open dialogue and connections between international participants and Slovenian representatives from science, business, and technology.
Among the Slovenian attendees were Prof. Dr. Gregor Dolinar, Vice-Rector for Research and Development at the University of Ljubljana, and Prof. Dr. Anton Ramšak from the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics. Also present were representatives from Slovenia’s tech sector, including Mark Pleško, CEO and founder of Cosylab; Mateja Lampe Rupnik, CEO of tech company Red Pitaya; and Alen Orbanič, co-founder of Abelium.
The initiative to move the conference to Slovenia came from long-time Lonely Planet contributor and traveller Virginia DiGaetano, who recognised Slovenia as the ideal setting for an event of this kind. Originally launched in the United States in 2002, the conference has also taken place in Europe since 2017. Its arrival in Logar Valley has added a new dimension – a fusion of scientific excellence, natural beauty, and boutique hospitality.
Hotel Plesnik was not chosen by chance. With its commitment to sustainability, authentic hospitality, and carefully curated offer combining nature, well-being, and cuisine, the hotel provides an ideal setting for premium business events with added value. It holds the Slovenia Green Accommodation label and features a top wellness, conference facilities, boutique rooms with stunning views, and a culinary experience led by acclaimed chefs Janez Bratovž and Tom Čopar.
Managing Director of Plesnik, Urška Kolar, emphasised: “This event aligns perfectly with our mission – to create a space where groundbreaking ideas are born and where nature becomes a partner in thinking about the future. We are proud to co-create a setting in which Slovenia is increasingly establishing itself as the Davos of Quantum Physics.”
