Prof. Dr. Božidar Šarler Awarded the Title of Congress Ambassador of Slovenia 2025

On 21 October 2025, the prestigious Slovenian Congress Ambassador Programme awards were presented at Ljubljana Castle. The programme recognises individuals whose professional achievements and international reputation contribute to the development of congress tourism and scientific meetings in Slovenia.

Among this year’s recipients, Prof. Dr. Božidar Šarler stood out, receiving the title of Congress Ambassador for organising the Eurotherm 2024 international congress at the Rikli Balance Hotel in Bled. The event brought together 350 participants, 310 of whom came from abroad, further cementing Bled’s status as a recognised destination for professional gatherings.

© Jan Zorčič

Bled’s Ambassador: Expertise, Experience and International Influence

Prof. Dr. Božidar Šarler is Head of the Chair of Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana. His work in metallurgical simulation systems, numerical methods, and microfluidic systems is internationally acclaimed, and he is listed among the Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientists.

Beyond his research, Prof. Dr. Šarler has organised numerous international congresses in Slovenia, directly contributing to the visibility of both the country and Bled as a centre of knowledge. His contributions go beyond academia: the congresses he leads generate high added value for the destination, promoting Bled and Slovenia as trusted locations for professional and scientific events.

© Jan Zorčič

The Significance of Congress Tourism for Bled

Established in 2019, the Slovenian Congress Ambassador Programme now includes over a hundred ambassadors who connect Slovenian expertise with the international professional community. The programme plays a crucial role in developing congress tourism, which generates 3.3 times higher expenditure per participant compared to the average tourist.

Over the years, Bled has emerged as one of Slovenia’s key points on the congress map. Its accommodation combines top-class infrastructure, sustainable practices, and a stunning natural setting, creating an optimal environment for international professional gatherings.

© Jan Zorčič

Sustainability, Knowledge and Networking

The awards ceremony highlighted partnership and sustainability, emphasising the ambassadors’ role in connecting people and ideas. Each recipient is an ambassador not only for professional excellence but also for sustainable development and responsible collaboration, positioning Bled and Slovenia alongside other international destinations with high added value.

Thanks to the contributions of Prof. Dr. Šarler and other congress ambassadors, Bled continues to serve as a reference destination for professional meetings, where knowledge, culture, and tourism merge into a unique experience for visitors from around the world.