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Meet the Experts: The Faces of the IPE

by | Jun 28, 2026 | News, Outreach, Research

Photo Tomo Vresak

A Diverse Research Team

Behind every discovery at the IPE is a dedicated team of specialists. Our Institute brings together a diverse group of researchers from various disciplines, including paleontology, evolutionary biology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, and paleoecology. This mix of expertise allows us to tackle complex scientific questions from multiple angles.

From Senior Scientists to Emerging Scholars

The IPE is home to senior scientists with decades of experience, but we are equally committed to the next generation of researchers. Our academic staff includes early-career researchers, doctoral candidates, and technical specialists who work collaboratively across disciplines. We provide an environment that fosters mentorship and innovation, ensuring that emerging scholars have the support they need to advance their careers.

Collaboration Across Borders

Our researchers do not work in a vacuum. Through international partnerships, conference participation, and teaching, they are active members of the global scientific community. This collaborative spirit ensures that our research is both cutting-edge and globally relevant, addressing the most pressing questions about Earth’s biological and geological history.

Innovation and Excellence

Whether they are in the field collecting data or in the lab performing isotopic geochemistry, our staff is committed to scientific excellence. By combining theoretical research with practical laboratory analysis, the people of the IPE are constantly expanding our understanding of the evolution of life. It is their passion and expertise that make the Institute a leader in paleobiological research.

Franc Fritz Murgelj

Content and Technical Editor Franc Fritz Murgelj serves as the Content and Technical Editor for the Institute of Palaeobiology & Evolution (IPE) website. His unique background in the geosciences provides a strong foundation for managing the Institute’s scientific and digital presence. Franc studied Geology, and his early career was marked by a deep commitment to the field under the mentorship of the legendary Dr. Stanko Buser and Dr. Uroš Herlec. During his time at the Association of Friends of Youth (ZPM), he was responsible for coordinating activities for the association of young geologists and historians across Slovenia, fostering a passion for natural history in the next generation. Today, Franc is a specialist in strategic brand communication, offering consultancy and co-managing marketing communications and public relations for diverse clients. He is also a dedicated educator, conducting specialized workshops for young communicators and sales teams. At the Institute, Franc bridges the gap between complex research and public understanding. His expertise supports the Institute’s mission of public outreach and scientific communication. He plays a key role in ensuring that groundbreaking research—ranging from microCT imaging to stratigraphic discoveries—is disseminated effectively through the Institute's scientific journal platform and digital archives. His background in youth mentorship is particularly valuable as the Institute develops the Museum of Evolution in Kamnik, a project designed to engage diverse audiences and inspire future scientists. By applying his communication skills to the Institute’s digital resources, he ensures that the history of life on Earth is accessible, following FAIR data principles to support open and reproducible science.

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