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Ivo Boscarol receives an honorary doctorate from the University of Nova Gorica

12. 10. 2023

On October 12, the main ceremony of the University of Nova Gorica at the opening of the new academic year took place in the Lanthieri manor in Vipava.
Ivo Boscarol was awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa for his outstanding scientific and professional achievements in the field of aviation and entrepreneurship in Slovenia, and for his contribution to the preservation of the environment. He received the award from the Rector of the University of Nova Gorica, Prof. Dr. Boštjan Golob. In his justification for the award of the Honorary Doctor title, the founder of the University, Honorary Rector Prof. Dr. Danilo Zavrtanik, highlighted the work of Ivo Boscarol in the field of science, research and development in the field of aviation.

In his speech of gratitude, Ivo said that among all the awards he received, the honorary doctorate means the most to him, as it is a confirmation that he is also appreciated in his home environment. He pointed out: “Among the 130 awards and prizes I have received in my life, this is the only one, the first one, which also acknowledges my research work, which is necessary and the basis for development. I cooperated a lot with the University of Nova Gorica, I also collaborated with other universities around the world. I’m really glad that my home university was the first to recognize this, because the most difficult thing is to be a prophet at home.”
He also said that the saying “He who flies high, falls low” does not apply to him, because, according to him, he who flies high also sees far.

Besides Ivo, the title of Professor Emeritus of the University of Nova Gorica was also awarded to the internationally renowned industrial designer Professor Oskar Kogoj for his significant contribution to the development of artistic activity and for his exemplary performance as a teacher and mentor.

Many distinguished guests graced the event with their presence, including the former President of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr. Borut Pahor, the Minister for Digital Transformation, Dr. Emilija Stojmenova Duh, the mayor of the municipality of Ajdovščina, Tadej Beočanin and the mayor of the municipality of Vipava, Anton Lavrenčič.

On the eve of the award ceremony, the University of Nova Gorica hosted an event for the general public, at which Ivo Boscarol was also a speaker. In a relaxed conversation, Ivo Boscarel spoke about his beginnings, the successes of Pipistrel, the sale of the company, donations and future challenges. He answered a number of interesting questions, including how he sees the development of aviation in the next 30 years and what projects he still envisages in Slovenia.