Institute for Balneology and Climatology

The basis of balneology is the use of natural factors for medical purposes with the mechanical, thermal and chemical action of thermal waters and peloids and sea water. The basis of climatology is the treatment of the human body with weather stimuli, where altitude, air circulation and vegetation are important. The Institute of Balneology and Climatology has been operating since 2004 at the Centre for Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Research and Studies (CIMRS). In 2015, the Institute transferred its activities to the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Maribor. The Institute of Balneology and Climatology currently has several members and occasional fellows: prof. dr. Sonja Šostar Turk (Head), prof. dr. Zmago Turk dr.med., prof. dr. Lučka Kajfež Bogataj (University of Ljubljana), assist. prof. dr. Urška Rozman, dr. Miha Lavrič, prof. dr. Marjana Simonič (Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology), prof. dr. Janez Kraševec dr.med., balneologist, assist. Prof. dr. Ana Golež, dr. med. (Celje General Hospital), Dr. (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) Jerneja Lešnik (College of Hospitality and Tourism, Maribor), dr. Darija Cvikl (College of Hospitality, Wellness and Tourism Bled), assist.prof.dr. Vesna Viher Hrženjak, dr.med. (National Health, Environment, and Food Laboratory).

The Institute of Balneology and Climatology enables the connection between medicine, research projects in health resorts and the development of Slovenian health tourism.

Osnovno poslanstvo / cilji inštituta za balneologijo in klimatologijo so:

• to maintain and develop modern rehabilitation programs in individual health resorts

• to preserve ecologically unspoiled nature in natural spas

• separate bathing and rehabilitation activities in these institutions

• liaising with international associations for balneology in Europe and the USA

• to develop scientific research activities in the field of balneology and climatology

• pedagogical work in the field of balneology and climatology

  Raziskovalno delo:

• Advanced methods of removing antibiotics from hospital wastewater, doctoral dissertation of a young researcher

• Study of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and removal of antibiotics from hospital wastewater (ANTIBIOTIC), international project

• Surface Hygiene in Health Care Facilities and Bacterial Resistance to Disinfectants (DEZIREZ), international project

• Expert opinion on the natural healing factors of the Lošinj area – Veli and Mali Lošinj

• Balneological assessment of the thermal water well MT-7 Moravske Toplice 

• Research and expert opinion on Kranjska Gora location

• Interreg project SIAT00231: Next-generation biomonitoring of Drava/Drau (ZDrauA) introduces advanced biomonitoring methods (eDNA, sequencing) for the assessment of biodiversity and microbiological pollution of the Drava River and strengthens cross-border cooperation for sustainable water management.

• Biodiversa  project 2023-274: Planetary Health by Healing Forests as Nature Based Solution (PHlorestAll) examines the therapeutic potential of forests using nature-based solutions (NBS), links human health to forest microbiomes and biogenic volatile substances and promotes the development of certified healing forests.