OPHIZ Research

The Origin Story of Ophiz Research (2016 – Today)

Back in 2016, while already coordinating and implementing several ambitious research projects, the CEO of Ophiz Research recognized a growing and troubling reality: Although extraordinary work was being done within academic institutions, very little of it ever reached the people who could benefit from it most.

Inside universities and research centers, teams were producing high-quality analyses, innovative methodologies, and deep knowledge about society, health, technology, and human behavior. But once these findings were published, they tended to remain confined to academic journals, conferences, and specialist circles.

The insights rarely transformed into practical tools, policy guidance, or useful information for communities, institutions, or the general public.

This disconnect became increasingly visible.

It wasn’t that scientific research lacked value—on the contrary. The problem was that research was not designed to be translated, communicated, or applied in meaningful ways outside the academic bubble.

A Realization That Sparked a Mission

The CEO understood that if research is to contribute to society, someone must take responsibility for translating it. Someone must transform complex findings into clear knowledge, actionable recommendations, and solutions that speak to everyday realities.

This realization became the foundation of a new idea, to build a center dedicated to bridging the gap between academia and society. A place where researchers, policymakers, and communities could meet on common ground.

The Birth of the Ophiz Research Center

From this vision emerged the Ophiz Research Center, created with a purpose that still guides every project today:

• To connect people, disciplines, and institutions

• To transform academic knowledge into practical insight

• To ensure that scientific research serves society, not just science

• To support governments and communities in navigating complex transformations

What began as a response to a systemic problem evolved into a structured mission:

• To act as a translator—an interpreter—of academic knowledge for the public good.

• To Grow Into a European Research Force

Over time, the center expanded into a dynamic ecosystem involving nearly 1,000 researchers across disciplines, rooted in Slovenia but collaborating throughout the EU.

The mission that started in 2016 has since evolved into coordinated support for local and national institutions, contributing to EU transition processes, policy adaptation, and evidence-based decision-making.

The story of Ophiz Research began with a simple but powerful insight:
knowledge has no impact unless it is shared, understood, and applied.
By turning this insight into action, Ophiz Research transformed a challenge into an institution—one that continues to bridge worlds, empower communities, and bring science to the people it was meant to serve.