Jani Kozina

Dr. Jani Kozina serves as an Assistant Professor at the Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (ZRC SAZU) and as External Teaching Staff at the University of Maribor. His academic career focuses on human geography, particularly urban and cultural geography, with specialization in small and medium-sized cities and their development trajectories.

Dr. Kozina earned his B.Sc. in geography (2008) and Ph.D. in geography (2013), both from the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ljubljana. His habilitation field is specifically in Assistant Professor of Geography.

His research centers on two interconnected domains: (1) urban and regional studies focusing on small/medium towns, polycentric spatial development, urban-rural relationships, and participatory planning; and (2) industrial and post-industrial socio-economic development, including cultural/creative industries, creative economy, and social innovation. Dr. Kozina has developed particular expertise in understanding how industrial cities can leverage their heritage for contemporary development, examining urban gardening in post-socialist contexts, and analyzing the creative potential of formerly industrial urban areas. His work often bridges theoretical geography with practical applications for urban and regional development policy.

Dr. Kozina's scholarly output demonstrates consistent focus on post-industrial transformation, with recent publications exploring India-Europe film connections, industrial culture as social innovation, urban gardening in post-socialist cities, and the socioeconomic performance of industrial towns. His work appears in respected international journals across geography, urban studies, and social sciences.

• Diploma of Excellence for the Black Sea - Danubian Social & Economic Innovator (2019)
• 2nd price of the Danube Transnational Programme Video Competition (2019)
• Special Mention of the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Awards (2015)
• Award for contribution to sustainable development of society (2009, 2010)
• Faculty of Arts Prešeren award for students, University of Ljubljana (2008)

Dr. Kozina actively contributes to multiple significant research projects including 'Geography of Slovenia' national research programme, 'Improving the position of Women in peripheral Industrial regions,' and '(Hidden) Industrial Champions' project on industrial small towns. He serves as Chief Editor for Human Geography in Acta Geographica Slovenica and participates in numerous international collaborations through ESPON, INTERREG, and COST Actions. His teaching approach emphasizes qualitative content delivery and critical discussion with students, reflecting his commitment to engaged scholarship that bridges academic research and practical application.