With deep sadness, we inform our members of the passing of Professor Mihael Brenčič on 30 March 2026, following a prolonged and severe illness.
Professor Brenčič served as the Chair of the Slovenian National Chapter of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (SKIAH) from 2018 to 2023.
He was a Corresponding Member of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts due to his contributions in hydrogeology, karst geology, water dynamic research, hydrogechemistry of bottled waters and history of geology. His contributions help to protect our groundwater resources of drinking water, manage the Transboundary Groundwater Body Karavanke/Karawanken, and solve many engineering hydrogeology challenges.
Throughout his career, Professor Brenčič fostered extensive international collaborations with colleagues and institutions in Austria, Hungary, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, and Spain. For more than two decades, he inspired and trained new generations of Slovenian hydrogeologists, leaving an indelible mark on the profession. Among his many contributions to education are textbooks published in the Slovenian language, including Groundwater Dynamics and, most recently, Basics of Karst Geology.
Professor Brenčič’s scientific achievements, professional leadership, science communication skills and commitment to advancing hydrogeological knowledge will be remembered with great respect and gratitude.
