One of the major areas of inquiry in biomedical science is in the study of infectious diseases and their biological triggers. Once a cause of a disease is known, research into what can prevent or lessen its effects can potentially help save many lives.

Slovenia (Slovenija) is a member of the European Union, Schengen Agreement and NATO. Previously one of Yugoslavia's six constituent republics, present-day Slovenia became independent in 1991. Slovenia has four universities, located in Ljubljana, Maribor, Nova Gorica and Koper.