From pharmaceuticals to eco-friendly food processing, Professor Željko Knez reveals how cutting-edge science is transforming the products we use every day
Professor Željko Knez may be known for his groundbreaking work in chemical engineering, but his innovations reach into everyday life in surprising ways. As a leading expert in supercritical fluid technology, Professor Knez has helped transform the pharmaceuticals we rely on, the food we eat, and even the cosmetics we use—making them safer, more effective, and kinder to the environment.
A member of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, as well as the Croatian Academy of Engineering and a recent recipient of the prestigious Zois Prize for Lifetime Achievement, Professor Knez has spent decades pushing the boundaries of sustainable industry practices. From pioneering purer pharmaceuticals with fewer side effects to enabling environmentally friendly food processing, his work shows that complex science can create practical solutions that matter to us all.
In this interview, Željko Knez shares his journey, the inspirations behind his career, and his hopes for a future where science continues to improve our everyday lives.
In October this year, you received the Zois Award for Lifetime Achievement. What does this recognition mean to you, and how do you hope it might inspire the next generation of scientists?
Receiving the Zois Award for Lifetime Achievement is a profound honour, marking the pinnacle of recognition in Slovenian science and a celebration of my career in engineering and sustainable technologies. For me, this award validates decades of dedication to advancing processes and products, mainly through supercritical fluid technologies. It reinforces my belief that science must serve both innovation and environmental responsibility. This award is a reflection of my lifelong commitment to applied science, green technology, and sustainability. It acknowledges the impact my work has had on industry and society and highlights Slovenia’s growing presence in the global scientific community. I hope my achievements demonstrate that world-class research can thrive in smaller countries with strong scientific traditions.
Inspiring the next generation is a significant part of what this award means to me. I hope young scientists see my career as proof that they can make a meaningful difference with passion, perseverance, and a commitment to societal and environmental impact. I want them to value applied research, understanding that science can contribute to industry and tackle global challenges.
My journey has shown the importance of interdisciplinary thinking, combining chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. I encourage young scientists to collaborate across fields and use diverse perspectives to innovate. By fostering a culture of collaboration and pride in Slovenian science, I hope to show them they don’t need to go abroad to make significant contributions; important breakthroughs can happen right here. This award also represents a commitment to mentorship—I’m dedicated to guiding young scientists, helping them navigate challenges, and achieving their goals in science and beyond.
Many of your innovations have applications in pharmaceuticals, food processing, and environmental technology. How do you see these advancements benefiting the everyday person?
Advancements in supercritical fluid technology have brought tangible benefits to everyday life, improving the quality, safety, and sustainability of products across several key areas.
In pharmaceuticals, this technology enables the production of purer, precisely formulated drugs. For patients, this means more effective treatments with fewer side effects, as medications can be tailored for optimal absorption. Supercritical fluids also eliminate the need for harmful solvents, resulting in safer medications free from toxic residues.
In food processing, supercritical CO₂ extracts antioxidants, flavours, and essential oils without harsh chemicals. This results in healthier, additive-free food products that retain their natural flavours and nutritional value, from decaffeinated coffee to fat-free oils. Consumers enjoy foods and beverages processed in a way that supports a healthier lifestyle.
I hope my achievements demonstrate that world-class research can thrive in smaller countries with strong scientific traditions
The personal care and cosmetics industry benefits as well. Supercritical fluids allow for pure, high-quality ingredients without synthetic additives. Skincare products, essential oils, and fragrances become safer, gentler, and ideal for people with sensitive skin, reducing the risk of adverse reactions. In terms of environmental sustainability, these technologies make industrial processes greener and more energy-efficient, lowering pollution and emissions. Cleaner air, water, and soil directly benefit public health and contribute to a healthier environment overall.
For waste reduction and resource use, supercritical fluids aid in efficient recycling and recovering valuable materials from waste. This supports a more sustainable economy and reduces the need for new resources, contributing to a circular economy where materials are reused.
As these technologies become more widespread, they can lead to cost savings passed down to consumers. The efficiency of supercritical fluid processes can reduce production costs, eventually making high-quality products more affordable across pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics.
Finally, these advancements empower consumers to make informed choices by offering sustainable, health-conscious alternatives. As people look for products that align with their values, these innovations support high-quality goods that are both effective and responsibly produced.
You’re helping put Slovenia and the broader Adria region on the map in terms of innovation. What unique strengths does the region offer, and what are your hopes for its scientific future?
I see Slovenia and the wider Adria region as an emerging centre for sustainable innovation with unique strengths in applied science, collaboration, and environmental ethics. My hope is for the region to lead in green technologies and sustainable practices, gaining a reputation for impactful, high-quality research. I believe that with continued public and private investment in research facilities and supporting young scientists, the Adria region can become a global centre of excellence.
The region has several unique strengths. Its strong foundation in science, engineering, and industry, especially in fields like materials science and chemistry, has created a skilled workforce and an academic community that values rigorous research. This legacy of technical expertise encourages young scientists to pursue engineering and applied sciences.
Strategically located between Central Europe and the Balkans, Slovenia enjoys access to diverse markets and research networks, fostering cross-border partnerships. This collaborative culture strengthens research cooperation and industrial innovation, helping to position the region as a scientific hub. With a strong environmental ethic, Slovenia and the Adria region are deeply committed to sustainability and green technologies. This ethos is reflected in public policy and is a driving force behind innovations like supercritical fluids for cleaner industrial processes.
My journey has shown the importance of interdisciplinary thinking, combining chemistry, engineering, and environmental science
I see Slovenia becoming a leader in green chemistry and renewable energy, helping other countries achieve their environmental goals.
Educational institutions like the University of Maribor support scientific innovation and emphasise applied research with industry partnerships. I hope to see continued investment in education, empowering young scientists and engineers to tackle global challenges with fresh perspectives.
Lastly, the region’s innovation ecosystem, with start-ups, research initiatives, and public-private partnerships, supports entrepreneurship and the commercialisation of science. I envision a future where more young researchers and entrepreneurs in Slovenia will bring their discoveries to market, creating high-tech jobs and attracting international investment. In summary, the Adria region has the potential to become a leader in sustainable science and technology, with Slovenia at the forefront of green innovation.
What key scientific or technological trends do you believe we should be paying attention to?
Looking forward, several scientific and technological trends will significantly shape sectors like environmental science, healthcare, engineering, and IT. These trends align technological progress with pressing societal needs, especially sustainability and health, encouraging innovation that is both advanced and responsible.
A critical area is sustainable and green technologies. As climate change intensifies, advances in renewable energy, circular economy practices, and green chemistry will be essential across industries. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are becoming more efficient, while circular economy innovations— such as recycling and waste-to-energy technologies— are reducing waste. Green chemistry, aimed at developing non-toxic chemicals, will support cleaner processes in fields from pharmaceuticals to materials science.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are revolutionising how we analyse data and automate processes. In healthcare, AI is transforming diagnostics, drug discovery, and personalised medicine, while in manufacturing, it drives efficiency and waste reduction. AI advancements in natural language processing also change customer service, education, and content creation.
Biotechnology and genomics are making strides with profound implications. CRISPR and gene editing enable precise genetic modifications to cure diseases, improve crop resilience, and boost food production. Synthetic biology, which creates organisms for biofuels or pharmaceuticals, is another area of interest. Quantum computing, as it advances, will open doors for tackling complex challenges. It holds promise for drug discovery and materials science by modelling molecular interactions in unprecedented detail. Its rise will also require new encryption methods for data security in light of its potential impact on cryptography.
Personalised and preventative medicine is on the rise. Genomics, wearable tech, and data analytics are moving healthcare from reactive to proactive care, allowing tailored treatments and real-time health monitoring for early detection.
I see Slovenia and the wider Adria region as an emerging centre for sustainable innovation
Robotics and automation are enhancing efficiency across industries. Autonomous vehicles are set to reshape transport, while service robots in healthcare and hospitality are taking over routine tasks, allowing human workers to focus on complex responsibilities.
Data privacy and ethics in technology are increasingly important. As technology integrates further into daily life, ethical frameworks for AI and cybersecurity measures will be crucial to protect users’ privacy and prevent biases. Space exploration and commercialisation are experiencing renewed interest from government and private sectors. Mining celestial bodies for resources could impact industries on Earth, while commercial space travel may create new tourism and research opportunities.
Finally, innovations in food technology and agriculture are crucial for global food security. Precision agriculture uses AI, drones, and sensors to optimise crop yields, and alternative proteins, such as plant-based and lab-grown options, aim to provide sustainable food sources with smaller ecological footprints.
These trends, at the intersection of technology and ethical responsibility, will drive a future focused on sustainability, efficiency, and innovation across all sectors.
