# Žiga Turk

> Slovene computer scientist, politician and university teacher

**Wikidata**: [Q135216](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q135216)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ziga-turk

## Summary
Žiga Turk is a Slovene computer scientist, politician, and university teacher, best known for serving as Slovenia's Minister of Education, Science and Sport from 2012 to 2013. He has made significant contributions to both academia and public policy, particularly in the fields of computer science and education.

## Biography
- Born: February 4, 1962, in Ljubljana
- Nationality: Slovenia (citizen since 1991), formerly Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
- Education: University of Ljubljana
- Known for: Serving in high-level government positions and contributing to computer science research and education
- Employer(s): University of Ljubljana (as university teacher)
- Field(s): Computer science, politics, civil engineering

## Contributions
Žiga Turk has worked primarily in the areas of computer science and higher education. As an academic, he contributed to research and teaching at the University of Ljubljana. His political career includes key roles such as Minister of Education, Science and Sport (2012–2013) and Minister without Portfolio for Development and EU Cohesion Policy (2007–2008). In these capacities, he influenced national policies on education, scientific development, and European Union funding strategies. While specific technical publications or patents are not detailed here, his leadership in governmental roles underscores his impact on shaping Slovenia’s strategic direction in science and technology sectors during critical periods.

## FAQs
### Q: What positions has Žiga Turk held in the Slovenian government?
A: Žiga Turk served as Minister of Education, Science and Sport from February 10, 2012, until February 27, 2013. Prior to that, he was Minister without Portfolio for Development and EU Cohesion Policy from March 6, 2007, to November 21, 2008.

### Q: Where did Žiga Turk study?
A: Žiga Turk studied at the University of Ljubljana, though specific degrees are not listed in the source material.

### Q: Which political party does Žiga Turk belong to?
A: Žiga Turk is a member of the Slovenian Democratic Party.

## Why They Matter
Žiga Turk's dual expertise in computer science and governance allowed him to bridge technological advancement with effective policymaking in Slovenia. During his tenure as Minister of Education, Science and Sport, he played a crucial role in aligning Slovenia’s educational system with EU standards and promoting innovation within the country’s scientific community. His earlier role focusing on development and cohesion policy also helped direct EU funds toward infrastructure and economic growth initiatives. Without his involvement, Slovenia may have experienced slower integration into broader European research frameworks and less coordinated efforts in leveraging digital transformation for societal benefit.

## Notable For
- Serving as Slovenia's Minister of Education, Science and Sport from 2012 to 2013
- Holding ministerial office as Minister without Portfolio for Development and EU Cohesion Policy between 2007 and 2008
- Being affiliated with the University of Ljubljana as a university teacher
- Active participation in shaping Slovenia’s science and education policies aligned with EU objectives
- Membership in the Slovenian Democratic Party

## Body

### Early Life and Academic Career
Žiga Turk was born on February 4, 1962, in Ljubljana, Slovenia. He pursued higher education at the University of Ljubljana, where he later became a university teacher. His background spans multiple disciplines including computer science and civil engineering.

### Political Career
Turk entered politics as a member of the Slovenian Democratic Party. He first held the position of **Minister without Portfolio for Development and EU Cohesion Policy** from **March 6, 2007**, until **November 21, 2008**. In this role, he oversaw developmental planning and coordination of EU structural funds aimed at regional development and economic cohesion.

From **February 10, 2012**, to **February 27, 2013**, Turk served as **Minister of Education, Science and Sport**, succeeding Zvonko Kogej and preceding Jernej Pikalo. During his term, he focused on reforms in education systems and supported initiatives to enhance Slovenia’s engagement in international scientific collaboration.

### Professional Fields
His professional identity combines three major domains:
- **Computer Science**: Contributing through academic research and instruction.
- **Politics**: Influencing national policy in education and development.
- **Civil Engineering**: Though specifics are sparse, it remains part of his occupational profile.

### International Recognition and Identifiers
Žiga Turk is recognized internationally through several authoritative databases:
- ISNI: `0000000045639343`
- GND ID: `1309362408`
- VIAF ID: `16913270`
- WorldCat Entities ID: `E39PBJp689yrjpd7X9xWJmvPwC`
- Library of Congress Authority ID: `no2003057682`

These identifiers reflect his presence across global scholarly and cultural networks.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. CONOR.SI