Borka Jerman Blažič facts for kids

Borka Jerman Blažič (born March 28, 1947) is a very important person in the history of the internet in Slovenia. She is known as an "Internet pioneer," meaning she was one of the first people to help bring the internet to her country. She is also the President of the Internet Society in Slovenia. This group helps make the internet better and more open for everyone.

Borka studied at several universities. She earned her first degree in Macedonia. Later, she got a Master's degree in Slovenia and a PhD in Croatia. She also did advanced studies in the United States. She learned a lot about computers and networks.

Bringing the Internet to Slovenia

Borka Jerman Blažič played a huge role in bringing the internet to what was then SFR Yugoslavia (which included Slovenia). In 1991, she helped create the first network for schools and universities. This network, called YUNET, was the first to offer internet services in the region. It was a big step towards connecting people in Slovenia to the rest of the world.

Her Work and Contributions

Borka has worked with many important groups that help shape the internet.

• In the early 1990s, she was a leader in a group called TERENA. This group helps connect research and education networks across Europe.
• She was also the first elected leader of the European Council of the Internet Society Chapters. This shows her importance in the internet community across Europe.

Today, Professor Borka Jerman Blažič teaches at the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia. She teaches about electronic communication and how to keep information safe online. She also leads a special lab that studies open systems and networks. She is also a senior researcher at the Stockholm University in Sweden.

Borka is a member of important councils that advise governments on electronic communication and privacy. She helps make sure that the internet is used safely and fairly.

Awards and Recognition

Borka Jerman Blažič has written many articles and books about information and communication technologies. She has also been invited to speak at many international events.

In 2017, the President of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, gave her the Medal for Merits. This is a special award for people who have done great things for their country.

In 2018, an international conference called "Information Society" honored her. They called her "The first lady of Slovenian Internet." That same year, she published a book called "Don Kihot in Slovenia or how Internet has come in Slovenia." The book tells the story of how computer networks developed around the world and how the internet first came to Slovenia in 1991. It also talks about Slovenia's independence during that time.