The research work of Nina Zupančič integrates knowledge of mineralogy, geochemistry, petrology, and statistics to explain the formation and evolution of various natural and anthropogenic geological materials. Key topics in petrology include the genesis of Pohorje igneous rocks and the formation of volcaniclastic and clay sediments in different sedimentary sequences. In the field of environmental sciences, she has assessed soil contamination along roads, in the hinterland of Koper, in sandboxes, and in soils of kindergartens in Celje. She has investigated the interpretation of interlayer materials and pedogenic processes on different parent materials, the preservation of geochemical signals during weathering, and indicators of soil profile leaching. Her geoarchaeological studies include determining the provenance of ceramics, slag, marble monuments, and stone artifacts. In karst studies, she focuses on identifying the origin of dark coatings and accessory minerals in speleothems, as well as the relationship between radiometric records in charcoal found in tufa and soils. She also explores the potential use of various isotopes to address issues related to the life of the cave bear. Her major achievements include numerous scientific publications and participation in national and bilateral projects. As a visiting lecturer, she collaborates with geology departments at universities in Belgrade, Catania, Thessaloniki, and Clausthal. Her ongoing research is primarily directed toward the application of non-traditional stable isotopes in various geological materials, the characterization and dynamics of particulate matter (PM) in karst caves and in the Mežica area, and the development and origin of soils in karst regions.

Malenšek Andolšek, N., Lojen, S., Zupančič, N. 2026: The natural attenuation of bioavailable sulfur loads in soil around a coal-fired power plant 20 years after ceasing pollution: the case of Plomin, Croatia. Sustainability 18(2), 1–17. 

Miler, M., Zupančič, N., Šebela, S., Jarc, S. 2024: Natural and anthropogenic impact on the microclimate and particulate matter in the UNESCO show cave. Environmental science and pollution research 31, 48313–48331. 

Kastelic Kovačič, U., Debeljak, I., Potočnik, D., Ogrinc, N., Zupančič, N. 2024: A novel ontogeny-related sampling of dental tissues for stable isotopes interpretation of the paleobiology of the cave bear. Quaternary science reviews 325, 108481, 1–11

Ilenič, A., Mauko Pranjić, A., Zupančič, N., Milačič Ščančar, R., Ščančar, J. 2024: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure assessment among active daily commuters to induce behaviour change to reduce air pollution. Science of the total environment 912, 169117, 1–10. 

Rožič, B., Kocjančič, A., Gale, L., Zupančič, N., Popit, T., Vodnik, P., Kolar-Jurkovšek, T., Brajkovič, R., Žvab Rrožič, P. 2024: Architecture and sedimentary evolution of the Ladinian Kobilji curek basin (External Dinarides, central Slovenia). Swiss journal of geosciences 117, 1–24

Čeplak, B., Miler, M., Zupančič, N., Jarc, S. 2023: Heavy minerals as indicators of source material in soils on carbonates. Geoderma regional 35, 11 pp

Turniški, R., Zupančič, N., Grčman, H. 2023: Geochemical evidence of illuvial processes in clay-rich soils on limestones in a humid temperate climate. Geoderma. 429, 116266. 10.1016/j.geoderma.2022.116266.

Gerčar, D., Zupančič, N., Waśkowska, A., Pavšič, J., Rožič, B. 2022: Upper Campanian bentonite layers in the Scaglia-type limestone of the northern Dinarides (SE Slovenia). Cretaceous research 134, p. 1-20. 10.1016/j.cretres.2022.105158.

Kos, S., Zupančič, N., Gosar, M., Miler, M. 2022: Solid carriers of potentially toxic elements and their fate in stream sediments in the area affected by iron ore mining and processing. Minerals 12, pp. 22. 10.3390/min12111424.

Zupančič, N., Bozau, E. 2021: Efect of the coronavirus pandemic lockdown to elemental composition of peat mosses. Environmental science and pollution research, pp. 1-13. 10.1007/s11356-021-17564-6.

Zupančič, N., Miler, M., Ašler, A., Pompe, N., Jarc, S. 2021: Contamination of children's sandboxes with potentially toxic elements in historically polluted industrial city. Journal of hazardous materials, pp. 1-45. 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125275.

Šoster, A., Zavašnik, J., OʼSullivan, P., Herlec, U., Potočnik Kranjc, B., Palinkaš, L. A., Zušančič, N., Dolenec, M. 2020: Geochemistry of Bashibos-Bajrambos metasedimentary unit, Serbo-Macedonian massif, North Macedonia : implications for age, provenance and tectonic setting. Chemie der Erde, pp. 44. 10.1016/j.chemer.2020.125664.

Oprčkal, P., Mladenovič, A., Zupančič, N., Ščančar, J., Milalič, R., Zalar Serjun, V. 2020: Remediation of contaminated soil by red mud and paper ash. Journal of cleaner production 256, p. 1-10. 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120440.

Zupančič, N., Šebela, S., Miler, M. 2011: Mineralogical and chemical characteristics of black coatings in Postojna cave system. Acta carsol., 40/2, 307-317.

Skobe, S., Maniatis, Y., Dotsika, E., Tambakopoulos, D., Zupančič, N. 2010: Scientific charaterization of the Pohorje marbles, Slovenia. Archaeometry, 52/2, 177-190.

Skobe, S., Zupančič, N. 2009: A cathodoluminescence and petrographical study of marbles from the Pohorje area in Slovenia. Chem. Erde, 69/1, 75-80.

Márton, E., Trajanova, M., Zupančič, N., Jelen, B. 2006: Formation, uplift and tectonic integration of a Periadriatic intrusive complex (Pohorje, Slovenia) as reflected in magnetic parameters and palaeomagnetic directions. Geophys. j. int., 167/ 3, 1148-1159.

Dobnikar, M., Dolenec, T., Zupančič, N., Činč Juhant, B. 2001: The Karavanke Granitic Belt (Slovenia) - a bimodal Triassic alkaline plutonic complex. Schweiz. Mineral. Petrogr. Mitt., 81, 23-38.

Zupančič, N., Pirc, S. 1999: Calcium distibution in soil and stream sediments in Istria (Croatia) and the Slovenian littoral. J. geochem. explor., 65, 205-218.

Zupančič, N. 1999: Lead contamination in the roadside soils of Slovenia. Environ. geochem. health, 1/21, 37-50. 

• Paleontology and Sedimentary Geology (research programme • January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2023)
• Paleontology and Sedimentary Geology (research programme • January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2029)
• Sedimentary evolution of Late Cretaceous deep-water basins in the Dinarides (SECret) (November 1, 2023 - October 31, 2026)
• Extreme Earth. A holistic approach to the Earth surface processes driven by extreme weather events (January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2027)

Teaching

• Full Professor at the Department of Geology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, University of Ljubljana, where she teaches Statistics, Geochemistry, Environmental Geology, Volcanology, and Geomedicine. She has supervised 51 undergraduate theses, 10 Master’s theses, and 7 doctoral dissertations.

Awards and recognitions

• Faculty Prešeren Award for her undergraduate thesis, 1988.
• Jožef Mrak Recognition, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, 2025 – for outstanding research achievements in geology and geochemistry and for exceptional dedication to teaching.

Professional memberships

• Editorial board of Geologija; RMZ – Materials and Geoenvironment; Mineral Resources Yearbook.