This year marks the 120th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Ljudmila Dolar Mantuani, the first Slovenian woman to earn a doctorate in mineralogy and petrology. Her life story is defined by an unwavering dedication to research, extraordinary work ethic, and remarkable international success.
She was a lady who always carried a geological hammer in her handbag alongside her personal belongings—a fond detail her nephew, Dr. Mladen Dolar, loves to recall. She earned her doctorate during an era that was far from welcoming to women in academia, yet her expertise allowed her to overcome numerous barriers.
After World War II, she relocated to Canada with her family. Following initial challenges, she established herself as one of the world’s leading experts in concrete mineralogy and petrology. She contributed her vast knowledge to some of the largest engineering feats of the era, including the massive St. Lawrence Seaway hydroelectric project.
Despite a stellar career abroad—and balancing her roles as a researcher, lecturer, wife, and mother—she always maintained a close bond with her homeland, returning regularly to Slovenia throughout the 1980s.
Her legacy remains one of the most significant milestones in the history of Slovenian geology, serving as an inspiring reminder of the invaluable role of women in science.
Exhibition Credits & Details
Exhibition Authors: Katarina Kadivec, Tristan Rome, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jure Ahtik
Photography: Dr. Ljudmila Dolar Mantuani (Personal Archive of Dr. Mladen Dolar)
Video: Tristan Rome (Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jure Ahtik (Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering), Katarina Kadivec (The Slovenian Museum of Natural History), David Kunc (The Slovenian Museum of Natural History)
Exhibition Dates: September 30, 2026 – March 1, 2027