The Subterranean Biology Lab at University of Ljubljana continues a long tradition of speleobiology in Slovenia. This scientific discipline emerged in 1832, with the first scientific description of a cave organism, the slenderneck beetle Leptodirus hochenwartii.

Most subterranean species are small range endemics, and thus challenging for ecological and evolutionary research, as well as conservation. In Slovenia the rich and diverse subterranean fauna is an invaluable part of the national natural heritage. Together with its unique habitat, it is worth exploring and protecting in its own right.