The master’s thesis examines the factors influencing the emigration, return, and collaboration of Slovenian scientists and researchers working abroad. Special attention is given to the role of social networks, which significantly shape individual decisions and enable the maintenance of professional and personal ties with Slovenia. The theoretical part presents the concepts of brain drain and brain circulation, along with related notions, key aspects of scientist and expert mobility, and selected examples of foreign practices that illustrate different approaches to cooperation with the scientific diaspora. The empirical part is based on a mobility survey conducted among Slovenian scientists and researchers abroad. The results show that the main reasons for leaving are better opportunities for career development, higher-quality research infrastructure, and an international working environment, while return decisions are mostly motivated by personal reasons related to family and quality of life. Social networks play an important role in all phases of mobility, serving as a source of support, information, and connection. The thesis emphasizes the need to develop a national strategy that would systematically promote cooperation between Slovenia and its scientific diaspora.
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