 Trontelj was active in acivil initiative in the early seventies to preserve two valleys in Slovenia threatened by hydroelectric projects.As a member of the Prime Minister's Strategic Council for Culture, Education and Research in 2004–2008, and a subsequent President's Group on the Strategies of Future Developments of Slovenia in 2009, he contributed to ethical aspects of planning for Slovenia's future.He also served as a member of the National Health Council (1996–2000), Chairman of the Medical Research Council (1996–1998), and Senior Advisor to the Minister of Health.