Vedran ĐerekView profile
Associate Professor
Vedran Đerek serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Experimental Physics at the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. His research spans bioelectronics, optoelectronic cell control, and nanostructured materials development. His laboratory ( dereklab.phy.hr ) focuses on creating advanced interfaces between biological systems and electronic devices. Dr. Đerek's research interests center on developing bioelectronic interfaces that enable precise communication with biological systems. His work in optoelectronic cell control utilizes light to modulate electrophysiological properties of cells with millisecond precision, enabling new approaches in biomedical research. His expertise in nanostructured and hybrid materials drives innovation in photodetectors and optoelectronic devices, while his spectroscopy work applies high-resolution optical techniques to study material properties and interactions. Numerical modeling using tools like COMSOL Multiphysics forms a critical component of his research methodology for simulating complex bioelectronic systems. His recent publication trend (2018-2024) reveals a strong focus on organic photocapacitors and photovoltaic devices for neural and cardiac stimulation. Key themes include wireless optoelectronic nerve stimulation, chronic neural interfaces, and the fundamental mechanisms of photocapacitive versus photofaradaic stimulation. His work bridges materials science, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering to develop next-generation bioelectronic interfaces with applications in medical devices and fundamental biological research. Dr. Đerek teaches courses in atomic and molecular physics at both undergraduate and doctoral levels, including "Atomska i molekulska fizika" (Atomic and Molecular Physics), "Osnove atomske i molekulske fizike" (Fundamentals of Atomic and Molecular Physics), and doctoral-level "Spektroskopske metode u proučavanju molekulskih vibracija" (Spectroscopic Methods in Molecular Vibration Studies).