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Mislav BalkovićView profile

Associate Professor

• Data Science
• Education Policy
• Labor Market Analysis
• +7 more

Mislav Balković is an Associate Professor at Algebra University of Applied Sciences, where he has served as Director and Dean since 2000 and 2009, respectively. He drives strategic development for the Algebra Group and contributes to national education policy through roles in expert bodies like the National Council for Science, Higher Education and Technology, and the Accreditation Council of the Agency for Science and Higher Education. Education: PhD (2016) from Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb Research Interests: Mislav’s work bridges Data Science with applications in labor market dynamics , education policy , qualification frameworks , and energy systems . His projects focus on smart grid optimization, digital identity protection, and AI-driven educational reforms. Publications Trends: His recent articles emphasize cross-disciplinary applications , including brain-computer interfaces for image generation, EU labor market analysis , and smart grid resilience . Earlier works explore blockchain-based academic credentials and data analytics in auditing . Grants and Projects: He has led ~50 EU and domestic projects , spanning smart tourist management , lean methodologies for screen creators , and ICT services for alternative communication . His policy work includes drafting laws on adult education and higher education reform. Leadership: Vice President of the Croatian Employers' Association in Education (HUP-UPO) and past President of the Sectoral Council for Electrical Engineering and Computing.

Mihael MakekView profile

Professor

• Nuclear Physics
• Particle Physics
• Experimental Physics
• +5 more

Mihael Makek is a full professor at the Department of Experimental Physics within the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Zagreb. His academic position places him at the forefront of nuclear and particle physics research in Croatia, with strong connections to international collaborations like PHENIX at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). He maintains active involvement in both teaching and research, contributing to the physics community through publications and mentorship. Professor Makek's research interests span multiple areas of experimental physics, with particular emphasis on nuclear physics and particle physics . His work focuses on heavy ion collisions, particle production mechanisms, jet measurements, and radiation detectors with medical applications. His recent publications demonstrate expertise in analyzing data from relativistic heavy ion collisions to study quark-gluon plasma properties, using techniques like elliptic flow measurements, direct photon production analysis, and jet quenching studies. Additionally, he has made contributions to medical physics through research on PET imaging systems and Compton scattering phenomena. An analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on experimental measurements at forward rapidity in various collision systems (p+p, d+Au, Au+Au, etc.). His work frequently addresses fundamental questions about quark-gluon plasma formation, parton energy loss in nuclear matter, and the behavior of heavy flavor particles in extreme conditions. The consistent appearance of his name in PHENIX collaboration papers indicates his significant role in this major international research effort. Professor Makek teaches across multiple academic levels, including undergraduate courses in statistics and measurements, graduate courses in modern physics and nuclear physics, and doctoral courses on radiation detectors and medical applications of nuclear methods. His teaching portfolio reflects the interdisciplinary nature of his research, bridging fundamental physics with practical applications in medical technology.

• Artificial Intelligence
• Educational Technology
• Business Process Management
• +5 more

Darko Etinger is an Associate Professor and currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Informatics at Juraj Dobrila University of Pula in Croatia. His academic career spans over two decades with significant contributions to the fields of information systems, educational technology, and artificial intelligence. He teaches undergraduate courses including Artificial Intelligence, Business Information Systems, Business Process Management, ICT Fundamentals, Information Systems, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, and Multimedia Systems. At the graduate level, he teaches Development of IT Solutions, IT Management, Modelling and Simulation, and Project Management. He also supervises doctoral research in Management of Information Technologies in Education. Dr. Etinger's research interests span several key areas in computer science and education technology. He has made significant contributions to understanding how information and communication technologies can support children with special educational needs, as evidenced by his 2024 and 2025 books on the topic. His work also focuses on business process management, educational data mining, and the application of artificial intelligence in educational contexts. His 2024 book 'Introduction to R and RStudio' demonstrates his commitment to data science education. Analysis of his recent publications shows a strong focus on practical applications of technology in education and business. His work spans educational robotics, learning management systems analysis, business process modeling, and the application of large language models in healthcare. He has a particular interest in how technology can be made accessible and beneficial for diverse learner populations, including those with special needs. His research often takes a human-centered approach, examining not just the technology itself but how it's adopted and used by end users. His 2025 bibliometric analysis of metaverse security demonstrates his ability to tackle emerging technological challenges. Associate Professor at Faculty of Informatics, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula Current Dean of Faculty of Informatics Author of multiple publications on educational technology and information systems Supervisor for numerous graduate theses on educational technology topics Active participant in EDIH Adria project as evidenced by 2025 publications Researcher in educational robotics implementation in Croatian schools Dr. Etinger has advised numerous students completing their theses, with a focus on educational technology applications. His research has been published in various international conferences and journals including IEEE Engineering Management Review, Procedia Computer Science, and System Dynamics Review. His current research appears to be heavily focused on the EDIH Adria project, which is a European Digital Innovation Hub initiative focusing on technology transfer and business innovation. He maintains an active research program with publications spanning from 2003 to the present, demonstrating sustained scholarly contribution to his fields of expertise.

Mateja PećinaView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Molecular Genetics
• Animal Biotechnology
• Meat Quality Analysis
• +3 more

Mateja Pećina is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Animal Science and Technology, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, specializing in molecular genetics and biotechnology applications in animal production. She holds a PhD in Animal Science and Technology and has been affiliated with the university since 2016. PhD in Animal Science and Technology (2017-2023) MSc in Animal Science and Technology (2013-2015) BSc in Food Science and Technology (2010-2013) Her research focuses on: Developing molecular methods for animal production Gene polymorphism effects on meat quality Bioremediation techniques in food processing Genetic markers for sensory properties in livestock Dry ageing impacts on beef burgers Conservation of endangered local breeds Recent publications highlight trends in genetic influence on meat composition, bioremediation advancements, and sustainable practices in livestock farming. She coordinates two major projects: Genetic, Economic, and Social Interactions in Local Breed Conservation (Croatian Science Foundation, 2021-2024) and Boosting Excellence in Experimental Research for Agri-Food Economics and Management (Horizon 2020, 2020-2023). Her international collaborations include scientific visits to the University of Padova, University of Bologna, and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences for research in animal biotechnology and meat analysis.

Nikolina Udiković KolićView profile

Professor

• Biotechnology
• Molecular Biotechnology
• Environmental Science
• +4 more

Nikolina Udiković Kolić is a Professor and Laboratory Head at the Ruđer Bošković Institute's Division for Marine and Environmental Research, where she leads the Laboratory for Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology. With a PhD in Biotechnology from the University of Zagreb (2008) and a Fulbright fellowship at Yale University (2012-2013), she has established herself as a leading researcher in environmental antibiotic resistance. Her research focuses on bioremediation, biodegradation of environmental contaminants, microbial ecology, and particularly antibiotic resistance development in environmental systems. She investigates how pharmaceutical industry wastewater, agricultural practices, and municipal wastewater treatment contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance in natural environments. Her work bridges laboratory research with field studies across Croatia's water systems. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on wastewater as a critical pathway for antibiotic resistance transmission, with particular attention to carbapenem and ESBL resistance mechanisms in Enterobacterales. Her research combines molecular techniques with ecological approaches to understand resistance gene transfer between environmental and clinical settings. 2024, 2020, 2019 Annual Awards from the Ruđer Bošković Institute for high-impact publications 2020 Branimir Jernej Foundation Annual Award 2019 Outstanding Associate Editor Award from Journal of Environmental Quality 2012 Fulbright Visiting Scholar Grant for research at Yale University 2008 BP Young Scientists & Students Award at International Biotechnology Symposium As principal investigator of multiple Croatian Science Foundation projects including 'Antimicrobial resistance surveillance via analyses of groundwaters' (2024-2027), she has secured significant research funding. She mentors numerous graduate students, with several completing doctoral and master's theses under her supervision. Her laboratory serves as a hub for environmental microbiology research, collaborating with international partners across Europe and the United States to address the global challenge of antibiotic resistance in the environment.

• Chemical Crystallography
• Structural Chemistry
• Hydrogen Bonding
• +5 more

Dr. Krešimir Molčanov is a Senior Scientist at the Ruđer Bošković Institute in Zagreb, Croatia, working within the Division of Physical Chemistry, Laboratory for chemical and biological crystallography. He maintains a dual academic role as an educator at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, where he teaches specialized courses in crystallography and general chemistry. Dr. Molčanov's educational background includes primary education at Ivan Gundulić school in Zagreb (1985-1993), secondary education at II. gimnazija high school in Zagreb (1993-1997), undergraduate studies in Chemistry at the University of Zagreb (1997-2002), and doctoral studies in Inorganic and Structural Chemistry at the same institution (2003-2008). His research primarily focuses on chemical crystallography with special emphasis on radical systems, particularly semiquinone radicals and their electronic properties. Dr. Molčanov investigates the relationship between crystal structure and functionality, with applications in magnetic materials, conductivity, and proton transport. A recurring theme throughout his career is the investigation of 'pancake bonding' - a special type of multicenter bonding in radical systems that bridges the gap between covalent and intermolecular interactions. His work increasingly incorporates quantum crystallographic methods to understand electron density distribution in complex systems. Analysis of Dr. Molčanov's publication record shows consistent evolution from fundamental hydrogen bonding studies toward advanced applications in functional materials. His most recent work (2023-2025) demonstrates sophisticated integration of experimental crystallography with electronic structure analysis, particularly in systems involving radical anions and multicenter bonding. The recurring themes across his publications include π-stacking interactions, charge transfer phenomena, and the design of materials with tailored electronic properties. Dr. Molčanov has led multiple research projects funded by the Croatian Science Foundation and Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts. His leadership roles include projects on metal-organic systems based on oxalate and quinoid ligands, interactions of semiquinone radicals for magnetic materials, and design of functional materials based on quinoid rings. He has coordinated international collaborations with researchers from France, Slovenia, and India, focusing on crystallographic studies and materials design. Within the Laboratory for chemical and biological crystallography at the Ruđer Bošković Institute, Dr. Molčanov maintains close collaboration with multiple research teams, including the long-standing partnership with Dr. Biserka Kojić-Prodić (his PhD supervisor). His interdisciplinary approach spans chemistry, physics, and materials science, with particular emphasis on the structural basis of electronic properties in solid-state systems.

Michael WooldridgeView profile

Professor

• Artificial Intelligence
• Multiagent Systems
• Foundations of AI
• +2 more

Michael Wooldridge holds the Ashall Professorship in the Foundations of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Oxford, where he is recognized as a world leader and founding figure in multiagent systems research. His scholarly focus centers on the theoretical underpinnings of artificial intelligence, particularly interactions between autonomous AI systems. This work has established critical frameworks for distributed intelligence and agent-based computing, influencing both academic research and industrial applications in AI coordination and negotiation protocols. Professor Wooldridge's contributions have been honored with: Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng, 2025) Beyond academia, he actively shapes AI policy through governmental advisory roles, including specialist consultation for the UK House of Lords inquiry on large language models and the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies. His public engagement culminated in the 2023 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures series titled “The Truth about AI”, making complex AI concepts accessible to broad audiences.

Dubravka AkšamovićView profile

Professor

• Competition Law
• Corporate Law
• Bankruptcy Law
• +5 more

Prof. Dubravka Akšamović is a Full Professor and Head of the Department of Commercial, Financial, Maritime and General Traffic Law at the Faculty of Law, Osijek. She holds a PhD in Competition Law and has been actively involved in academic leadership since 2003, including directing the Law Clinic and co-leading the interdisciplinary Law and Economics Clinic with the Faculty of Economics. Fluent in English, German, and Italian, she teaches courses on Company Law, Commercial Law, Bankruptcy Law, and Competition Law at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Her research focuses on EU competition law, judicial review mechanisms, and corporate governance, with notable contributions to publications like Competition Law in Croatia (2019) and EU Competition and State Aid Rules (2018). She chairs specialist programs in Business Law and Transactions and serves on international bodies such as the European Network for Clinical Legal Education (ENCLE). Awards include the 2020/21 Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Her work bridges legal theory with practical clinical education, emphasizing access to justice and interdisciplinary collaboration. Education: Bachelor’s (Faculty of Law Osijek), PhD in Competition Law (2008). Professional Roles: Bar member since 2003, Head of Clinical Programs, Jean Monnet Module Lead in EU Competition Law (2018–2021). Key Contributions: Over 50 publications, involvement in EU-funded projects, and regulatory advisory roles including the Council of Conciliators at ICSID.

• Fluid Dynamics
• Aerodynamics
• Environmental Engineering
• +3 more

Hrvoje Kozmar is a Full Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Zagreb's Faculty of Science. His research focuses on fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, and environmental engineering, with particular emphasis on wind energy systems, atmospheric boundary layer flows, and structural dynamics. His work addresses challenges in offshore engineering, wind turbine design, and urban building aerodynamics. Professor Kozmar has contributed to advanced computational models for hydrodynamic loads on offshore structures, turbulence effects on tall buildings, and wind energy harvesting systems. His studies on Bora wind dynamics and rotor blade aerodynamics highlight interdisciplinary applications in meteorology and renewable energy. Key projects include surrogate modeling for offshore monopiles, numerical simulations of wave-current interactions, and experimental studies on porous double-skin façades for wind load mitigation. He has collaborated on wind farm layouts, cable-supported bridge stability, and aerodynamic optimization of vehicles.

• Environmental Geochemistry
• Sedimentology
• Geochemical Analysis
• +4 more

Gordana Medunić is a Full Professor at the Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. She actively teaches courses across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, including topics in geochemical methods, environmental geology, and sediment analysis. Her research focuses on environmental geochemistry, particularly the impacts of coal mining and industrial activities on soil and water systems. Key areas include pollutant mobility, biogeochemical remediation, and trace element interactions in ecosystems. Geochemical Processes in Sedimentary Rocks Environmental Pollution Assessment Biogeochemical Remediation Techniques Rare Earth Element Distribution Recent publications highlight her work on coal sludge contamination, methane production from biomass, and selenium bioremediation. These studies employ geochemical analysis, microbial communities, and synthetic materials for environmental recovery. Her projects include collaborations on global sustainability initiatives like the Phosphorus Negotiation Game (P-Game) and fieldwork in Raša Bay, North Adriatic. She contributes to understanding long-term effects of industrial waste on ecosystems and developing remediation strategies. Teaching roles involve courses such as Geochemical Methods of Environmental Investigation and Geological Aspects of Waste Management , emphasizing practical applications in environmental protection and resource management.

Jelena BujanView profile

Researcher

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Climate Change Effects on Species
• +5 more

Jelena Bujan is a Researcher at the Ruđer Bošković Institute , affiliated with the Division for Marine and Environmental Research and the Laboratory for Physical Oceanography and Chemistry of Aquatic Systems . She holds a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Oklahoma and an MEd in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Zagreb. PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Oklahoma, USA MEd in Biology and Chemistry, University of Zagreb, Croatia Her research focuses on ecological and evolutionary responses to climate change, particularly in ant communities. Key areas include thermal physiology, climatic niche modeling, and the biogeography of invasive species. She investigates how temperature tolerance and plasticity influence species distributions and ecosystem dynamics. Recent publications highlight her work on: Thermoregulatory traits predicting climatic niches Tropical ant community responses to soil warming Acclimation mechanisms in invasive species Thermal diversity patterns in North American ants

Davor BulićView profile

Associate Professor

• Roman Archaeology
• Istrian Rural Architecture
• Roman Centuriation
• +3 more

Associate Professor Davor Bulić holds a dual degree in Archaeology and History from the University of Zadar (2006) and a PhD in Archaeology from the same institution (2015). He has been affiliated with the Juraj Dobrila University of Pula since 2008, progressing from Research Assistant to his current position as Head of the Department of Archaeology (since 2022). His research focuses on Roman rural architecture in Istria, centuriation systems, and the socio-economic dynamics of the region from prehistory to Late Antiquity. Notable projects include leadership of the Croatian Science Foundation project 'Roman Landscape and Settlement Dynamics of the Istrian Colonial Territories' (2023–present), and prior contributions to studies on Istrian olive oil production, prehistoric hillfort reuse, and Roman villa architecture. His interdisciplinary work integrates field archaeology, material analysis, and historical interpretation. Teaching responsibilities include courses on classical archaeology, fieldwork methodology, and ancient history. His publications span peer-reviewed articles, conference proceedings, and edited volumes, emphasizing the interplay between material culture and socio-economic systems in the Adriatic region.

Nika ŠimurinaView profile

Professor

• Public Finance Systems
• Tax Systems
• Tax Policy
• +3 more

Nika Šimurina, PhD, is a Full Professor at the Department of Finance, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb. She has been affiliated with the faculty since 1999, teaching Public Finance, Tax System of Croatia, and International Aspects of Taxation in undergraduate and graduate programs. She also coordinates the Introduction to Regulation course in the graduate professional program. B.Sc. in Law (1998), Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb M.Sc. in Economics (2003), Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb Ph.D. in Economics (2008), Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb Her research focuses on public finance systems, tax systems, tax policy, and international taxation. She has explored topics such as environmental taxes, personal over-indebtedness, income inequality, and the economic impact of renewable energy investments in Croatia. Her work often bridges fiscal policy with broader socio-economic issues. Her publications analyze trends in tax policy, inequality, healthcare efficiency, and sustainability. Recent articles address environmental taxation in the EU, tax drivers of household debt, and cluster analyses of EU economic freedom and corruption. Outstanding Conference Participant Award B&ESI (2018) She has served as a mentor for seminar papers, final theses, and graduate theses, though specific student names are not listed. She has evaluated grants for the University of Rijeka and reviewed submissions for prestigious journals like Economic Review and Zagreb International Review of Economics and Business.

August CesarecView profile

Researcher

• Non-performing loans
• Bank profitability
• Bank loan regulations
• +2 more

August Cesarec, PhD , is a Higher Teaching and Research Assistant (Postdoctoral Researcher) at the Department of Finance, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb since February 2023. He holds a PhD in Finance from the same institution, with his dissertation titled "Determinants of non-performing exposures and economic impact on the financial stability in the European Union". Education : Graduate degree in Finance (2012) from University of Zagreb Faculty of Economics and Business; Postgraduate program Leadership and Management of Health Services (2017) from University of Zagreb School of Medicine Research interests focus on: Non-performing loans (NPLs) and their economic impact Bank profitability and loan portfolio dynamics Financial system regulation and supervision His recent publications analyze: Credit structures in EU banks Technological solutions for credit assessment Regional economic development and loan activities Banking sector sustainability models Scientific award : Awarded the "Dr. Pero Jurković" prize for his doctoral dissertation Projects : Involved in healthcare economics studies (e.g., cervical cancer cost analysis) and Croatian banking sector research.

Jovica V. MilanovićView profile

Professor

• Power Systems Engineering
• Probabilistic Modelling
• Power System Dynamics
• +4 more

Professor Jovica V. Milanović serves as Professor of Electrical Power Engineering at the University of Manchester, internationally recognized for transformative contributions to power systems engineering. Elected Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng) in 2025, his work bridges academic research and industrial applications across UK power networks. His research pioneers probabilistic modeling of power system dynamics to address critical uncertainties in generation, demand, and network topology. Key advancements include distributed voltage control strategies and load modeling innovations that significantly improved peak demand management. These contributions directly shape modern power grid resilience and operational standards. Professor Milanović holds leadership positions in IEEE task forces and CIGRE working groups, driving international standards development. He maintains senior advisory roles throughout the electrical power industry, translating research into practical grid management solutions. Scientific Awards Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng), 2025