Damir Kralj

Damir Kralj is a Research Professor and Head of the Laboratory for Precipitation Processes at the Ruđer Bošković Institute (Department of Materials Chemistry), affiliated with the University of Zagreb. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry and has extensive academic experience including doctoral course instruction at the University of Zagreb's Faculty of Science and Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry (1990) from Ruđer Bošković Institute and University of Zagreb
• M.Sc. in Physical and Analytical Chemistry (1986) from University of Zagreb
• B.Sc. in Chemical Technology (1983) from University of Zagreb

Research Focus: His work spans physical chemistry, applied chemistry, and materials science with emphasis on biomineralization mechanisms, precipitation kinetics of calcium compounds (carbonates, phosphates, oxalates), and environmental applications. Key areas include crystal growth modulation using organic/inorganic additives, microplastic encapsulation, and functional nanomaterials development for catalysis and corrosion protection.

Publication Trends: Recent articles (2021-2024) demonstrate strong focus on environmentally relevant crystallization processes, including microplastic encapsulation in minerals, pollutant interactions, biomimetic material synthesis, and advanced characterization of crystal growth kinetics. Studies frequently employ multidisciplinary approaches combining chemistry, materials science, and environmental engineering.

Awards & Honors:

• Award of the Croatian Chemical Society (1994)
• Golden ARCA and GENIUS CUP awards for VIKER reactor innovation (2005)
• Silver ARCA for calcium carbonate production process (2009)

Academic Leadership: Supervised 5 completed PhD students and 2 diploma students, currently advising 1 PhD candidate. Secured multiple competitive grants including Croatian Science Foundation support for bioinspired materials research (2014-2018) and Ministry of Science projects on precipitation mechanisms.

Laboratory: Leads the Laboratory for Precipitation Processes focusing on fundamental and applied research in crystallization kinetics, biomaterial development, and environmental remediation technologies.