Academic research serves as the foundation for technological advancement, economic growth, and societal progress. In Croatia, the University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing (FER) consistently stands at the forefront of this innovation. Recently, FER researchers received prestigious awards from the Croatian Academy of Technical Sciences (HATZ) for the year 2025. These recognitions highlight the institution’s ongoing commitment to scientific excellence and its substantial impact on both local and international engineering landscapes. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about our research programs.
Understanding the Impact of HATZ Awards in Croatian Science
The Croatian Academy of Technical Sciences (HATZ) functions as a leading institution that promotes, evaluates, and recognizes outstanding achievements in technical fields within Croatia. Established to gather the most distinguished experts in engineering and applied sciences, the Academy plays a critical role in shaping national science policies, advising the government on technical matters, and fostering collaboration between academia and industry.
Receiving an award from HATZ is a significant milestone for any researcher. It signifies that their work has undergone rigorous peer review by the country’s top experts and has been deemed highly valuable to the scientific community and society at large. For a faculty like FER, having multiple researchers honored in a single ceremony reflects the depth of talent within its departments and the high quality of its research infrastructure. The 59th Ceremonial Session of HATZ, where these recent awards were presented by Academy President prof. emer. Vedran Mornar and Vice President prof. Neven Duić, underscored the continuing vitality of Croatian technical sciences.
Recognizing Lifelong Contributions to Control Engineering
Two of the most notable awards presented at the ceremony went to senior members of the Department of Control and Computer Engineering at FER. This department has a long-standing reputation for developing advanced methodologies in automation, robotics, and complex system management.
Prof. Emeritus Nedjeljko Perić’s Appointment to the Academy
Prof. emer. Nedjeljko Perić, PhD, was appointed as an Emeritus Member of the Croatian Academy of Technical Sciences. This honorary title is reserved for individuals who have dedicated their careers to their scientific fields, demonstrating sustained excellence over decades. Emeritus membership is not merely a retirement recognition; it is an active acknowledgment of a researcher’s foundational role in building their discipline.
Throughout his career, Prof. Perić has contributed extensively to the theory and application of control systems. His work has helped shape modern approaches to industrial automation, influencing how complex processes are monitored and regulated in real-time. For prospective students and young academics, Prof. Perić’s career illustrates the long-term impact that dedicated university research can achieve. His mentorship has also guided generations of engineers who now work in leading technical positions across Europe and the world. Explore our related articles for further reading on control systems.
Prof. Mario Vašak and the Rikard Podhorsky Award
Prof. Mario Vašak, PhD, also from the Department of Control and Computer Engineering, received the Academy’s distinguished “Rikard Podhorsky” Award. This award specifically highlights exceptional contributions to technical sciences, often recognizing work that bridges the gap between theoretical research and practical implementation.
Prof. Vašak’s research focuses on advanced control strategies for complex, dynamic systems. In an era where smart grids, autonomous vehicles, and sophisticated robotics are becoming the norm, the need for robust control algorithms is paramount. His work addresses the mathematical and computational challenges of keeping these systems stable, efficient, and safe under varying conditions. Receiving the Rikard Podhorsky Award positions Prof. Vašak as a leading figure in the contemporary control engineering community, demonstrating FER’s ability to remain at the cutting edge of modern technological challenges.
Highlighting Emerging Talent at FER in Croatia
While recognizing established scientists is crucial, the development of early-career researchers is equally important for the future of any academic institution. HATZ recognizes this necessity through the “Vera Johanides” Young Researcher Award, which celebrates significant scientific, professional, and teaching contributions made by researchers under a certain age threshold, typically evaluating their work over the past five years. Two FER researchers earned this accolade, showcasing the strong pipeline of talent nurtured at the faculty.
Filip Jukić: Advancing Electric Machine Control and Power Electronics
Filip Jukić, a Senior Teaching and Research Assistant at the Department of Electric Machines, Drives and Automation, received the “Vera Johanides” Young Researcher Award for his work in electric machine control, power electronic converters, and industrial automation. These fields are experiencing a massive surge in global demand due to the rapid transition toward electrification.
Electric machines and power electronic converters form the backbone of modern electric vehicles, renewable energy generation systems, and advanced manufacturing lines. Jukić’s research addresses the precise control of these machines, ensuring they operate at maximum efficiency while minimizing energy losses and mechanical wear. As industries worldwide strive to reduce their carbon footprints, the demand for experts who can design and optimize these drive systems continues to grow. Jukić’s recognition by HATZ confirms that the research conducted in FER’s laboratories is directly aligned with the most pressing industrial needs of the 21st century. Have questions about our energy and automation departments? Write to us!
Tomislav Antić: Optimizing Renewable Energy Distribution with Open-Source Models
The second “Vera Johanides” Young Researcher Award was presented to Tomislav Antić from the Department of Energy and Power Systems. Antić’s research focuses on the development of mathematical models and publicly available open-source software solutions designed to improve the planning and operation of electric power distribution systems.
Integrating renewable energy sources—such as solar and wind power—into existing electrical grids presents complex engineering challenges. Unlike traditional power plants that provide a steady, controllable output, renewable sources are inherently variable and dependent on weather conditions. Antić’s work provides grid operators and planners with the sophisticated tools required to simulate these fluctuations, balance supply and demand, and prevent grid instability. Furthermore, his commitment to open-source software is particularly noteworthy. By making his models publicly available, he enables researchers and utilities globally to benefit from and build upon his work, fostering a collaborative approach to solving global energy challenges. Submit your application today to learn from award-winning researchers.
Connecting Faculty Research Excellence to Student Success
For students considering where to pursue their degrees in electrical engineering, computing, or related technical fields, the research output of a faculty is a critical indicator of educational quality. When a university like the University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing consistently earns national and international awards, it directly benefits the student body in several tangible ways.
First, students have the opportunity to learn directly from the researchers making these groundbreaking discoveries. Professors and assistants who are actively engaged in solving real-world problems bring current, practical insights into the classroom, moving beyond textbook theory to discuss the latest industry challenges. Second, a strong research environment provides undergraduate and graduate students with access to state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment. Students who participate in faculty research projects gain hands-on experience that is highly valued by employers in the technology and engineering sectors. Finally, the prestige associated with a highly ranked faculty enhances the value of its degrees in the international job market, opening doors to career opportunities across Europe and beyond.
The Future of Technical Research at FER
The recent awards from the Croatian Academy of Technical Sciences represent a snapshot of the broader research ecosystem at FER. The faculty houses numerous departments, research centers, and laboratories dedicated to a wide array of disciplines, including telecommunications, electronic systems, computer engineering, and applied physics. The collaborative environment between these departments allows for interdisciplinary research projects that tackle multifaceted problems.
As global technological trends continue to evolve toward artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, and advanced connectivity, FER is strategically positioned to contribute significantly to these domains. The recognition of both senior experts and young researchers indicates a healthy, self-sustaining academic culture where experience guides innovation, and fresh perspectives drive new inquiries. The support from institutions like HATZ ensures that Croatian technical sciences remain competitive on a global scale.
For those who wish to be part of this dynamic environment, whether as students, collaborators, or industry partners, FER offers a rigorous and rewarding academic experience grounded in proven scientific excellence. The achievements of Prof. Perić, Prof. Vašak, Filip Jukić, and Tomislav Antić serve as a clear testament to the high caliber of work being produced at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing. Share your experiences in the comments below.
