The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, one of the most prominent and most sought-after academic institutions in the fields of technical and computer sciences and innovation, marked its Faculty Day, FER Day, on 21 November 2025.

The ceremony brought together numerous high-level guests: the Adviser to the President of the Republic of Croatia for Education and the President’s Envoy, Jadranka Žarković; the Minister of Economy, Ante Šušnjar, as the Prime Minister’s Envoy; the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Branko Hrg, as the Envoy of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence; the Head of the Zagreb City Office for Education, Sports and Youth, Luka Juroš, on behalf of the Mayor of Zagreb; the Vice-Rector of the University of Zagreb, Tomislav Josip Mlinarić; representatives of other public bodies, ambassadors, and deans and vice-deans from universities across Croatia.

Outstanding Students and Staff Honored

Students who distinguished themselves with their achievements in the 2024/2025 academic year, as well as engineers and PhD graduates, were awarded the prestigious Josip Lončar Recognition named after the pioneer of electrical engineering, along with awards from foundations and leading technology companies in Croatia. The Dean’s Award for Community Cooperation, given for outstanding contributions to strengthening the Faculty’s societal role, was presented to the FER Alumni Board and accepted on behalf of the board by its president, Mladen Pejković. Special acknowledgments for excellence in teaching, research, course delivery, activity implementation, and contributions to the development and reputation of the Faculty were also given to FER staff and administrative personnel.

FER Creates Global Trends

In his welcome address, Vice-Rector Tomislav Josip Mlinarić emphasized that throughout its more than hundred-year-long history, FER has grown into one of the most recognizable components of the University of Zagreb thanks to its exceptional accomplishments.

“FER’s success is not a coincidence. It is the result of persistent and dedicated work of professors, researchers, staff, and students. Not only does it achieve top results, but it continually elevates the reputation of the University of Zagreb as a whole. Its impact is visible not only in the academic community but also in the economic and social life of the Republic of Croatia. Successful spin-off companies, collaborations with domestic and international firms, and participation in European and global projects confirm that FER truly operates on a global level. It is not enough to say that FER follows global trends - it creates them", Mlinarić said.

FER as a Global Standard-Setter

"A city is only as strong as its people and institutions. We are extremely honored that Zagreb is home to FER, an institution setting new standards and foundations not only at the level of the city and Croatia, but globally. In terms of achievements in science and innovation, FER is number one. We thank it for everything it does for the city of Zagreb", said Luka Juroš.

FER Sets the Standard for Croatian Innovation

Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar highlighted that FER holds a recognizable place in the Croatian scientific and industrial landscape and produces experts who understand the needs of modern industry and transform knowledge into practical solutions.

"FER is an example of an institution that unites science, education, and industry, and shows how this synergy transforms into technologies, innovations, and solutions. That is why I consider it one of the most influential and valuable institutions in the Republic of Croatia — an institution that sets standards. FER’s contribution proves how knowledge can change both Croatia and the world. Science must not have a price; it must be objective, independent, and equal for all because only then can it survive and serve the common good and progress. The Government counts on you and believes in the strength of FER’s ideas", Šušnjar said.

FER as a Pillar of Technological Progress

"The study of electrical engineering and computing is not only innovative in itself, but it forms the basis for change and innovation across a whole range of scientific and technological fields. Thirty years ago it mattered greatly to our scientific and technological community, and today it is an essential prerequisite not only for progress but for the functioning of the entire system on which our everyday life depends. I am convinced that FER will continue to be a key support for our society in facing numerous technological challenges", said Jadranka Žarković.

Dean Bilas: Let’s Grow Together

Prof. Vedran Bilas, Dean of FER, emphasized that FER forms the core of talent and modern technological innovation, and that students are building a modern Croatia.

“We know that boundaries do not move by themselves. Someone must move them and invest the energy needed to push them. We are growing — not spatially, but in the number, type, and strength of our projects, in the interest of our students, intellectually and professionally, because that is the kind of organization and culture we are. Let’s grow together — embrace our ideas, incentives, and energy, and talk with us. Here, I represent 4,300 students, 270 PhDs of whom about 200 are professors, over 200 project employees, and over 150 staff in FER’s professional services, and 85% of graduates in the last 10 years who continued working in Croatia. They are the strength of this faculty", Bilas said.

Golden Plaque Awarded Posthumously to Prof. Siniša Šegvić

The late Professor Siniša Šegvić was posthumously awarded the Golden "Josip Lončar" Plaque, the Faculty’s most prestigious award given to individuals for extraordinary contributions to FER’s development and reputation. Šegvić was recognized for his significant scientific contributions and development of engineering education, as well as for strengthening FER’s international reputation in the field of computer vision. His wife, Jasminka Štefulj, accepted the award on his behalf.

Prof. Gordan Gledec: "We must never allow the University to become quieter than those who need to hear it"

On behalf of all award recipients, Professor Gordan Gledec, former Dean of FER and also a recipient of the Golden Josip Lončar Plaque for his contributions to advancing the Faculty through scientific and professional work in internet and language technologies and for his service to the academic community, addressed the audience.

"Our awards are a reminder that FER is not a building, infrastructure, or a set of procedures - FER is people. People who come with ideas, ambition, and responsibility to shape society through knowledge. The awards given to students by representatives of industry show that what we do here has a real impact outside the Faculty and that collaboration between science and practice gives meaning to everything we do. The role of those who have built their careers or are just choosing their path is not only to receive knowledge but to shape it - through questions, discussions, and critical thinking - because that is what keeps the academic community alive and progressing. Critical debate, however uncomfortable, must once again become the fundamental measure of the health of our University. And that is why we must never allow the University to become quieter than those who need to hear it", Gledec concluded.

A recording of the ceremony is available at the link, and a photo gallery can be found here.