We are launching a new type of event called Academic Retrospective, which honors FER professors who have dedicated their scientific, research, and teaching careers to the development of the faculty, students, and the wider community.

The first lecture, "Academic Retrospective – Vedran Mornar: 50 Years with the Digital Transformation of the University," will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in Hall D1, starting at 12:15 PM.

In his lecture, Prof. Emeritus Dr. Vedran Mornar will share his personal and professional story of the university’s development through the lens of technological change, from the time when computers were rare and teaching was conducted exclusively in classrooms, to today’s digital environment. Drawing on his various roles, from FER's Vice Dean and Dean to Minister of Science, Education, and Sports, he will reflect on the development and challenges of digitalization in higher education, including experiences with the implementation of information systems and changes in educational policies. The lecture will conclude with a forward-looking perspective on future challenges such as depopulation, internationalization, and artificial intelligence, emphasizing the evolving role of the university in such a context.

This lecture series highlights the exceptional contributions of recently retired FER professors, whose work has left a lasting impact on education, science, and the academic community. Their dedication to teaching, students, and the institution has shaped generations of experts and significantly advanced the higher education system.

About the Speaker

Prof. Emeritus Dr. Vedran Mornar earned his BSc, MSc, and PhD in Computer Science at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, where he has been employed since 1982. He became a Full Professor with tenure in 2008 and completed advanced training as a Fulbright scholar at the University of Southern California.

Throughout his academic career, he taught numerous computer science courses and participated in industry projects. His research interests include e-learning, information systems, and the application of operations research. He has led several major national projects, including information systems for student meals, the state graduation exam, and enrollment in secondary schools and higher education institutions.

At FER, he served as Vice Dean for Teaching (2002 – 2006) and Dean (2006 – 2010) and was head of the Department of Applied Computing. He supervised numerous undergraduate and graduate theses, as well as several master’s and doctoral dissertations.

At the national level, he was President of the National Council for Higher Education and served as Minister of Science, Education, and Sports of the Republic of Croatia from 2014 to 2016. During that period, he initiated key reforms, including curriculum reform, the development of the e-School project, and the improvement of the employment system for young researchers.

He actively participates in the development of the scientific and innovation system and is currently President of the Croatian Academy of Technical Science. Since 2025, he has served as Rector ofUniversity VERN. He has received multiple awards for his contributions to science and education, including the "Josip Lončar" Gold Plaque and the "Fran Bošnjaković" Award.