- Published : 09.03.2026.
Space Research Forum Held at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing in Zagreb
The Space Research Forum was held on Friday, March 6, 2026, in the Grey Hall of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing in Zagreb, organized by the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth in cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb.
The forum brought together students and young researchers interested in space research and technologies, providing them with an overview of ESA programmes and opportunities to participate in European space initiatives.The forum was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, Prof. Vedran Bilas, PhD, who highlighted the growing involvement of Croatian universities and companies in ESA activities. He also emphasized the importance of encouraging young people to participate in mobility programmes and ESA projects, noting that the knowledge and experience gained can contribute to the development of space technologies in Croatia and support further progress towards full membership in ESA.
Želimir Kramarić, member of the Management Board of the Croatian Agency for SMEs, Innovation and Investments (HAMAG-BICRO) and the Republic of Croatia’s delegate to ESA, reflected on the participation of the Croatian academic and business sectors in ESA programmes. He noted that Croatian organizations have so far submitted more than 115 project proposals, confirming the growing interest and capacity of the domestic scientific community to participate in European space projects.
ESA representative Andrew Kane spoke about mentorship opportunities for students and young professionals within ESA. He emphasized that ESA programmes provide young professionals with the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the European space sector and that the interest and number of applications from Croatia continue to grow.
Experts from the Croatian academic community also participated in the forum: Mate Jagnjić, MSc, and Prof. Zdravko Terze, PhD, from the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing; Mateja Dumbović, PhD, from the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Geodesy (Hvar Observatory); and Assist. Prof. Dorijan Radočaj, PhD, from the Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences.
The forum provided participants with an opportunity to exchange knowledge, learn about current ESA programmes, and encouraged further involvement of Croatian students and researchers in international space research projects.