The Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, University of Zagreb, celebrated 40 years of dedicated work in education and research in the fields of transport, logistics, and aeronautics. The anniversary ceremony was held at the Rectorate building of the University of Zagreb (SEECEL).
Over the years, the Faculty has made significant contributions not only to education and research but also to society and the economy as a whole. "Each of these forty generations of students, together with their professors, has brought new knowledge, enthusiasm, or ideas, shaping not only our Faculty but also the transport profession in Croatia and beyond," said Dean Assoc. Prof. Marko Šoštarić, PhD, in his welcome speech.
The ceremony was attended by numerous distinguished guests from academia, business, and the public sector. Keynote speeches were delivered by the Rector of the University of Zagreb, Prof. Stjepan Lakušić, PhD, Gordana Kovačević, CEO of Ericsson Nikola Tesla d.d., Prof. Nikolina Brnjac, PhD, Member of the European Parliament, Dijana Mandić, Director of the Directorate for Higher Education at the Ministry of Science and Education, Assoc. Prof. Luka Korlaet, PhD, Deputy Mayor of the City of Zagreb, and Oleg Butković, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure, representing the Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.
The Rector of the University of Zagreb, Prof. Stjepan Lakušić, PhD, also emphasized the importance of the Faculty, stating: "The Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences is an institution of great importance for the development of the transport system in the Republic of Croatia and the surrounding region. Its strength lies in the excellence of its education and in its ongoing collaboration with the economy, local communities, and public institutions." The Rector highlighted that the Faculty engages students in projects that address transport challenges, allowing them to gain practical knowledge and prepare for the job market.
The celebration, held on October 10, 2024, gathered numerous guests from academia, business, and government sectors. Dean Šoštarić reflected on the Faculty’s key achievements and announced future activities that will further strengthen the Faculty’s position as a leading institution in this field.
The formal program included several notable segments, one of the most engaging being the performance by the "Mobile Dancers" on hoverboards, which delighted the audience with their innovative routine. Awards were then presented to the top students, including the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence for the 2023/2024 academic year and the Dean’s Award for Best Student Paper, recognizing the outstanding efforts and achievements of young scholars.
Recognition was also given to the Faculty staff for their long-term contributions and achievements in teaching and research. Prof. Štefica Mrvelj, PhD, and Assoc. Prof. Marko Matulin, PhD, received special awards for their exceptional contributions to teaching, while Assist. Prof. Ivan Cvitić, PhD, Assoc. Prof. Tomislav Radišić, PhD, and Dr. Krešimir Kušić, PhD, were honored for their achievements in scientific research.
Appreciation was also extended to retired staff members, including Prof. Ljupko Šimunović, PhD, Prof. Tino Bucak, PhD, and Prof. Marijan Rajsman, PhD, for their many years of contribution to education and research, and Jasenka Badanjak and Mira Pauković for working in the professional services of the Faculty.
The Faculty also recognized its long-term partners, including ALTPRO, Ericsson Nikola Tesla, and UP2DATE, whose contributions have greatly supported successful collaborations on scientific and research projects.
The event concluded with a musical performance titled “Putujemo i kad stojimo”, performed by students from the Academy of Music. The Monograph “40 Years of the Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, University of Zagreb 1984 – 2024” was also presented, offering a comprehensive overview of the key moments and achievements in the Faculty’s history. The monograph is available for viewing via the following link: https://www.fpz.unizg.hr/hr/naslovna/novost/monografija-40-godina-fakulteta-prometnih-znanosti-sveucilista-u-zagrebu-1984-2024-8193.
