The Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković, visited the Ruđer Bošković Institute (RBI) today to inspect ongoing construction work under the flagship O-ZIP project (Open Scientific Infrastructural Platforms for Innovative Applications in the Economy and Society) and review the progress of post-earthquake renovations.
During a working meeting, RBI Director Dr. David M. Smith provided an overview of the Institute’s current activities, focusing on the implementation of a four-year programmatic funding agreement signed with the Ministry of Science and Education in December 2023. This funding provides stability for strategic planning and achieving specific goals for the period 2024–2027.
The O-ZIP project, valued at over €100 million, was highlighted as a cornerstone of RBI’s development strategy, aiming to strengthen collaboration with industry and enhance the Institute’s infrastructure for multidisciplinary research. The project represents the most significant investment in RBI’s scientific infrastructure since its establishment in 1950.
O-ZIP includes the development of four key scientific platforms:
- BioMed Platform – focusing on biological and medical research.
- TechMat Platform – for advanced materials and technology research.
- MarEnv Platform – for marine and environmental studies.
- ICST Platform – dedicated to information and communication sciences and technology.
Construction under O-ZIP began in November 2020 with the signing of a grant agreement. Completed projects include the reconstruction of the Martinska Research Station near Šibenik, now fully equipped and operational. Work on the Zagreb complex started in March 2023 and is progressing on schedule. The Prime Minister toured two key construction sites:
- A0 Building, designed for the BioMed Platform.
- A1 Building, which will house the ICST Platform.
In addition to O-ZIP, Dr. Smith presented progress on earthquake restoration efforts. Following the 2020 earthquakes, RBI secured €5.3 million for emergency repairs, project documentation, and comprehensive rebuilding. Nearly €3 million has already been utilized. The delegation visited completed renovation projects, including the connecting bridge between wings III and IV, the Vrtlarija building, and the Social Hall.
Dr. Smith also emphasized RBI’s contributions to the popularization of science through collaborations with schools and organizations. Over the past seven years, the Institute has participated in 12 EU-funded science outreach projects under the Horizon 2020 and European Social Fund programs.
Accompanying the Prime Minister were key government officials, including Zvonimir Frka-Petešić, Head of the Prime Minister’s Office; Radovan Fuchs, Minister of Science and Education; Nina Obuljen Koržinek, Minister of Culture and Media; and Hrvoje Meštrić, Director of the Directorate for Science and Technology at the Ministry of Science and Education.
RBI representatives included Marko Pavić, President of the Governing Council; Deputy Directors Dr. Ivanka Jerić, Dr. Marijeta Kralj, and Dr. Vilko Smrečki. Joining the construction site tour were Gordana Raguž, Head of RBI’s Technical Services Department, and representatives from Lavčević Engineering, the main contractor.
The visit underlines the Croatian Government’s commitment to fostering research, innovation, and resilience in scientific infrastructure, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements and societal benefits.
