For more than 60 years, the University of Zagreb Faculty of Organization and Informatics (UNIZG FOI) has been educating experts and developing knowledge in the fields of information sciences and technologies, organization and economics, with a special emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation. Based in Varaždin, with around 2,600 students and 180 employees, FOI is one of the largest constituent units of the University of Zagreb and an internationally recognized higher education and research institution that connects education, research and innovation.
The Faculty's development is focused on innovation in higher education, teaching and research that contribute to a sustainable digital society. Its work is based on academic freedom, open science, ethics, a culture of quality and inclusiveness, while encouraging critical thinking, creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit. Through cooperation with industry, international partners and the local community, it offers students opportunities to apply their knowledge, get involved in research and develop their own ideas.
FOI fosters an environment in which teaching, research and the application of new technologies complement one another, while students gain experience in solving real-world challenges through project work and research laboratories. In addition to the main building in the historic center of Varaždin (FOI 1), an important part of the Faculty's premises is the renovated Villa Oršić (FOI 3), which since 2023 has provided additional space for learning, research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The strong link between science and practice is also confirmed by the Faculty's project activity: FOI is currently implementing 43 projects with a total recorded value of EUR 42.73 million. A new chapter of development is marked by two major infrastructure investments that will bring FOI two new buildings. The new FOI 2 campus will provide additional lecture halls, computer and seminar classrooms, research laboratories, and spaces for student work and collaboration. The Regional Center for Pre-Incubation in Smart Industry will provide space, equipment and support for turning ideas into concrete solutions, along with mentoring and connections with industry.
Board
Professor Renata Mekovec, PhD
Dean
Professor Renata Mekovec obtained her Master of Science and doctoral degrees in the field of Information Sciences within the Social Sciences at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Organization and Informatics. She has worked at the Faculty’s Department of Information Systems Development since 2003. Her research interests include privacy and personal data protection, e-service quality and its evaluation, and users’ perceptions of privacy and quality in e-services. Her recent project activities have focused on developing qualification and occupational standards in accordance with the Croatian Qualifications Framework, advancing digital competences, and privacy in the digital society. Her programme for the 2026–2029 term focuses on developing the Faculty as a modern, internationally recognised higher education institution that actively contributes to society, the economy and the scientific community. Her key priorities include the quality and modernisation of study programmes, the advancement of innovative research, stronger cooperation with industry and the business sector, and the promotion of social responsibility and a culture of quality.
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Professor Ivan Magdalenić, PhD
Vice-Dean for Study Programmes
Professor Ivan Magdalenić graduated from the University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, where he also obtained his PhD in Computer Science within the Technical Sciences. He has worked at FOI’s Department of Information Technologies and Computing since 2004 and served as its Head for three terms. He is a member of Croatia’s National Council for Electronic Business, the National Multi-Stakeholder Forum on e-Invoicing, and the Croatian Accreditation Agency’s Sectoral Committee for the Accreditation of Certification Service Providers in the Field of Electronic Signatures. He previously served as a member of the e-Invoicing Commission of the Croatian Ministry of Economy, Labour and Entrepreneurship and chaired the Technical Committee of the e-Invoicing project.
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Associate Professor Dijana Oreški, PhD
Vice-Dean for Research, Projects and International Cooperation
Associate Professor Dijana Oreški is an Associate Professor at FOI and Head of the Laboratory for Data Mining and Intelligent Systems (LOUISE). Her research focuses on artificial intelligence and its applications in education, business, energy and sustainable development. As Vice-Dean, she aims to support the development of research projects that bring together experts from different disciplines and connect FOI with the business sector and the wider community. She places particular emphasis on translating the knowledge developed at the Faculty into practice through collaboration, innovation and practical solutions.
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Assistant Professor Bojan Žugec, PhD
Vice-Dean for Teaching and Students
Assistant Professor Bojan Žugec is an Assistant Professor at FOI’s Department of Quantitative Methods. His teaching and research focus on applied mathematics, operations research, e-learning and decision theory. He is a team member on several of the Faculty’s research projects. As Vice-Dean for Teaching and Students, he seeks to contribute to the continuous improvement of teaching quality and the creation of a supportive and inclusive environment for students and teaching staff. He pays particular attention to open communication with students and to their needs, rights and responsibilities, with the aim of finding practical solutions to improve the quality of studies and the student experience.
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Assistant Professor Suzana Keglević Kozjak, PhD
Vice-Dean for Business Affairs and Quality Management
Assistant Professor Suzana Keglević Kozjak is an Assistant Professor at FOI’s Department of Economics. Her teaching and research focus on accounting, financial statement analysis and auditing. Before embarking on an academic career, she gained several years of practical experience in auditing. She is a team member on a Croatian Science Foundation project dedicated to digitalisation in entrepreneurship and leads the Quoka CPQ research and development project, which focuses on developing an AI-based platform for secure and sustainable sales in complex industries. She is also actively involved in science outreach, particularly through the organisation of the Science Festival. As Vice-Dean, she aims to contribute to the transparent, efficient and sustainable operation of the Faculty and the further development of its quality management system, drawing on the experience gained through the EFMD Accredited international accreditation process.
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Tatjana Zrinski, univ. spec. iur
Faculty Secretary
Tatjana Zrinski graduated in Law from the University of Zagreb Faculty of Law, where she also completed a postgraduate specialist programme in Civil and Family Law in 2014, earning the title of University Specialist in Law. She has served as Faculty Secretary at FOI since 2002. Her responsibilities include helping to coordinate the Faculty’s administrative and support services, handling legal and human resources matters, drafting institutional regulations and contracts, and contributing to the work of Faculty committees. Her particular professional interests include the right to privacy and personal data protection. She also serves as FOI’s Data Protection Officer and Information Officer. Through her professional expertise and experience, she seeks to contribute to the Faculty’s lawful, efficient and transparent operation, provide high-quality support to staff and students, and create a supportive environment for the institution’s further development.
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