FOI in Varaždin traces its origins to the Higher School of Economics, founded in 1962, when the first students enrolled in the 1962/63 academic year. Classes then, as now, were held in the historic building in the center of Varaždin. In 1974, the institution evolved into the Faculty of Organization and Informatics, and by 1975 it became a constituent of the University of Zagreb, making Varaždin a university city. From its inception, FOI has played an important role in the development of the local community and education and was the first faculty in Croatia to systematically develop in the field of informatics and information sciences.
FOI today – Strategic development, international recognition, and strong project activity
In her address, Dean Prof. Dr. Marina Klačmer Čalopa emphasized that FOI today stands alongside the best faculties in the field of informatics and information sciences, and over the past 15 years also in the field of economics, developing through a clearly defined and interconnected strategic vision.
She highlighted two key infrastructure projects forming a unique development unit: the construction of the new FOI 2 campus, valued at €20 million, financed by the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth through a World Bank loan under the Digital, Innovative, and Green Technologies (DIGIT) project, and the Regional Pre-incubation Center in Smart Industry, financed with around €6 million from the ITU mechanism, in cooperation with the City of Varaždin and the local community. These projects position FOI as a strong regional hub for education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge transfer, with a clear impact on the development of Varaždin, Varaždin County, and the wider region.
The Dean also noted FOI’s outstanding results in the reaccreditation process by the Agency for Science and Higher Education (AZVO), confirming that the Faculty fully meets the conditions for academic activity according to the highest standards. Additionally, the Entrepreneurship Economics study program has received international EFMD accreditation, placing FOI among the top 1% of business schools globally, while the Information and Business Systems program is currently undergoing ASIIN international accreditation, further demonstrating the Faculty’s commitment to international excellence and program quality.
She also emphasized the strong scientific and project activity of faculty, researchers, and experts, with currently 40 active projects and 55 submitted projects this year, involving 85% of employees. She highlighted the development of micro-credentials in line with lifelong learning, curriculum revisions, systematic AI implementation in teaching and administrative processes, and the Faculty’s focus on sustainable, “green,” and digital operations. Moreover, she noted high faculty productivity in publishing and contributions to university teaching materials, as well as FOI’s significant efforts in industry collaboration and projects aimed at popularizing science.
Regarding FOI’s international position, the Dean highlighted numerous international projects, partner networks, student and faculty mobility programs, and strategic partnerships, continuously strengthening FOI’s global visibility and reputation.
Messages from guests
At the beginning of the ceremony, in addition to the Dean, speeches were given by the Rector of the University of Zagreb Prof. Dr. Stjepan Lakušić, the Prime Minister’s representative and Minister of Justice, Administration and Digital Transformation Damir Habijan, Director of the Science and Technology Directorate at the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth Dr. Hrvoje Meštrić, Varaždin County Prefect Anđelko Stričak, and the Mayor of Varaždin Dr. Neven Bosilj.
Minister Damir Habijan highlighted the importance of secured funding for demolishing existing and constructing new FOI 2 campus facilities, emphasizing the Faculty’s strategic role in higher education development and digital transformation. He stressed that Varaždin’s FOI, active for decades, deserves quality working conditions as it has consistently proven to be a hub for skilled ICT professionals. Dr. Hrvoje Meštrić emphasized the importance of long-term institutional and systematic support for the development of scientific and educational infrastructure, particularly noting the FOI 2 project as a well-prepared and strategically important investment in higher education. Rector Prof. Dr. Stjepan Lakušić emphasized the significance of FOI’s international program accreditations as a confirmation of teaching and research quality and the strong institutional support for the Faculty. Prefect Anđelko Stričak highlighted that FOI’s greatest asset is its people—faculty and students—and its strong involvement in county projects in digitalization, informatization, and AI. Mayor Dr. Neven Bosilj recognized FOI as a key driver of Varaždin’s development, emphasizing strong collaboration through the Regional Pre-incubation Center, Technology Park, and the new campus construction.
Awards and Recognitions
The ceremony also included the presentation of awards, honors, and certificates to outstanding individuals, students, employees, and partners of the Faculty.
The Award for Special Achievements in Scientific Research was given to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nikola Ivković.
The Award for Special Achievements in Teaching was awarded to Asst. Prof. Dr. Tamara Šmaguc.
The Award for Exceptional Contribution by Non-Teaching Staff went to Romina Kelemen, M.Sc. Econ., and the Award for Dedicated Work by Non-Teaching Staff to Izabela Oletić Tušek, Univ. Spec. Pol.
The Recognition for the Best Scientific Paper in a High-Impact Journal (JCI) was given to Prof. Dr. Igor Balaban, and the Volunteering Recognition to Dario Ljubas, M.Sc. Inf.
Awards for top students by GPA were presented to: Ana Novak, Ana Rudolf, Anja Kolarić, Dora Kovačević, Elena Pranjić, Filip Novak, Kristina Ćurčija, Lana Vodanović, Mateus Matoničkin, Marina Jendrašić, Nina Lončar, Noa Midžić, Patrik Šantek, Sebastijan Geček, and Tihana Triplat.
Awards for scientific, professional, and sports achievements went to: Ana Novak, Benjamin Šmitlehner, Dominik Novak, Fernando Perak, Filip Šoštarić, Fran Sviličić, Fran Wagner, Hrvoje Lukšić, Jan Ivančić, Jan Pintarić, Joshua Lee Fletcher, Josip Ferić, Karla Kulier, Karlo Svetec, Larija Jukić, Laura Kronast, Lora Petrinjak, Lucia Andročec, Maksim Slamek, Matej Čiček, Matija Kljaić, Niko Korać, Nikša Perši, Nino Kostel, Noa Midžić, Paula Cesar, Patrik Šantek, Petra Taradi, Sebastian Arbutina, Stanko Smrček, and Tihana Triplat.
Special recognition – “Friend of FOI” award to Prof. Luis de Marcos Ortega
The “Friend of FOI” award was presented to Prof. Luis de Marcos Ortega of the University of Alcalá, Madrid, in recognition of his outstanding and long-term contributions to developing international cooperation, scientific and teaching excellence, and promoting FOI in the global academic community. His ongoing engagement, joint projects, and academic collaboration have significantly enhanced FOI’s international visibility.
Awards for successful business collaboration with the Faculty were presented to: SICK Mobilisis, Konzum plus, FINA, Apis IT, Solvership, OTP banka, Makerspace, SPAN, Oracle, HBOR, Infodom, JANAF, Aircash, Factory X, and HPB.
Certificates of appreciation were also presented to partner high schools for their long-term collaboration and contribution to educating future FOI students: Elektrostrojarska Škola Varaždin, Tehnička Škola Ruđera Boškovića Zagreb, Srednja Škola Ivanec, Gospodarska Škola Varaždin, Ekonomska i Trgovačka Škola Čakovec, Tehnička Škola Čakovec, Tehnička Škola Sisak, and Prva Gimnazija Varaždin.
A blend of tradition, knowledge and future
The 63rd-anniversary celebration once again confirmed FOI’s role as a key player in education, science, and digital transformation. Today, FOI successfully combines rich tradition with innovation and the application of modern digital technologies, strong international cooperation, and partnerships at all levels, laying a solid foundation for the Faculty’s future development, as well as that of Varaždin, the region, and Croatia as a whole.
Congratulations to all award and recognition recipients and to all FOI staff and students on Faculty Day!
