On September 30, 2025, the UAE-Croatia Business Club, led by its President Neven Roginić, visited New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) with the primary goal of promoting the work and significance of the Ruđer Bošković Institute (IRB) and exploring opportunities for cooperation with the international scientific community in the United Arab Emirates.
NYU Abu Dhabi - a bridge between science and society
NYUAD has rapidly become one of the leading academic and research institutions in the Middle East, attracting outstanding scholars and students from around the world. With strengths in physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, and social sciences, it has built a reputation for world-class research and a strong capacity for commercialization of innovation. This makes NYUAD a unique partner for countries like Croatia that seek to expand their global scientific footprint.
Meetings and participants
During the visit, President Neven Roginić held high-level meetings with:
- Dr. Francesco Arneodo, Dean of Science and Professor of Physics
- Dr. Piergiorgio Percipalle, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs; Program Head of Biology; Professor of Biology
- Dr. Ali Trabolsi, Program Head of Chemistry; Professor of Chemistry
The discussions focused on connecting the Ruđer Bošković Institute, Croatia’s leading multidisciplinary research institute, with NYUAD’s vibrant academic environment. IRB’s pioneering role in natural sciences, advanced materials, biotechnology, and environmental research was highlighted as a strong basis for collaboration.
Areas of mutual interest
Several promising pathways for cooperation were identified, including:
- Exchange of students and researchers
- Internship opportunities and joint training programmes
- Delegation visits and institutional networking
- Collaborative research projects in natural sciences and applied technologies
- Commercialization of joint research outcomes
Strengthening scientific diplomacy
This visit marked an important step in positioning the Ruđer Bošković Institute within the global research community. NYU Abu Dhabi, with its strong research base and openness to collaboration, represents a crucial partner for building bridges between Croatia and the UAE in science, innovation, and knowledge transfer.
With next steps already under preparation, we can expect the realization of concrete projects and initiatives in the near future, benefitting both the Croatian and Emirati scientific ecosystems.
We are pleased to share several photographs from this inspiring visit to NYU Abu Dhabi’s state-of-the-art academic campus.
