Today, the Ruđer Bošković Institute (RBI) and the UAE-Croatia Business Club officially signed a Cooperation Agreement in Zagreb, marking a significant step towards deepening scientific, academic, and innovation ties between Croatia and the United Arab Emirates.
The agreement was signed by Neven Roginić, President of the UAE-Croatia Business Club, and Dr. David Matthew Smith, Director and Senior Research Advisor of the Ruđer Bošković Institute.
The Cooperation Agreement sets the framework for connecting researchers and scientific institutions, encouraging the exchange of knowledge and expertise, organizing joint events and delegations, and enhancing the international visibility of Croatian science.
The Agreement outlines four key areas of collaboration:
- Organization of thematic webinars and online roundtables between Croatian and Emirati scientists.
- Planning and implementation of academic delegations and research team visits.
- Identification and twinning of laboratories and research groups with shared scientific interests.
- Collaboration on visibility, promotion, and positioning of science in both the public and academic domains.
Following the signing ceremony, a special presentation was delivered to Croatian scientists at the Ruđer Bošković Institute, highlighting opportunities for cooperation with leading academic and research institutions in the UAE such as MBZUAI, Khalifa University, NYUAD, MBRSC, TII, and Masdar City. The presentation sparked strong interest among researchers, many of whom expressed their willingness to join the UAE–Croatia Business Club and explore opportunities for international collaboration.
Neven Roginić, President of the UAE–Croatia Business Club, stated:
“With today’s signing, we are opening a new chapter in connecting Croatian science with one of the most ambitious and fast-growing scientific ecosystems in the world. The UAE is investing heavily in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, space, clean energy, and healthcare – areas where Croatian researchers already excel. By building bridges between our institutions, we can ensure that Croatian innovations find global application and visibility. In the coming period, we will work intensively with our partners at IRB and beyond to identify flagship projects, prepare joint initiatives, and create new opportunities for Croatian science on the international stage.“
This partnership reaffirms the mission of the UAE-Croatia Business Club to act as a platform that connects business, science, and diplomacy. At the same time, it strengthens the role of the Ruđer Bošković Institute as Croatia’s leading scientific institution, dedicated to international cooperation and the advancement of scientific excellence.
