Institute of Physics is Croatia’s leading scientific institute dedicated to fundamental research and its applications in the field of physics.
The Institute was founded by the University of Zagreb in 1960 under the name Institute of Physics of the University of Zagreb with the purpose of providing an environment for scientific research for university staff. Following the amendment of the Science Act in 1993, the Institute became a public institute owned by the Republic of Croatia, under the new name Institute of Physics (IF).
The Institute’s reputation is based on top-level scientific research in the fields of atomic and molecular physics, condensed matter and surface physics, plasma physics, and biophysics, as well as on applied research and collaborations with partner institutions.
The Institute is actively engaged in:
- higher education, through mentoring of PhD, MSc, and undergraduate theses, student internships, and participation in university teaching,
- promotion and popularization of science – each year the Institute traditionally organizes Open Days for schools and the general public. Since 2023, the Open Days have been jointly organized with the Ruđer Bošković Institute under the common name Frizbijada,
- work within national and international bodies responsible for shaping research programs and strategic documents, such as working groups of the Ministry of Science and Education and Youth, panels of the Croatian Science Foundation, as well as the National Committee in the field of physics
Review of the Institute’s Development 2018–2022
In the previous period, the Institute successfully implemented major infrastructural projects that exceeded the scope of regular operations. After the 2020 Zagreb earthquake, the Institute also received funding for an infrastructure renovation project. Four major infrastructural projects were carried out:
1) Center for Advanced Laser Techniques (CALT)
contracted funding: €16,098,986.31
completion: December 2023
2) Cryogenic Center of the Institute of Physics (KaCIF)
contracted funding: €5,264,273.01
completion: December 2022
3) Research Unit: Science of Graphene and Related 2D Structures
Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials and Sensors (CEMS)
funding: approx. €1,390,000
completion: November 2023
4) Restoration of the Institute of Physics after the March 22, 2020 earthquake
value of completed works: €792,717.99
completion: October 2022
These investments amounted to nearly €24 million in total – the largest investment in the Institute since its establishment.
Development Strategy 2023–2027
The mission of the Institute is to conduct cutting-edge research in physics and related interdisciplinary fields where it already has internationally recognized contributions. The Institute aims to directly contribute to societal development through its research. This includes technology transfer, promotion of scientific knowledge, fostering innovation, and contributing to higher education and the popularization of physics.
The vision of the Institute is to be recognized as a leading European center of excellence in fundamental and applied research in physics.
With the completion of major projects and the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment, the Institute has defined new development priorities through several strategic and specific objectives:
- Advancing scientific excellence
- Strengthening collaboration with industry
- Enhancing social responsibility