The visit provided an opportunity for both institutions to exchange insights on modern engineering education, laboratory development, and international collaboration. Lado Kranjcevic, Dean of the University of Rijeka, shared his impressions and key takeaways from the visit.
Q: What was your overall impression of your visit to Debrecen?
A: Seeing the innovative laboratory setups developed in partnership with industry was a real highlight. We are also building similar facilities in Rijeka, but on a smaller scale, so it was inspiring to witness your progress. I was pleasantly surprised by how advanced and well-integrated your laboratories are within the programs. There are many ideas we can take home—from the organization of labs to the coordination with companies for student projects. We also appreciated the hands-on approach, which allows students to learn in a more project-oriented way rather than through traditional lectures alone.
Q: What was your biggest takeaway from the visit?
A: I was particularly impressed by the organization and integration of international students, who make up nearly 30% of the student body at Debrecen. This diversity not only enriches the academic environment but also contributes significantly to the Faculty’s resources and global outlook.
The structure of your laboratories, including the new automotive unit, was also remarkable. It gave me much to consider regarding how we can develop our own facilities while aligning with local regulations.
Q: Can you tell us more about Rijeka University’s ongoing lab developments?
A: We currently have three major projects underway:
- Robotics Laboratory – Built in collaboration with a Chinese company, this facility serves both as an educational space for students and as a showroom for industry partners to showcase the latest technologies.
- Green Energy and Hydrogen Laboratory – The first of its kind in Croatia to cover the entire hydrogen production and utilization process, including electrolyzers, fuel cells, and storage. It aligns with local decarbonization incentives and the city’s hydrogen bus initiatives.
- Advanced 3D Printing Laboratory – Focused on medical and dental applications such as implants for surgical reconstruction, this lab combines both metal and plastic 3D printing techniques.
Q: What similarities or differences did you notice between Croatian and Hungarian engineering education?
A: The curricula are quite similar, but while we mostly follow a traditional teaching model—although we have begun to introduce project-based approaches—Debrecen’s implementation of project-based learning, especially at the master’s level, is particularly inspiring. Students work in small groups to develop projects, with teachers serving as evaluators rather than conventional lecturers. This immersive approach accelerates learning and fosters deeper engagement with the subject matter.
Q: How do you see the possibilities for collaboration with Debrecen?
A: We are very interested in developing joint programs and welcoming Debrecen students for a semester, particularly in maritime engineering and related fields such as logistics, and port operations. Our port facilities offer opportunities for hands-on experience with autonomous vehicles and logistics systems.
We are also exploring joint projects in logistics and energy development, including the Port of Rijeka’s expansion and its connections with nearby hubs like Trieste. These initiatives could create significant employment opportunities for engineers in the region. Overall, we see great potential for student exchanges, joint research, and industrial collaboration.
Q: Why should students consider studying in Rijeka?
A: We are a large university with around 16,000 students and a growing international community. Rijeka offers a unique combination of modern facilities, an international atmosphere, and an excellent geographic location. With easy access to the Adriatic, the Alps, and major European cities, students can enjoy both academic and cultural enrichment.
Our modern teaching methods, strong international partnerships, and opportunities in the maritime, logistics, and energy sectors make Rijeka a highly attractive destination for one-semester exchanges. Students from Debrecen will feel at home, given our shared cultural and historical background.
Q: What makes Debrecen attractive to Croatian students?
A: Debrecen offers state-of-the-art facilities, excellent laboratories, and a truly international academic environment. The openness of the professors and the high quality of teaching make it very appealing. The city itself—centrally located, vibrant, and full of academic energy—provides a unique and inspiring learning experience.
Q: What are your next steps regarding collaboration?
A: The visit confirmed that both universities share a strong commitment to innovation, internationalization, and project-based education. Our discussions laid a solid foundation for future cooperation. We see numerous opportunities for joint programs, laboratory development, and student exchanges, and we look forward to exploring these possibilities further with the Faculty of Engineering in the near future.
Cs.K.