A delegation from the Faculty of Traffic and Communications visited the Faculty of Traffic Sciences of the University of Zagreb

Delegacija Fakulteta za saobraćaj i komunikacije u posjeti Fakultetu prometnih znanosti Sveučilišta u Zagrebu

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Faculty of Traffic Sciences of the University of Zagreb, which was celebrated on 10 October 2024 in the building of the Rectorate, an opportunity was created for the meeting of Dean, Prof. Dr. Marko Šoštarić and Dean of the Faculty of Traffic and Communications, University of Sarajevo, Prof. Dr. Amel Kosovac. This meeting served as a foundation for intensifying regional cooperation in the field of education and an opportunity to organize an official visit of the administrations of these two Faculties.

Following this initiative, on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, a delegation from the Faculty of Traffic and Communications of the University of Sarajevo, led by the dean Prof. Dr. Amel Kosovac, made an extremely significant and successful visit to the Faculty of Traffic Sciences of the University of Zagreb. Along with the dean, the delegation consisted of the vice dean for finance, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ahmić, Vice-Dean for Teaching and Student Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Belma Memić, Vice-Dean for Quality Assurance, Prof. Dr. Ermin Muharemović and Vice-Dean for Research, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhamed Begović. In the premises of the Faculty of Transport Sciences, University of Zagreb , the delegation of the Faculty of Transport and Communications of the University of Sarajevo was welcomed with special hospitality by the Dean, Prof. Dr. Marko Šoštarić, Vice-Dean for Teaching and Students, Prof. Dr. Ivan Grgurević, Vice-Dean for Science and External Cooperation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dario Babić and Vice-Dean for Study Programs and Quality Management, Prof. Dr. Doris Novak.

Objectives of the visit and key aspects of cooperation

This visit, carried out in the spirit of academic cooperation and exchange of experiences, aimed to strengthen the ties between the two faculties. The main focus was is on the exchange of ideas and good practices in the field of education, scientific research, organization of faculty activities, as well as strategic development of teaching and research capacities.

The discussions covered a number of key topics of common interest to both faculties. Special attention was paid to innovations in education, with an emphasis on the application of digital technologies, modern teaching methods and the integration of practical teaching to ensure the relevance of educational programs.

Ways of raising quality of scientific research work, including strategies for attracting domestic and international research projects and strengthening cooperation with the industrial sector. Approaches to the promotion of study programs, admission procedures and challenges in attracting a larger number of students to technical studies were also discussed. Experiences in the process of accreditation of study programs were exchanged. programs, conducting internal self-evaluations and improving quality assurance procedures, with the aim of raising overall standards of education and research.

Special attention was paid to the exchange of experiences on adapting study programs to the needs of the labor market and global trends in industry. The possibilities of introducing new, interdisciplinary programs and non-cyclical studies that would further enrich the educational offerings of both faculties.

Tour of laboratories and practical facilities

The delegation had the opportunity to visit several highly equipped laboratories and research centers. Among the laboratories visited, the following stand out:

  • The Traffic Simulation Laboratory, where advanced technologies are used for modeling and analyzing traffic flows,
  • The Railway Systems Modeling and Simulation Laboratory, with focusing on rail traffic optimization,
  • Laboratory for Security and Forensic Analysis of Information and Communication Systems, which represents a combination of technology and security research.

These facilities have provided inspiration for improving practical teaching at our faculty and opened up space for future joint projects in the field of research and development. 

Agreed steps for future cooperation

The visit resulted in agreements on a series of concrete activities that will further strengthen the already existing ties between the two faculties, which share many common characteristics and interests. The faculties are linked by a long-standing cooperation, which includes teachers and researchers who have taught at both faculties and actively contributed to the development of scientific disciplines in the fields of transport and communications.

Both institutions share similar research directions, focusing on innovative technologies, sustainable transport systems, traffic safety and the development of advanced communication technologies. Based on these similarities, specific activities have been agreed upon, including the organization of joint scientific conferences and workshops, the exchange of teaching staff and students through mobility programs, as well as the development of joint research projects that will further improve research capacities and contribute to the development of scientific achievements in these key areas.

Acknowledgements and conclusions

Visiting the Faculty of Transport Sciences in Zagreb was extremely useful and inspiring. The discussions held during the meetings opened up new perspectives and enabled a better understanding of common challenges and opportunities in education and research. Our faculty expresses its deep gratitude to the leadership and staff of the Faculty of Traffic Sciences for the warm reception, exceptional professionalism and rich presentations that significantly contributed to the success of this visit.

At the end of the visit, the dean of the Faculty of Traffic and Communications of the University of Sarajevo, Prof. Dr. Amel Kosovac, pointed out:

“The Faculty of Traffic Sciences of the University of Zagreb and the Faculty of Traffic and Communications in Sarajevo are among the oldest higher education institutions in the region dedicated to the study of traffic phenomena. Their specific orientation is recognized not only in academic circles, but also in the economy, both in our region and internationally. Such types of cooperation create a synergistic effect, bringing benefits not only to institutions and students, but also to the entire society through the development of knowledge, innovative solutions and professional competences in our field.”

This visit marked the beginning of more intensive cooperation between the two Faculties, which further strengthens the connection of the academic community in the region.