Today, the Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb hosted a meeting with professors from the United Kingdom, Prof. Barry J. Gibson from the University of Sheffield and Prof. Christian Morgner from the University of Portsmouth, who are currently staying at the Faculty as part of the institutional research project DIGI-HR. The meeting provided an opportunity to present scientific interests, exchange experiences, and discuss possibilities for future international cooperation, internationalisation, and the development of new teaching and research projects.

Alongside the guests, the meeting was attended by the Vice-Dean for Teaching and Students, Assistant Professor Vanja Kopilaš; the Vice-Dean for International Cooperation, Assistant Professor Antonija Ordulj; the Head of the Department of Sociology, Professor Irena Cajner Mraović; the project leader, Assistant Professor Erik Brezovec; and research team member Assistant Professor Ana Marija Dunaj.

Project leader Asst. Prof. Brezovec emphasised that the visit of Professors Gibson and Morgner was organised within the DIGI-HR project, which, alongside its research dimension, opens up opportunities for strengthening international cooperation and exchanging experiences, as well as potentially establishing institutional agreements with the universities from which the guests come. He stressed that such cooperation could result in the development of new courses in English, the inclusion of foreign professors in teaching, and the strengthening of the international visibility of the Faculty of Croatian Studies. He added that the visiting professors’ experience in the field of internationalisation is extremely valuable for the further development of the Faculty and its study programmes.

During the meeting, Prof. Christian Morgner presented his field of scientific interest, focused on digital culture and social innovation, emphasising his extensive experience in the field of higher education internationalisation. He pointed out that the process of internationalisation cannot be developed rapidly but requires long-term planning, administrative preparation, and a strategic approach. He stressed that one of the key challenges facing European universities today is attracting students in an increasingly competitive global academic environment. He particularly emphasised that when choosing a study programme, students do not look only at the quality of the programme and the degree itself, but also at the broader life experience – city safety, accommodation options, social life, and similar aspects.

Prof. Barry Gibson presented his work in the field of medical sociology and public health, highlighting that he has been teaching the sociology of health for more than twenty years and participating in the development of international academic programmes. He particularly warned of the challenges related to the integration of migrant students into higher education systems, stressing that migration flows are becoming increasingly important in the context of European universities. In this context, it was emphasised that demographic challenges in Croatia further increase the need to attract international students and develop sustainable models of internationalisation.

A significant part of the discussion was devoted to the challenges of contemporary higher education, particularly the position of the social sciences and humanities, which are increasingly facing reductions in staff capacity and institutional pressures. It was pointed out that the decreasing number of teaching staff and growing teaching obligations are increasingly affecting the possibility of developing scientific and research work.

Prof. Irena Cajner Mraović emphasised that the Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Croatian Studies is the smallest sociology department in Croatia in terms of the number of academic staff, but despite this, it achieves exceptional results. She pointed out that the undergraduate sociology programme at the Faculty is one of the most sought-after sociology programmes in Croatia, which confirms the quality of its work.

It was emphasised that the value of study programmes cannot be reduced solely to numerical indicators and that the quality, commitment, and expertise of teaching staff play a key role. At the same time, it was highlighted that any additional support and cooperation would be welcome, especially in situations where teaching staff, due to teaching obligations, sometimes have to temporarily put scientific work in the background.

The discussion also highlighted that the internationalisation of higher education contributes not only to academic quality and knowledge exchange but also has a broader socio-economic effect. Participants emphasised that international students contribute to the local economy through spending and active participation in the social life of the community.

As one possible model for developing the Faculty’s international visibility, the organisation of summer schools was highlighted, for example through Croatian language learning programmes, familiarisation with local culture and society, and interdisciplinary academic content. In this context, particular emphasis was placed on the need to make use of Croatia’s comparative advantages, such as its pleasant climate, geographical proximity to the Adriatic coast, and safety, as important elements in attracting international students, especially those from Asian countries.

Vice-Dean Ordulj welcomed the guests and presented the Faculty’s international activities, emphasising that the Faculty currently has 22 Erasmus agreements, with the largest number of mobilities coming precisely from the field of sociology. She highlighted the Faculty’s openness to new forms of international cooperation and the possible expansion of its partnership network.

Vice-Dean Kopilaš thanked the Department of Sociology for its continuous contribution to the development of the Faculty, emphasizing that the Faculty of Croatian Studies is a young faculty that systematically develops interdisciplinary approaches in teaching and research. Kopilaš also spoke about the importance of connecting different disciplines in the contemporary academic environment.

At the end of the meeting, it was emphasized that the further development of international cooperation and internationalization will be an important strategic direction for the Faculty of Croatian Studies in responding to the challenges of contemporary higher education, demographic changes, and the global competitiveness of universities.

Following the meeting, Prof. Christian Morgner delivered a lecture for sociology students entitled “Generative AI as Question Laboratory: From Answers to Questions,” in which he opened a discussion on the transformative potential of generative artificial intelligence in contemporary society, science, and communication. Prof. Barry J. Gibson will deliver his lecture entitled “Time-Tripping from the Academy to the Icon: Negotiating Methodological Schisms and the Contested Legacy of Kurt Cobain” on Thursday, 7 May, where he will discuss collective memory, social interpretations of the past, and cultural conflicts surrounding historical memory.