In memoriam – Slavko Krajcar

Professor Dr. Slavko Krajcar passed away at the age of 71. The news of the departure of the esteemed professor of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing was received with disbelief by all who knew his incredible energy and unwavering commitment to every task he undertook. The enthusiasm with which he approached new challenges was rarely seen, and it is difficult to accept the fact that there will be a void in the scientific, professional, and business community.

In the biography of Slavko Krajcar, one workplace is recorded – the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, where he was a professor and dean – but also a number of other engagements. He participated in numerous domestic and international projects, was a member of renowned professional associations, and was an author and lecturer at scientific, professional, and business conferences.

His vision and breadth of perspective enabled him to participate in and lead many projects in the field of energy, including the Energy Strategy of Croatia and the Energy Efficiency Strategy. In addition to educating generations of current energy professionals at the Faculty over 46 years, he was known for being one of the first deans to establish quality cooperation between the academic and business communities.

As an active participant in numerous professional conferences, he was a frequent collaborator at Lider’s conferences. For years, he presented and moderated round tables at the conference on the Energy Future of Croatia and other gatherings focused on technology and industry.

One of the projects he participated in from the beginning is Lider Invest. As a member of the expert committee, he recognized investment projects that contributed to raising the technological and innovative level of the economy. In gratitude for his selfless contribution, for all the good he did, for everything he left behind, and for the ideas he believed in, the Lider Invest award for investments with a high technological level will bear the name of Slavko Krajcar starting next year.

From that collaboration, we will always remember his friendly and positive attitude. He approached every problem and challenge constructively. He embraced every good idea wholeheartedly and then added to it and built upon it.

In a few days, Professor Krajcar was supposed to participate in Lider’s Energy Conference with an introductory presentation on energy transition. A topic that many are discussing today, and he was one who was aware of this need long ago. He was aware of all the challenges on the path to a low-carbon transition and that this path is not easy at all. In the announcement of the topic, he left a message that reflects his eternally positive attitude: „As in any other transition, all the answers do not exist today. However, we must be optimistic. There are enough answers for us to start in that direction today, and we will develop the rest along the way.“

Written by Tomislav Blagaić.