Robert Kopal Joins Algebra Bernays University

Algebra Bernays University continues to strengthen its academic capabilities. Specifically, Associate Professor Dr. Robert Kopal will join the institution as a senior research associate and professor of professional studies in a permanent position starting October 1, 2025. Professor Kopal will focus on research and development in the areas of creativity and critical thinking in education, artificial intelligence, problem-solving and decision-making, and cybersecurity at Algebra Bernays University.

Robert Kopal is a prominent expert with extensive experience in education, the private sector, and public administration – known for the “triple helix” approach that connects science, industry, and the public sector.

– It is a great honor and pleasure for me to join Algebra Bernays University. I look forward to contributing to interdisciplinary research and innovations in areas crucial for development and survival in the modern environment, such as creativity and critical thinking, as well as artificial intelligence and its connection to education and business. I believe that by connecting science, industry, and the public sector, we can create new values and solutions that will enhance Croatian higher education and make it even more competitive on a global scale. I hope that my work at Algebra Bernays University will contribute to strengthening academic excellence and inspire students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for the challenges of the future, ” said Kopal.

In the field of education and science, Kopal previously held positions as the CEO and Dean of Effectus College, Vice Dean for R&D at Algebra University, Head of Graduate Studies in Digital Marketing and Data Science, and Vice Dean for Teaching at Libertas Business School. He has taught at numerous higher education institutions in Croatia and abroad, published 14 books and over 70 scientific and professional papers, and is a recipient of the Charter of the Association of Polytechnics for special merits in the development of professional studies in Croatia (2023).

In the private sector, Kopal currently serves as Chief Science Officer at the startup SeaCras, recognized by the World Economic Forum as one of the best innovators in the field of sustainable blue economy. At the company R&d. Resilient by design, he holds the position of Chief Science Officer. Previously, he was the Executive Director for R&D at Tokić d.o.o., a Management Advisor at IN2 Group, and co-founder and Chief Science Officer at IN2data. He was also a member of the national team of the Republic of Croatia that won first place at the European Big Data Hackathon 2017.

In the public and state sector, Kopal is currently a special advisor to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia for national security and a member of the Commission for the Ethical Application of Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence (CARNET). Previously, he held positions as State Secretary at the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia, Chief Intelligence Analyst at the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia, and senior manager at POA and SOA, and participated in numerous national and international analytical projects.

His areas of interest include artificial intelligence, education, creativity and innovation, game theory, behavioral economics, social network analysis, climate change, data science, cybersecurity, and human resource development. Algebra Bernays University eagerly anticipates Robert Kopal’s contribution to further strengthening academic excellence, interdisciplinary research, and innovation, as well as enhancing university and professional studies in Croatia and beyond.