With European money, a project aiming to improve scientific activity and competitiveness of University of Split’s FGAG researchers was realized with colleagues within European Research Area

The Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy in Split, on the new premises of its Laboratory in Žrnovnica, presented what they have been working hard at in the past few years. The Prime Minister’s envoy, Ivica Šušak, head of the Split-Dalmatia County, Tomislav Đonlić, Split Deputy mayor Bojan Ivošević, University of Split Rector, prof. Dragan Ljutić Ph.D., University of Split’s and other Croatian universities’ numerous deans from related faculties, faculty employees, students and representatives of economy, as well as public persons from the city and the region attended the event.

Our FGAG members came up with and implemented the project called "Implementation of modern scientific research infrastructure at FGAG leading to smart specialization in green and energy efficient construction" (KK.01.1.1.02.0027), despite Corona virus. Preparation of the project began in 2015, and it was realized June of 2018. It was funded from the European Regional Development Fund, as part of Call for Proposals "Investing in organizational reform and infrastructure in sectors of research, development and innovation" under the Operational Program "Competitiveness and Cohesion 2014-2020." Total value of the project is HRK 84,513,801.36, of which HRK 82,772,609.88 is financed by grants from the mentioned EU sources.

Nine of this laboratory’s 11 specialized units are located in the faculty building on (the) Split Campus, and two in the reconstructed and extended facility owned in Žrnovnica, where the event took place. All 11 units together make FGAG’s unique Laboratory, to be managed jointly with the help of a modern software, and they are: geodetic, geotechnical, hydro-technical, construction, materials, numerical modelling, seismic testing, and mobile road laboratories, GIS (geographic information system) and decision support laboratory, laboratory for implementing modern technologies in architecture and a wind energy measuring station.

Assoc. prof. Nikša Jajac Ph.D., FGAG’s Dean, expressed his satisfaction that the end of this project coincides with the Faculty’s great anniversary. He concluded:

- I can freely say that this has been prepared and gradually developed since 1971, and I have the honour and duty to lead its final and most noticeable phase, the realization of the INFRA project. I am particularly glad that our first dean, Professor Jakov Jakša Miličić, can witness this success, as he also expressed satisfaction with project results and I have the honour, as the current dean, together with such a "legend", to open FGAG’s new Laboratory.

 Text/photo: FGAG