On February 24, 2026, the University of Rijeka officially welcomed its new Rector, Prof. Goran Hauser, MD, PhD. The grand ceremony was held at the Croatian Cultural Center in Sušak, with more than 300 guests from academic, political, cultural, and public life, who welcomed UNIRI’s 16th rector.
The ceremony, whose central part includes the handover of the Rector’s chain, is not just a ceremonial act. The inauguration is a significant event for the academic community and the wider public, marking both the official beginning of new university leadership and setting the direction of its future development. Attending the inauguration means showing support for the institution and its activities, but also participating in an important moment in the creation of a common identity of the academic community.
After the national anthem, performed by the Student Choir of the Faculty of Medicine – AXIS, the ceremony kicked off with welcome speeches delivered by:
- Prof. Josip Faričić, PhD, President of the Croatian Rectors’ Conference, Rector of the University of Zadar,
- Prof. Iva Rinčić, PhD, Mayor or Rijeka,
- Mr. Ivica Lukanović, Prefect of the Primorje-Gorski kotar County,
- Prof. Alen Ružić, MD, PhD, Minister of Labour, Pension System, Family, and Social Policy,
- Mr. Josip Ostrogović, Envoy of the President of the Croatian Parliament,
- Prof. Radovan Fuchs, PhD, Minister of Science, Education and Youth, Envoy of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia.
In his final speech as the UNIRI Rector, Prof. Vašiček thanked his predecessors, highlighting their valuable contributions. All of them, especially the last three, Daniel Rukavina, Pero Lučin, and Snježana Prijić-Samaržija, made an exceptional contribution to making the University of Rijeka not only an educational and research-oriented institution, but also a space for critical thinking, social responsibility, and open dialogue. In his own words, in recent years, we have gone through and adapted to a period of intense change together. I would especially like to express my sincere gratitude to the one before me, Prof. Snježana Prijić-Samaržija, during whose two terms I served as a vice-rector, who, with her vision, courage, and clear values, left a lasting mark on the development of our university. (…) With faith in the continuity of growth and development, with trust in the new leadership and with pride in everything we have achieved so far, I hand over the traditional Rector’s insignia, the Rector’s chain, which symbolizes honour, responsibility, and durability of the institution, to Rector Goran Hauser, convinced that, under his leadership, the University of Rijeka will open new chapters of success.
In his inaugural speech, Rector Hauser briefly set out his goals and expectations for the next four-year period: Today, as I receive the Rector’s insignia of the University of Rijeka, I feel a deep sense of gratitude, but also a great responsibility. I stand before you aware of our shared tradition and the future we are building together. My mandate will be focused on fostering a stimulating, safe, and inspiring environment in which students will be able to grow as experts and responsible citizens. (…) I want to build a university together with you, dedicated to the students who have shown us their trust by choosing the University of Rijeka, but also to the well-being of every employee who dedicates their time and expertise to our students and the progress of society. As Rector, as I have already emphasized several times, I will always be open to discussion and dialogue. I will listen to students, teachers, researchers, non-teaching staff, and external partners. The university belongs to all of us, and only by working together can we achieve its full potential. (…) Finally, with pride, but also humility, I accept the honour of being the Rector of the University of Rijeka. In the spirit of unity and excellence, we continue to develop the University to the pride of our city, our region, and our homeland. Thank you for your trust and support!
After the ceremony, all guests continued the festivities and informal discussions with a toast and a reception.
