Dr. sc. Vlatka Kos Grabar Robina, Senior Researcher at the Energy and Climate Planning Department of the Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar, has been selected as one of the finalists for the award "Engineer of the Year 2026".
Behind every bridge that connects shores, every algorithm that accelerates business, and every technology that transforms the way we live, there are people — and among them, an increasing number of women who are pushing the boundaries of the engineering profession with their knowledge, innovation, and courage. These are precisely the kinds of experts brought together by the "Engineer of the Year" initiative, which, for the fourth consecutive year in Croatia, highlights female engineers whose work and careers can inspire new generations to pursue STEM fields — especially young girls who are just beginning to consider their future education and career paths.
This year's final includes ten outstanding engineers from various sectors — ranging from energy, digital technologies, and telecommunications to the automotive industry, food production, and the development of advanced technological solutions. Each of them has a professional story that demonstrates that engineering is not just a technical discipline but also a space for creativity, problem-solving, and creating solutions that shape everyday life.
By selecting ten finalists from diverse industries, the initiative emphasises the diversity of the engineering profession, while their professional journeys highlight the crucial role of engineering knowledge in driving technological advancement, innovation, and industrial development.
Alongside Vlatka, the finalists are:
- Maja Bračić, AI/ML Engineer, Hrvatski Telekom
- Ivana Čuljak Arnautović, Chartered Geodetic Engineer, SupraNet
- Petra Golubić, Production Department Manager, Podravka
- Tajana HrbudHead of Vehicle Validation and Verification, Verne
- Jelena Jurišić, Deputy Director for Digital Society and Head of Digital Transformation, Ericsson Nikola Tesla
- Ana Krmpotić, Software Engineer, dSpace
- Leila Luttenberger Marić, Head of Research Department, KONČAR Digital
- Sanja Svilković, Head of Business Excellence Department, Dalekovod
- Marija Todorić, Data Scientist, Mireo
The initiative's focus is not only on professional achievements but also on the finalists' potential to serve as role models for young people. The engineers in the final demonstrate through their knowledge and experience how innovation, technology, and creativity intersect in everyday work, and how engineering careers open doors to international projects and advanced technologies.
"We know that technology, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence will shape our future and create new opportunities. To make the most of these opportunities, we need all engineering talent. That is why we want to show young girls that engineering offers space for creativity, innovation, and personal development. Ultimately, through this initiative, we encourage greater participation in STEM because diverse teams ensure greater efficiency and creativity. This is where the true power and potential of companies lie in the exciting times ahead," said Medeja Lončar, President of the Management Board of Siemens Croatia and Director of Siemens Slovenia and Siemens Serbia.
Director of the German-Croatian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Timo Pleyer, emphasized that strengthening STEM talent development is key to economic competitiveness and attracting foreign investment: "Technological development and innovation require diverse perspectives and knowledge. That is why it is important to encourage greater interest among young people in engineering careers. The finalists of this initiative demonstrate how knowledge, expertise, and dedication are essential for the development of the Croatian economy."
One of the ten finalists will be named "Engineer of the Year 2026," with the award ceremony taking place on May 12 in Zagreb.
The "Engineer of the Year" initiative is organized by the German-Croatian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, with Siemens Croatia as the initiator and Mediade as co-organizer, and with the support of leading companies in Croatia: Henkel, KONČAR, Hrvatski Telekom, Scheer Adriatic, AD Plastik, Ericsson Nikola Tesla, NEXE, INA, Hansen Beck, and Coca-Cola HBC Croatia, as well as the strategic support of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing in Zagreb.
