Ivo Šlaus, renowned Croatian physicist and academician, dies at 94

Academician and physicist Ivo Šlaus, a distinguished figure in Croatian science, passed away in Zagreb on August 8, 2026, at the age of 94. He was a regular member of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts (HAZU) since 1991 and had been an associate member since 1977.

Born in Split on September 26, 1931, Šlaus graduated in physics from the Faculty of Science in Zagreb in 1954, earning his doctorate in 1958. He served as a professor at the university from 1960 to 2005 and was also active at the Ruđer Bošković Institute from 1954 to 1998. Since 2005, he held the title of professor emeritus.

Šlaus's primary scientific work focused on nuclear physics, particle physics, and medical physics. He pioneered and developed new experimental techniques and analysis methods, publishing 411 papers and six monographs. His research included early investigations into nuclear interactions beyond the energy shell and applications in medical nuclear physics, such as radiopharmaceuticals and neutron radiotherapy. He was also instrumental in organizing numerous scientific conferences.

Beyond his scientific achievements, Šlaus was involved in public life. He served as a member of the Croatian Parliament for the SDP party from 2000 to 2003. In 1997, he co-founded the Croatian Movement for Democracy and Social Justice. He was a founding member of Academia Europaea and chaired its Committee for Physics and Technical Sciences. His international affiliations included membership in the World Academy of Sciences and Arts (WAAS), which he led from 2011 to 2013 as president, and later as honorary president. He also held positions in various other European and international academies.

Šlaus received numerous accolades for his work, including the Ruđer Bošković awards in 1962 and 1969, the State Award for Science for Lifetime Achievement in 2008, and was honored with the Order of Prince Trpimir in 2023 for his significant contributions to science, international relations, and Croatia's global standing.