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By Mila Puljiz Listeš
A project has been launched at Split Faculty of Science that could significantly improve research and clinical application of technologies for people with hearing impairments in Croatia. It is called "Professionalization of Research Centre for Medical Bionics" (RCMB), funded through the DIGIT program, with a value of 350,000 euros, lasting 33 months (February 2026 - October 2028). Main goals are threefold: first, to professionalize existing research groups into an internationally competitive centre, by establishing standard operating procedures, advisory structures, and sustainable funding mechanisms. Second, to strengthen international collaboration with leading universities such as Cambridge, KU Leuven, and Geneva. And third, to work on technology transfer — turning research results into concrete applications for patients.
The project is conducted in collaboration with Faculty of Science, Clinical Hospital Centre Split (KBC), and Polyclinic SUVAG in Zagreb. How did this collaboration come about?
KBC Split has patients and clinical experience, while we have research infrastructure and methodology. Together, we can do something that neither side can do alone — carry out translational research that directly improves healthcare for people with hearing impairments, including deaf individuals. This project’s true value is creating the first Croatian centre of excellence in this field, which will attract international collaborators and European funds even after the project ends.
How specifically will RCMB contribute to educating new experts and students in fields of medical bionics and neuroelectronic?
For young researchers, RCMB represents a unique training program at the intersection of physics, medicine, and engineering, aimed at professionals from various relevant fields with an interdisciplinary profile, such as speech therapists who are highly sought after in Europe. In the project, we plan to participate in more than 10 international events involving our team, including conferences, workshops, and stays in partner laboratories. We also organize industry-oriented workshops that connect the academic community with companies such as Cochlear Ltd and ATLAS Neuro-engineering.
Where do you see your scientific interests and your group developing over the next 5-10 years?
In five years, I see RCMB as a sustainable centre integrated into Horizon Europe consortia, with diverse sources of income — contract research with industry, clinical services, and international projects. The goal is that after the end of DIGIT funding, we will no longer rely on one-time grants, but will be able to attract funds to Croatia ourselves. In ten years, my ambition is for Split to become a recognized European centre for researching hearing and neuroelectronic interfaces. We only lacked a professional structure, long-term and stable financing, and that is precisely what the DIGIT project is building.
