Scientific colloquium "Fr Mirko Mataušić and the promotion of communication sciences"

On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in the "Bl. Alojzije Kard. Stepinac" hall of the Catholic University of Croatia, a scientific colloquium "Fr Mirko Mataušić and the promotion of communication sciences at the Catholic University of Croatia and in Croatia" was held on the occasion of the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the activities of the University Department of Communication sciences.
 

The symposium brought together numerous experts from the field of communication sciences who, through a series of lectures and discussions, addressed topics from all spheres of communication studies, information sciences, journalism, public relations, media literacy and the role of language in communication.

The program was opened with introductory speeches by the Rector prof. Željko Tanjić, and the Head of the University Department of Communication sciences, Prof. Danijel Labaš. Rector Tanjić commented on the importance of the unity of scientists and experts in the field of communication and of conferences of this type, which always bring numerous valuable perspectives and new knowledge, and wished everyone successful future work.
 

Prof.Labaš emphasized the importance of conversation and quality academic dialogue regarding the precise definition of communication sciences and communicology as a field and held an introductory lecture in which he presented the historical context and profile of communication sciences in Croatia and the world, with a focus on the launch of the study of communication sciences at our University and the work and merit of Dr. Mataušić for it.
 

In the first part of the symposium, Prof. Jasna Ćurković Nimac and Prof. Jerko Valković prepared a comprehensive overview of ten years of studies in communication studies and intercultural communication at the University.

 

Assoc. prof. Irena Sever Globan and Assist. prof. Krunoslav Novak discussed the topics of interpersonal communication with a focus on the academic perspective and practical application, as well as the topic of nonviolent communication, which is also available as a new course to CUC students from this academic year.
 

In her lecture, Assoc. Prof. Suzana Peran presented Dr. Mataušić's work in the field of communication sciences, while Assoc. Prof. Anto Mikić presented Mataušić's work in the field of radio journalism, which he enriched with anecdotes about Dr. Mataušić as the initiator and first editor of Croatian Catholic Radio.

The second part of the symposium began with a lecture by Assoc. Prof. Damir Jugo and Prof. Marijana Grbeša Zenzerović on current aspects and trends in communication sciences; Prof. Božo Skoko gave a lecture on public relations and strategic communication in communication sciences; Assoc. Prof. Lana Ciboci Perša and Prof. Igor Kanižaj spoke about the importance of media literacy for communication sciences, while Prof. Nada Zgrabljić Rotar and Prof. Viktorija Car, via video link from Rovinj and Split, addressed the topic of the contribution of the journals Medijska istraživanja and Medijske studije in the promotion and popularization of communication sciences. The last lecture of the symposium on the influence of the English language on communication sciences was given by Assoc. Prof. Marijana Togonal, after which moderators Matea Vidulić and Igor Kanižaj opened the discussion.