[INVITED LECTURE] Prof. Vladimir Stilinović
Full Professor, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
"What is Science, how does it work, and why do we need it?"
Once upon a time, Natural Philosophy—what we now call Science—was a pursuit of elite amateurs who sought to understand the world through shared rational rules, with findings accessible to all. Today, science is a professional, highly specialized endeavor that shapes modern society, yet its fundamental principles are often overlooked, leaving both the public and even some scientists unable to clearly define what science is or evaluate scientific claims. This talk revisits the basics of the scientific method, its purpose, and importance, aiming to clarify how the “game” of science should be played and why understanding its rules matters for everyone.
Short Bio
Professor Vladimir Stilinović is a chemist at the Faculty of Science (PMF), University of Zagreb, where he has been developing his academic career since 2005, progressing from assistant to full professor. He obtained his PhD in Chemistry in 2010, focusing on intermolecular interactions and crystal structures. His research lies in solid-state supramolecular chemistry and crystal engineering, with emphasis on non-covalent interactions, crystal structure formation, and solid-state dynamics, including phase transitions and molecular processes in crystals. In addition to research and teaching, he is actively involved in the scientific community and science outreach, contributing to academic organizations, editorial work, and the popularization of chemistry through public lectures, media, and educational activities.