In Memoriam Ivan Jurković 
Fellow of the Croatian Academy 

of Sciences and Arts, 
Professor Emeritus University of Zagreb


doi: 10.4154/gc.2015.13

On 30th December 2014 at the age of 98 years, after a period 
of declining health, we lost a prominent Croatian geologist, 
a long time fellow of The Croatian Academy of Sciences and 
Arts, public employee – Minister of Science, rector of the 
University of Zagreb, when Professor Emeritus of the 
­Faculty­of­Mining­and­Geology­Ivan­Jurković­passed­away.­
As­well­as­being­a­geologist­(the­field­where­his­lifelong­
work was dedicated) his loss was accepted with sadness in 
the circle of Soil Scientists as well as Agricultural scientists.

We remember him primarily as a superior intellectual, 
naturalist, with a special, subtle feeling for the moment, par-
ticularly the right moment in science and higher education 
and his ability to choose the right direction with an uncom-
promising commitment to the implementation of carefully 
selected and designed solutions to problems. In the history 
of Croatian science he was responsible for a major step for-
ward marked by the beginning of an “Era of Information 
technology” period with the founding of the University Com-
puting Centre, University of Zagreb (SRCE), as well as the 
construction, creation of the concept and framework of 
 activities of the National and University Library (NSK), for 
which he laid the cornerstone. 

In addition to leaving a deep and indelible mark in the 
development of mining geology and geological services in 
Croatia­and­the­former­Yugoslavia,­the­academician­Jurković­
is merited with the inventory of natural resources of Croatia. 
Jurković­was­resolutely­focused,­(at­a­ time­when­it­was­
needed) on the production of the Geological map and espe-
cially the General Soil Map of Croatia (GSM) at a scale of 
1:50 000. As he oversaw the creation of the GSM he noted 
down problems and noticed some weaknesses in its prepara-
tion.­The­scientific­project­General­Soil­Map­of­Croatia­was­
not easy to authorize, especially when inaugurated as a long-
term project that will “outlive the mandate of the Minister “.

His request was that the pedocartographic work engaged 
all­institutions­and­qualified­individuals­experienced­in­this­
specific­research­area,­which­included­field­work,­laboratory­
soil­analysis­as­well­as­preparation­of­the­map­and­textbook,­
for each area of the map across the territory of Croatia. He 
observed problems and solved them in specific research 

projects.­This­meant­the­coordination­of­the­work­of­experts­
based on small, narrow research areas, with different habits, 
levels­ of­ knowledge,­ experience­ and­ styles­ of­working.­
Jurković­particularly­stressed­(when­the­Project­Council­of­the­
Soil Map of Croatia at a scale of 1:50 000 was formed and 
entrusted to him), the importance of preserving the creativity 
and personality as valuable characteristics of the individuals 
involved in the project. As the geomorphology, geological – 
lithological structure directs the process and results of soil 
genesis,­Prof.­Jurković­supported­the­project­and­acquired­the­
advice­of­Mirko­Malez,­a­very­experienced­fellow­of­the­
Croatian Academy, who has always been a great help.

Professor­Emeritus­Ivan­Jurković­was­among­the­few­
who understand the peculiarities of Agricultural Sciences. 
These are related to the fact that when researching perennial 
species, the biological response doesn’t match the current 
treatment­and­pattern­of­studies,­so­the­results­cannot­be­ex-
pected in the normal course of the four year project period. 
Neither before nor since, has a Minister with such under-
standing been in post. Numerous particular and Zagreb lo-
cated institutes were linked in the unique Agricultural Insti-
tute of Zagreb. One of his assistants was an agronomist.

Prof.­Ivan­Jurković­acquired­and­held­his­high­reputation­
both at home and abroad, as well as teaching, research and 
being­a­public­servant.­His­erudition,­self-sacrificing­work­and­
attitude towards work were a role model for younger Faculty 
Members.

It is safe to say that he has left a deep and indelible mark 
in the Croatian sciences, in agricutural sciences and higher 
education. 

We­express­genuine­empathy­with­our­fellow­geologists,­
and­extend­the­same­feelings­to­the­respected­family­Jurković.­
May his great and wide soul rest in peace.

Ferdo­Bašić
Fellow of Croatian Academy of Science and Arts 

Prof. emeritus, University of Zagreb 
 Faculty of Agriculture

Available online June 19, 2015

Geologia Croatica 68/2 171 Zagreb 2015

Geologia CroaticaGeologia Croatica