Strengthening Croatian-UK Research Ties through Network, Collaborations and Initiatives for Scientific Diaspora

This study examines the motivations, experiences, and collaborative engagements of Croatian researchers in the United Kingdom with their counterparts in Croatia. Utilizing a questionnaire answered by 40 Croatian scientists in the UK, the study investigates motivations for relocating, the nature and extent of their scientific collaborations, and their perceptions of research environments in both countries. Results indicate a strong desire for increased collaboration despite significant challenges such as a lack of institutional support, a clear information gap, and networking opportunities. The majority of researchers left Croatia before they managed to form connections with potential collaborators, thus infrastructure and opportunities for forming such networks are needed. The study also discusses the impact of the "Map of Croatian Scientists" project, highlighting its potential to foster networking and improve collaborative ties. Moreover, ideas and recommendations coming from researchers themselves are listed and include increasing awareness of research opportunities and funding, as well as facilitating better connectivity within the Croatian scientific diaspora through networking events. Through these insights, the paper contributes to understanding how transnational scientific networks can be more effectively nurtured to benefit both the researchers, scientific progress and innovation.