Josip Pečarić, Renowned Mathematician and Academic, Dies at 79

A Life of Mathematical Distinction

Josip Pečarić, a globally recognized mathematician, academic, and publicist, passed away in Zagreb on 2026-10-29 at the age of 79. His death was formally announced by the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts (HAZU), where he served as a full member. Throughout his prolific career, he established himself as a leading authority in the theory of inequalities, leaving an indelible mark on both the scientific community and Croatian public life.

Born on September 2, 1947, in Kotor, Pečarić completed his primary and secondary education in his hometown. He pursued his higher education in Belgrade, graduating from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in 1972. He continued his academic journey at the same institution, earning a master's degree in 1975 and a doctorate in mathematical sciences in 1982.

Career and Scientific Contributions

Pečarić began his professional career at the Geomagnetic Institute in Grocka and later taught at the Faculty of Civil Engineering in Belgrade. In 1987, he relocated to Zagreb, where he became a professor at the Faculty of Textile Technology at the University of Zagreb. His research focused heavily on mathematical inequalities, a field in which he became one of the world's most cited experts.

His scientific output was immense, comprising more than 1,200 published papers and over 150 books, brochures, and open letters. He served as the editor-in-chief of the international journal Mathematical Inequalities and Applications and led significant research projects at the Faculty of Science in Zagreb. His contributions were recognized with the Croatian State Prize for Science in 1996 and the Order of the Croatian Morning Star with the effigy of Ruđer Bošković in 1999.

Public Engagement and Legacy

Beyond his rigorous mathematical work, Pečarić was a prominent and often controversial figure in Croatian public discourse. He dedicated much of his writing to themes of contemporary Croatian history, politics, and the preservation of the cultural heritage of his native Boka Kotorska. His publicistic work frequently addressed the protection of Croatian identity, which often drew significant attention and debate within the country.

Pečarić was elected as an associate member of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts in 1992 and became a full member in 1997. He was also a member of the New York Academy of Sciences and a corresponding member of the Duklja Academy of Sciences and Arts. His legacy remains defined by his dual identity as a world-class mathematician and a passionate, vocal participant in the social and political life of his nation.