Education and Teaching
Silva Mežnarić graduated from the Faculty of Law of the University of Zagreb in 1963. Her passion for social sciences directed her towards sociology, and in 1969 she went to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, where she trained in the field of applied social sciences. After that, he obtained a master's degree in economics and society at the University of Chicago, and in 1984 he defended his doctoral dissertation on the subject of "Internal migration in Yugoslavia" in Ljubljana. Her continued involvement in education and training, including stays at prestigious universities such as the University of Wisconsin, Northwestern University and Claremont Colleges. Her scientific path directed her towards the Institute for Migration and Nationalities (IMIN) in Zagreb, where she served as a scientific advisor. After retirement, she continued to work as a lecturer at the Doctoral course of the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Split.
Scientific Contributions
Professor Silva Mežnarić devoted more than three decades to migration research, with a special focus on the area of the former Yugoslavia. Her works cover various aspects of migration, including internal migration, forced migration, and brain drain. Her research sheds light on the complexity of ethnicity, conflicts and changes in this area.
International Awards
Her international education and work experience have contributed to broadening her knowledge and perspective. She participated in projects and collaborations with world institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution in Washington and the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars. Silva Mežnarić built an extremely significant career studying migration and conflicts in the territory of the former Yugoslavia. Her research was instrumental in understanding the social changes and challenges faced by communities in this area.
This award represents a historic moment because it is the first time that recognition is given to a sociologist. The awarding of this award also indicates the importance of recognizing the role and contribution of women in sociology.
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