Tomislav Kelemen

Prof. Dr. Tomislav Kelemen was a globally recognized expert in electrical engineering and transformer design. Considered one of the most influential electrical engineers of Southeast Europe, he was scientist whose work on transformers left a lasting imprint on both academic research and industrial development.

Early Life and Education

Tomislav Kelemen was born in Banja Luka at a time when the region was undergoing significant political and social transformation. His early education laid the groundwork for a career that would be firmly rooted in both scientific inquiry and practical engineering.

He pursued his higher education in Zagreb, graduating in 1957 from the Technical Faculty (later the Faculty of Electrical Engineering). His academic promise was evident early on, leading him to immediately engage both in industry and academia.

In 1974, he earned his doctorate at the University of Zagreb, solidifying his position as a leading researcher in electrical engineering, particularly in the domain of transformers and power systems.

Academic Career and Pedagogical Contribution

Kelemen’s academic career spanned several decades and institutions, reflecting both breadth and depth of expertise. He began as an assistant in theoretical electrical engineering as early as 1957, demonstrating an early commitment to teaching and research.

In 1962, he was appointed as a docent (assistant professor) in Electrical Machines at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture in Split. His teaching responsibilities included foundational and advanced topics in electrical machines, which he delivered with a strong emphasis on real-world applications.

His academic progression continued steadily:

• Associate Professor (1976)
• Full Professor (1984)

At the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing (FER) in Zagreb, he became a central figure in shaping generations of engineers. On postgraduate programs, he taught specialized courses in transformers—bringing cutting-edge industrial knowledge directly into the classroom.

Kelemen remained active in academia until his retirement in 2002, leaving behind a legacy of students who would go on to contribute to industry, academia, and infrastructure development worldwide.

Industrial Career and Engineering Innovation

Parallel to his academic work, Kelemen built an extraordinary industrial career, primarily associated with the renowned Croatian electrical engineering company Končar.

He began working in 1957 at the design office of the Rade Končar enterprise. By 1962, he transitioned into the transformer department within the Electrotechnical Institute, where he would spend nearly three decades (1962–1990).

His work focused on:

• Design and development of power, measurement, and special-purpose transformers
• Investigation of stationary and dynamic phenomena in transformer-grid interaction
• Diagnostics and performance optimization of transformer systems

One of his most significant achievements was leading the research and development program for 400 kV transformers, culminating in successful production in 1976. This milestone placed Končar among a select group of global manufacturers capable of producing transformers for such high voltage levels—an achievement of both technological and strategic importance .

Kelemen also:

• Developed and patented improved current transformer solutions
• Managed transformer research programs
• Served as head of the Transformer Department for many years

Following the restructuring of Končar, he continued his work at the Končar Institute of Electrical Engineering (1991–2002), where he held senior leadership roles:

• Assistant Director
• Head of the Scientific Research Unit
• President of the Scientific Council

In these roles, he helped shape research directions, foster innovation, and strengthen links between academia and industry.

International Leadership and Scientific Influence

Kelemen’s expertise extended well beyond national borders. He was deeply involved in international technical standardization and research communities.

His leadership roles included:

• Secretary of the Technical Committee for Measuring Transformers (JEK-IEC) (1962–1982)
• President of the JUKO-CIGRÉ Study Committee for Transformers (1976–1984)
• Later Vice-President of the same committee (from 1996)

Through these roles, he contributed to:

• International standards in transformer design and measurement
• Knowledge exchange between global experts
• Advancement of best practices in power engineering

He was also a long-standing member of HRO CIGRÉ, reinforcing his connection to the global electrical engineering community .

Scientific Contributions and Legacy

Kelemen’s work sits at the intersection of theoretical electrical engineering and applied industrial innovation. His contributions include:

• Advancing transformer design methodologies
• Improving reliability and efficiency in high-voltage systems
• Integrating diagnostic techniques into transformer engineering
• Bridging academic theory with industrial implementation

His ability to translate complex theoretical insights into practical engineering solutions made him particularly valuable in both academic and industrial contexts.

Importantly, his work helped position regional industry—especially Končar—within the global electrical engineering landscape.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his distinguished career, Prof. Kelemen received numerous prestigious awards recognizing both his scientific contributions and his impact on industry:

• "Nikola Tesla" National Scientific Award (1966) for transformer development
• Annual Končar Award (1969)
• Award of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts (1996)
• Recognition from the Croatian Academy of Technical Sciences (1998)
• Josip Lončar Gold Plaque (1999) for teaching and research excellence
• National Lifetime Achievement Award in Technical Sciences (2014)

He was also a member emeritus of the Croatian Academy of Technical Sciences (HATZ), reflecting his standing among the most respected engineers and scientists in the country.

Final Years and Enduring Impact

Prof. Tomislav Kelemen passed away in 2023, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy. His life’s work continues to resonate through:

• The engineers he trained
• The industrial systems he helped design
• The standards and practices he influenced globally

He remains a symbol of a generation of engineers who built not only infrastructure, but intellectual foundations—linking science, industry, and education in a way that continues to shape modern electrical engineering.

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Tomislav Kelemen was far more than a specialist in transformers—he was a builder of systems, institutions, and knowledge. His career exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and industry, and his contributions continue to influence electrical engineering long after his passing.

His legacy is not only in the transformers that power grids, but in the minds he shaped and the standards he helped define.