Ruđer Bošković Institute initiates disciplinary action against professor

The director of the Ruđer Bošković Institute (IRB) has initiated disciplinary proceedings against scientific advisor and professor of medicine Tomislav Domazet-Lošo. The action follows controversial statements made by Domazet-Lošo in 2025, during which he described the COVID-19 pandemic as a ‘war operation of Satan’s kingdom’ and claimed that vaccination leads to the creation of genetically modified humans.

The IRB Ethics Committee determined in December 2025 that Domazet-Lošo violated the institute’s Code of Ethics regarding professional responsibility, adherence to institutional rules, and responsible public communication. The committee clarified that while the code supports freedom of expression, the issue was not the content of his personal beliefs, but rather his failure to clearly distinguish his personal views from the official positions of the institute and the scientific community. Furthermore, the committee found that his presentation of certain claims did not meet the standards of scientific caution and responsible public communication.

Domazet-Lošo also teaches at the Croatian Catholic University. The IRB Scientific Council has forwarded the Ethics Committee’s findings to the director, who holds the authority to issue sanctions based on the final decision of the Disciplinary Commission.