RBI was founded in 1950 on the initiative of Ivan Supek and colleagues who chose to name the Institute after the reknowned Croatian physicist Ruđer Bošković. Today RBI is the largest Croatian multidisciplinary natural science research institute in Croatia and one of the leading institutes in Southeast Europe. The Institute employs about 900 people of which 550 are scientists including 229 graduate students. RBI scientists are active in the fields of physics, chemistry, molecular biology, medicine, ecology as well as oceanography and computer science.

Croatian president Dr. Ivo Josipovic, as well as Premier Jadranka Kosur were patrons of the event. President Josipovic in his address pointed out the the work of RBI has tremendous importance for Croatia. He stated that there should be better cooperation between the educational process, science and industry. Josipovic also stated that science should not be subject to austerity measures as this undermines our future.

In her address Dr. Danica Ramljak reminded the audience that among other things RBI is the leading centre for cancer research and that the first computer in Croatia was built at RBI from which the first email in Croatia was sent. Dr. Ramljak annouced the forthcoming international scientific evaluation of the Instiute. She noted that RBI scientists make up 6 percent of Croatia's academic society.

Minister of science, education and sports, Radovan Fuchs, announced a new law of science to be drafted in the near future which will certainly lead to successful completion of RBI's restructuring. The aim of the Ministry is to make the Croatian research and development system relevant at an international level.