The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Rijeka (MEDRI) is one of the oldest and leading research and educational institutions in the Republic of Croatia in the field of biomedicine and health. As a higher education institution, it develops scientific and professional work in the field of education and science in biomedicine and health, prepares students for professional activities based on scientific knowledge and methods, educates young future scientists, and promotes international cooperation in higher education and science. In parallel with the development of curricula began the development of scientific research activity, and in 1959, the first PhD thesis was defended at the Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka. The rapid development of basic medical sciences is the cornerstone of scientific research activity and professional development of clinical medical sciences. Many eminent clinicians have made their first scientific steps in preclinical laboratories. Numerous research groups have achieved enviable international recognition through their work.
Faculty teachers have been continuously organising numerous scientific meetings, lectures, congresses, conferences, and symposia. Scientists have received numerous national and international recognitions and awards for their work and the most prestigious state science awards in the Republic of Croatia.