It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Karol Fabián, our founding director and a pioneering force in computing and internet development in Slovakia.
Karol Fabián was more than a visionary technologist—he was a mentor, leader, and inspiration to many in our field. His groundbreaking work in computer systems and networks, recognized by multiple patents, helped shape the digital landscape. Often called one of the “fathers of the Slovak internet,” his contributions were instrumental in building the foundations of connectivity that so many rely on today.
A distinguished academic, Karol’s career spanned institutions such as the Czech Technical University in Prague, Eindhoven University of Technology, and ETH Zürich before he played a key role in advancing computing research at the Slovenská akadémia vied / Slovak Academy of Sciences. His pioneering work on distributed systems and networking laid the groundwork for Slovakia’s internet transformation.
Beyond academia, Karol brought his expertise to industry, leading IBM Industry in Slovakia for two decades and bridging the worlds of research and applied innovation. His leadership at the Data&Society Lab at Univerzita Mateja Bela v Banskej Bystrici helped establish our mission: exploring the evolving relationship between technology and society with rigor and impact.
We will deeply miss his wisdom, generosity, and relentless curiosity. His legacy lives on in the work we do every day.
Details about the service and ways to honor his memory can be found here: https://lnkd.in/d3RK9ETw
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
