Elza Kučera (1883–1972) developed an interest in psychology during her doctoral studies in Zurich (1905–1908). After earning her doctorate in philosophy in 1909 (becoming the first Croatian woman to hold a doctorate in philosophy), she returned to Zagreb, where she initiated pioneering psychological research. Her key achievements include the following: <br />1. Establishing the first private laboratory for experimental psychology in her apartment in Zagreb (1910– 1914). <br />2. Publishing the first Croatian work on experimental psychology in 1914 (“The Psychogalvanic Reflex Phenomenon in Its Significance for the Psychology of Emotion”). <br />3. Adapting the Binet-Simon intelligence test to Croatian circumstances. <br />4. Conducting international research on the psychology of nations. <br />5. Participating in the establishment of professional associations for psychologists. <br />6. Publishing scientific papers in psychology until the age of 82 (1965). Although throughout her professional career, she worked at the National and University Library (1909–1944), where she became the first female librarian in Croatia and the first woman to hold a permanent position in public service in Croatia (1912). <br />Kučera’s approach to psychology was situated at the intersection of experimental methods and philosophical inquiry, as evidenced by her works, which often combined empirical research with philosophical concepts. Although Ramiro Bujas is traditionally regarded as the founder of experimental psychology in Croatia, Kučera was, in fact, the first to conduct experimental psychological research and publish a work in this field in Croatia.

Elza Kučera, women philosopher, women in psychology.