The Croatian scientific scene once again confirms its excellence on an international level, and this time the focus is on the team of the Ruđer Bošković Institute (IRB) participating in the prestigious scientific fair "Science is Wonderful!". This science-educational event, organized under the auspices of the European Commission, brings together more than 100 research teams from around the world, providing them with an opportunity to present their research to a wider public in an innovative and interactive way.

This year, the event is held on March 13th and 14th at the African Museum in Tervuren, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and top research programs. The Croatian team, led by dr. sc. Jelenom Bujan, presents its revolutionary research on ants’ adaptation to climate change – a topic of utmost importance in light of the increasingly pronounced ecological challenges.

How do ants adapt to extreme temperatures?

The project presented by IRB deals with investigating the resistance of ants to high temperatures and climate change, exploring how these small yet extremely adaptable insects cope with global warming. This topic is not only academically interesting, but also has broader implications for understanding ecosystem functioning and the potential impacts of climate change on the plant and animal world.

Special emphasis has been placed on the physiological and behavioral mechanisms by which ants cool down and adapt to hot conditions. Their ability to survive extreme temperatures can provide valuable insights into adaptation strategies that may be useful in other areas, including biomedical and ecological research.

European recognition for outstanding research

Not only does this research stand out for its innovation, but it has also been recognized by the European Research Council (ERC), which awarded it significant financial support. Such recognitions further empower Croatian scientists, enabling them to enhance research methods and continue contributing to the global scientific community.

The IRB team also consists of PhD candidate Antonia Smolić, dr. sc. Marko Bračić and dr. sc. Marko Košiček, coordinator of popularization projects at IRB. Their participation in the fair is not only an opportunity to present research, but also to exchange knowledge with colleagues from other countries, network with leading European scientists, and find new collaborative possibilities.

Interactive presentation and education

At the "Science is Wonderful!" fair, Croatian scientists participate with attractive and educational content that allows visitors to get acquainted with the fascinating world of ants in more detail. Through interactive models, thermal cameras, and a live ant colony, visitors can experience how these organisms adapt to different conditions and how their behaviors can provide valuable information about climate change.

This segment of the fair is specially tailored for students and youth, and the goal is to spark interest in science, research, and nature. Additionally, at educational workshops, participants have the opportunity to learn about research methodologies and participate in experiments that demonstrate how scientists track changes in ant behavior under different conditions.

Popularization of science and international visibility

The Ruđer Bošković Institute has been actively working for many years to popularize science in Croatia and beyond. Their participation in such events contributes to the spread of scientific literacy and brings research closer to the public. Dr. sc. Marko Košiček emphasizes that this is an excellent opportunity not only to present scientific results, but also to encourage new generations to take an interest in scientific research and contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for the future.

Belgium as a destination for scientific gatherings

The venue of the fair, the African Museum in Tervuren, is not a random choice. Belgium is known for its contribution to science and research, and this museum is one of the most important research centers in Europe. In addition to participating in the fair, visitors have the opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of this fascinating museum, as well as enjoy the hospitality of the city of Tervuren.

Tervuren offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to cozy boutique guesthouses and apartments, making it an ideal place for researchers, conference participants, and tourists who wish to explore the history and culture of this area.

Croatian science on the global stage

The participation of the IRB team in this prestigious event is yet another proof that Croatian scientists can stand shoulder to shoulder with colleagues from around the world. Their work on researching climate change and organism adaptation is important not only for the academic community but also for society as a whole.

Such events provide an opportunity for networking, exchange of ideas, and development of new collaborative projects that will help in better understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change in the future. Croatia, despite its size, continues to demonstrate that it has scientists whose research is relevant on a global level.