BioProCro is a unique trans-disciplinary center for biotechnology research of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, built on a strong basis of scientific excellence of experts from the Ruđer Bošković Institute, University of Split, University of Zagreb, University of Rijeka and University of Osijek. BioProCro center assembles internationally recognized research groups from the fields of biotechnology, chemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, process engineering, and ecology. Such an integration of research groups in a contemporary center will contribute to innovative scientific explorations of bioactive compounds and materials of the Croatian Adriatic Sea.

Bioprospecting as a novel concept of sustainable use of biological diversity might secure income for developing countries and at the same time give incentive for preservation of biological resources and biological diversity. The center will act as a platform unifying dislocated experts and fragmented biotechnology research in Croatia, enabling a proficient use of existing equipment, accumulated knowledge, expertise and human resources needed for biotechnological investigation of the seas. The research will encompass screening, biological and chemical diversity profiling, extraction, characterization of bioactive compounds, synthesis, testing on model organisms, bioinformatics analyses, testing of products and prototypes and their transfer to industry.

Head of BioProCro: Rozelindra Čož-Rakovac, DVM, MSc, PhD