Project funded by Croatian science foundation (HrZZ): IP-2018-01-4694

Project financed by Croatian science foundation (HrZZ)

Molecular recognition of nucleic acids is of fundamental importance e.g. for gene transcription and regulation, protein synthesis or cell-division. Small molecules selectively targeting specific DNAs or RNAs are therefore highly interesting not only to understand such processes in more detail on a molecular level but also for potential medicinal applications, as sensors or probes for fluorescence based bioimaging as well as for analytical purposes in isolated biosamples.

RBI Project team of five young researchers and postdocs works on scientific research in medicinal chemistry, relevant for the Croatian pharmaceutical industry and Health sector. The enhacement of the leadership, entrapreneurship and research capabilities of young researchers and postdocs will be fullfiled by education on specific workshops. With the aim of establishing connection with the scientists in the European research area, the dissemination of the project results will be accomplished.

The application of molecular probes for visualizing biomolecules and biological samples is gaining importance in biochemical and biomedical research. Besides biological target detection, some probes display antitumor and antibacterial effects. This feature is particularly significant given the rise of antibiotic resistance and the escalating incidence of various cancer types.

Summary: The project "Synecological STEM EDUCATION in Klinča" plans to strengthen the capacity of the EDUKA association - the local development center of the Klinča Sela municipality with the aim of popularizing natural sciences for end users, children, youth and the general population, with a special emphasis on gifted children. A multidisciplinary team of scientists from the RBI and the Faculty of Science will mentor the volunteer staff of the association and organize a permanent display of innovative and interactive content and a multidisciplinary laboratory. Through a series of educational workshops, the AMRUŠEVO biodiversity garden will be created together with a meteorological station.

The project improves the capacities of EDUKA and partner educational organizations for the development and implementation of STEM activities through study trips, conferences, STEM fairs and training with mentorship during which 18 employees and volunteers will develop new knowledge and work methods. STEM workshops will be organized and conducted in the fields of physics, brain science, astronomy, environment and environmental protection, chemistry, biology, biomedicine, GLOBE program, agronomy, meteorology, virtual reality for primary school and kindergarten students, with the aim of popularizing and increasing the opportunities and availability of quality STEM programs. 700 students will be involved in 120 workshops per year with 12 public presentations of STEM activities per year.