Scientific and Educational Cooperation between the Institute for Anthropological Research, Zagreb, and the University of Dubrovnik

On September 14, 2026, an Agreement on Scientific and Educational Cooperation with the University of Dubrovnik (UNIDU) was signed at the Institute for Anthropological Research (INANTRO). The Agreement was signed by the Director of the Institute, Prof. Damir Marjanović, PhD, and the Rector of the University of Dubrovnik, Prof. Nebojša Stojčić, PhD. The signing of the Agreement was preceded by academic and research proposals and business meetings focusing on the development strategies of the two institutions, as well as opportunities for cooperation and interdisciplinary collaboration. The negotiation process was coordinated by the Director of the Institute, Assistant Director, Assoc. Prof. Natalija Novokmet, PhD and Professional Associate in the Director’s Office, Krešimir Budić, LL. B. As part of the visit to the Institute and the laboratory facilities of the Centre for Applied Bioanthropology (BIOANT), Institute researchers – D. Havaš Auguštin, PhD, J. Šarac, PhD, Assistant Director, A. Meščić Macan, PhD, A. Jonjić, PhD, and M. Novak, PhD – presented Prof. Stojčić with the research capabilities of five laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art scientific equipment. The presented capabilities include population-genetic analyses of populations and migration processes at regional and global levels, analyses of modern and ancient DNA, evolutionary and bioarchaeological analyses, as well as research into the role of the microbiome in the development of complex diseases. Particular emphasis was also placed on the processing and interpretation of interdisciplinary data using advanced chemometric methods for modelling chemical systems, as well as bioinformatic methods for a deeper understanding of chemical and biological processes.

We believe that this important step will contribute to further strengthening scientific and educational cooperation and interdisciplinary collaboration, while opening up new opportunities for joint work and the exchange of knowledge and experience, for the benefit of all employees and institutions involved in this cooperation.