The final conference of the project: "Putting into operation the University of Split’s newly built laboratory animals housing", KK.01.1.1.02.0026, was held on 4.14.2021. in the amphitheater of University of Split’s School of Medicine.
The project is co-financed from the European Regional Development Fund (OP Competitiveness and Cohesion) with the call: Investing in organizational reform and scientific equipment, of a total value of HRK 19,214,337.50, and its leader is prof. Janoš Terzić Ph.D., who applied the project to the first tender for such projects in 2012. He opened the conference thanking all collaborators on this demanding project that aims to support developing experimental sciences in biomedicine and natural sciences field at the level of entire University, which is one of the first steps in the University’s functional integration. Prof. Janoš Terzić Ph.D. pointed out that housing for laboratory animals is every country’s basic scientific infrastructure and that most diseases’ pathophysiological mechanisms were discovered in experimental, animal models where diseases can be carefully studied, as well as new therapies tested, which cannot be done on humans.
The existence of this animal housing, modeled on the world's best science centers, will in the long run lead to increased research potential that should contribute to preserving health, discovering new treatments and diagnostic options. All research will adhere to clear rules and ethical principles of the profession, as required by Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and the Council, from September 22, 2010, concerning protection of animals used for scientific purposes.
"Immunological research is returning home" is how prof. Dragan Ljutić Ph.D., University of Split Rector, began his address to conference participants. Pointing out great scientists from Split, professors Vlahović, Marušić, Rošina, Rakić, Rumboldt…, he singled out this project, as the best image of today’s University of Split. Relatively young and modern, the University of Split is home to many top scientists, who are both a strength and an invitation to all young people to come to study in Split, develop personal competencies, also science in general, and to stay live and work in Split and Croatia, Rector Ljutić concluded in his speech,
Prof. Ante Tonkić Ph.D., School of Medicine’s Dean, emphasized that it is the School’s basic mission to promote teaching and scientific excellence. Also, that completing this EU-funded project, led by the University of Split, the main partner being the School of Medicine, together with the establishment of the Center for Translational Research in Biomedicine, guarantees that the School of Medicine will, for its part, do everything to maintain a high level of excellence in scientific research. He reminded everyone that University of Split’s School of Medicine is the only one in Croatia that during the COVID-19 pandemic continued with the so-called hybrid form of teaching and that at no time did they interrupt clinical training. Also, it is among the first in the EU to organize vaccinating student population that participates in such training, which in fact enables the teaching process to go on.
Prof. Leandra Vranješ-Markić Ph.D., Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation, as well as a member of the project’s Advisory Board, pointed out the University of Split’s international reputation in the field of pre- and clinical medical health research. It has been recognized in numerous rankings, THE for example, ranking between 401st and 500th in the field, having an even better result in biological sciences – between 301st and 400th, together with 201st to 300th place on Shanghai’s list. That is proof of scientific excellence, also of very good international cooperation scientists in this field are known for. This potential and results were limited by existing infrastructure and that makes this project extremely important. One its important component, in addition to equipment, is the organizational reform. That means that this equipment will be available to everyone. It will be used not only by scientists from the School of Medicine, but also from our other faculties, such as Faculty of Science or Faculty of Chemistry and Technology. This is only part of investing in infrastructure. Total project investments at the University of Split amount to almost HRK 180 million. The University provides support for all kinds of scientific research with the newly established Office for Research and Development as the central level of managing-controlling its scientific research equipment.
Prof. Katarina Vukojević Ph.D., Vice Dean for Science at the School of Medicine in Split and head of the Center for Translational Research in Biomedicine, stressed how important this project is not only for School of Medicine, but also for the entire University. Enthusiasm is one our University’s greatest values. Equipment and space represent valuable capital, but it is the people - coming from ours as well as from other universities - who are most valuable, They will have the opportunity to work in our Center for Translational Research in Biomedicine, concluded Vice Dean Vukojević.