Presented project "We grow (STEM) with a healthy lifestyle"

The project was presented November 22 at a press conference held at School of Medicine.

In cooperation with institutions of higher education, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Shipbuilding and the School of Medicine in Split, the project is implemented by the Institute Perspectives of Mediterranean Economy, as part of the Operational Program Effective Human Potentials 2014-2020, of the European Social Fund.

The project’s aim is to strengthen the IPEMED association’s capacities for active involvement of young people, as well as the general population, in popularizing STEM in the field of medical sensors and 3D technologies, and to involve end users in activities popularizing STEM, as well as acquiring knowledge for further professional development in the field, and to establish permanent members at MEFST and FESB.

Total value of the project, whose implementation began in August 2022, and completion expected in August 2024, is HRK 2,422,016.37 (funded 100%), of which HRK 2,058,713.91 comes from the European Social Fund and HRK 363,302.46 from the State Budget.

In the whole territory of Split-Dalmatia County, there is a marked decrease in interest of young people in enrolling STEM programs. With this project, we designed activities that should attract the attention of elementary and high school students and interest them in studying this field, which will always be needed - said Kristina Buzuk, president of IPEMED - adding that this approach is popular in Europe and has already proven to be successful, showing great results.

Acquiring modern technologies, such as VR glasses, 3D printers and scanners, elementary and second school students will be able to see how biotechnology can be applied in medicine. We will also include student volunteers, as we want to open up to society and show everyone what we do here – Katarina Vukojević said.

Danira Matijaca Ph.D. from MEFST is an expert who will also be lecturing in project workshops and trainings.

According to assoc. prof. Petar Šolić, Vice-dean of operations at FESB, their faculty has multiple benefits being a partner in this project.

Goal of this project is to show, in workshops and a set of simple laboratory exercises, how a lot can be achieved with just a little effort. In this way, we want to interest students in this form of study - Šolić explained.