Those in the SEA-EU Alliance in charge for Science spent three productive days in Split, during which they participated in a series of meetings on innovation, research, open science, international cooperation and networking. University of Split’s Rector, prof. Dragan Ljutić Ph.D. opened the first (working) meeting and briefly addressed the guests wishing them a pleasant and productive stay in Split.
The first day of the visit, our colleagues in the alliance got to see the Faculty of Maritime Studies, where the Vice Dean for Science, Prof. Hrvoje Dodig Ph.D. welcomed and showed them the ship engineering laboratory, planetarium, nautical simulator and ship engine room simulator. Afterwards, the delegation visited the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy’s seismic testing laboratory in Žrnovnica, where they had the opportunity to learn about everything this laboratory can do, also to learn about financing scientific research equipment with the help of European Structural and Investment Funds. The visit’s aim is the possibility of cooperation with SEA-EU partners in order to achieve high standards of scientific research papers in these areas.
After the working day, together with a tourist guide, the guests visited Diocletian's Palace and got to know the beauties of the city of Split.
The second day began with meetings on various locations and a visit to MedILS where they were warmly welcomed and hosted by prof. Miroslav Radman Ph.D. Our member of the academy-----showed them MedILS’ premises and emphasized the strong connection between the institution he heads and University of Split. After a joint lunch, the guests visited the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, where they got to hear several presentations on the Institute structure, history, projects as well as popularization of science. Živana Ninčević Gladan, Ph.D., Melita Peharda Uljević, Ph.D., Sanja Matić-Skoko, Ph.D. and Hrvoje Mihanović presented the Institute.
The SEA-EU alliance partners’ visit ended in a hybrid meeting with the SPINIT Technology Incubator’s Research, Development and Innovation subcommittee. After the formal part, the partners discussed models of transformation of partner universities, possibilities of cooperation and bases for applying to new projects. As part of the visit, prof. Sven Gotovac Ph.D. welcomed and took everyone around the incubator, presenting examples of successful cooperation and haven for many startups. In the first few months of its operation, the SPINIT incubator managed to rent out all business space and become a mecca for young people full of ideas and entrepreneurial ventures.
The conclusion of the three-day working gathering is putting an emphasis on networking project offices and researchers, as well as accelerating exchange of ideas and knowledge-expertise. The alliance will also actively work on mapping the scientific research infrastructure that has as its ultimate goal networking of scientists, free and rapid flow of information.