As part of the Institute’s projects NATURALLY (NATURe as an ALLY: Alien Invasive Plants as Phytopharmaceuticals) and EkoPis (Project of the City of Poreč to promote Ecology and Ecological Literacy) and the Croatian Microscopy Society programme of popularization of science MikroskopiJA na netu, we recently organized microscopy workshops for primary and secondary schools “From Loupe to AI – by Microscopy to STEM”.
These workshops, conducted under the patronage of ZEISS Croatia and the Croatian Microscopy Society, were specifically designed to emphasize the significance of researching invasive plant species and fostering ecological literacy among students. The goal was to make our scientific research more accessible and relatable to the younger generation.
Elementary school workshops in the city of Poreč took place at the Society Naša djeca Poreč, while high school students participated in workshops at the Gymnasium and Vocational School of Jurja Dobrile Pazin.
The blend of traditional and cutting-edge technologies during the workshops sought to provide a comprehensive understanding of the scientific process—from conceptualization to result presentation. Beyond our projects, the application of microscopy spans various scientific and industrial domains, as well as everyday life. By championing microscopy, our workshops not only encourage youth participation in STEM fields but also introduce them to traditional values and national scientific achievements.
We extend our gratitude to Zeiss Hrvatska, the Croatian Microscopy Society, DND Poreč, GSŠJD Gymnasium, and all contributors who played a role in realizing these workshops.
A special thanks goes out to the students for their curiosity, enthusiasm, thought-provoking questions, and active involvement. We firmly believe that among them are future exemplary experts and scientists upon whom our collective future depends.
