The opening conference of the project "MICROPLASTICS"

Joint activities that will foster synergy

Members of the MicroDrink team were recently invited to participate in the opening conference of the project "Minimizing cross-border contamination of water with microPLASTICS - MICROPLASTICS", in Novi Sad on October 17, 2024. The partner institutions in this project are: Institute of public health of Vojvodina, Public health institute Sombor, The European Affairs Fund of Autonomous Province of Vojvodina and Ludovika University of Public Service from Hungary. In addition to them, representatives from 9 different institutions were present at the conference, as well as representatives from 2 partner institutions of the MicroDrink project from Serbia: Faculty of Mining and Geology from Belgrade and PUC “Drugi oktobar” from Vršac.

The Microplastics and MicroDrink team

Dr Ištvan Molnar, acting Assistant Secretary for Sanitary Supervision and Public Health greeted all the guests. Mr. Molnar presented the importance of preserving health and protecting the environment and he emphasized the importance of supporting institutions that are participating in EU projects. The MICROPLASTICS project was introduced by key representatives from local governments, public health institutions, and academic circles. Among them were Dragana Kojadinović, MSc, Acting Head of the City Health Administration in Novi Sad, and Branislav Svorcan, Assistant Head of the Department for Economy, Tourism, and Local Economic Development from the Local Self-Government of Sombor. Also speaking were Dr Milena Tabaković, Acting Director of the Public Health Institute of Vojvodina, and Prim. Dr Dragoslava Čubrilo, Acting Director of the Public Health Institute of Sombor. Dr Németh Zsolt, Associate Professor at the University of Public Service, and Ognjen Dopuđ, Director of the European Affairs Fund of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, further contributed alongside representatives from the institutions involved.

Prof. Dr Sanja Bijelović, from the leading partner institution, presented very detailed information about the MICROPLASTICS project such as project goals and all of the activities. From Public Health Institute Sombor dr Dragoslava Čubrilo also presented their role in the project and their experience. Dr Keve Gabor, associate professor and project coordinator form University of Public Service from Hungary also presented their institution and their work. Project team from the European Affairs Fund of Autonomous Province of Vojvodina presented their role as an experts in project menagement and their constant involmente, support, coordination during the whole proces of writing and implementing projects.

The opening conference of the project "MIKROPLASTICS"

At the conclusion of the opening conference, Dr Branislav Petrović, a research associate from the Faculty of Mining and Geology, presented the MicroDrink project. This presentation provided attendees with deeper insights into the project's focus and its relation to combating microplastic pollution. By introducing the MicroDrink initiative, participants had the opportunity to exchange ideas and explore potential synergies between the MICROPLASTICS and MicroDrink projects. The goal of this collaborative discussion was to find ways in which both projects could work together to reduce the harmful impact of microplastics on the environment and public health.

Dr Branislav Petrović presenting the MicroDrink project

Prof. Dr Sanja Bijelović and Dr Branislav Petrović after MicroDrink presentation

The Microplastics and MicroDrink team

On October 18, an educational session was organized in Novi Sad as well, bringing together representatives from six institutions, alongside MICROPLASTICS project partners including members of the MicroDrink project. During the session, attendees were presented with valuable but concerning information about the global issue of microplastics. This marked the beginning of an important initiative aimed at raising awareness about the severe environmental and health problems posed by microplastics. The discussion also covered the locations where sampling for the project MICROPLASTICS would take place, highlighting the next steps in addressing this pressing issue through collaborative research and education.

Dr Keve Gabor - The global issue of microplastics

We are grateful for the invitation and the opportunity to participate in this event. We believe this marks an excellent start to our cooperation, and we look forward to future joint activities that will foster synergy, all aimed at raising awareness and emphasizing the importance of reducing water pollution caused by microplastics.