SiSB10 – Ten Years of Connecting Young Biologists
The jubilee tenth edition of the Symposium of Biology Students (SiSB10) was held on June 7 th and 8 th , 2025, at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. SiSB is a two-day scientific event that brings together students, young researchers, and experts from various fields of biological sciences with the aim of exchanging knowledge, ideas, and experiences. The symposium is designed as a platform that offers students a unique opportunity to present the results of their research, gain experience in public speaking, receive constructive feedback, and establish new acquaintances and professional contacts. For many participants, SiSB is their first chance to engage in scientific presenting, which further motivates and inspires them to continue developing in the academic sphere. The presented works included student research projects, bachelor’s and master’s theses, as well as works awarded prestigious recognitions such as the Rector’s Award. This year’s program was exceptionally rich and diverse. In total, there were two plenary lectures, two panel discussions, six professional and twelve student presentations, eighteen posters, and seven workshops. The symposium gathered around 200 participants, including student presenters, guest lecturers, members of the Scientific Committee, volunteers, and numerous passive participants.
The symposium opened with a plenary lecture by Beata Halassy, PhD, “Viruses Against Cancer”, which explored oncolytic virotherapy—an innovative approach to cancer treatment using viruses to selectively target tumor cells while stimulating immune responses. Another highlight was Assoc. Prof. Zoran Marčić, PhD from the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, who addressed the urgent conservation needs of Croatia’s highly endemic freshwater ichthyofauna. Austrian ecologist and evolutionary biologist Maximilian Wagner, PhD presented findings from field research on gravel beaches along the Croatian coast, focusing on the fascinating fishes of the genus Gouania. Engaging expert talks were also delivered by Martina Pöltl, PhD on the hidden diversity of mosses in the genus Riccia, Pavel Ankon, PhD on the impact of thermal anomalies on Adriatic corals, Bruno Gašperov, PhD on the link between evolution and machine learning, and Maja Ilić, PhD on the role of essential fatty acids in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Workshops—now an integral and highly anticipated part of the SiSB program—once again drewstrong interest. This year’s activities included natural cosmetics making, bird identification through the study of plumage morphology and coloration, designing independent research projects, and bat identification using sonogram analysis. We extend our sincere gratitude to all participants, speakers, members of the Scientific Committee, and volunteers whose dedication made this year’s symposium a success. Special thanks go to our sponsors and donors for their invaluable support, to the Department of Biology for its continuous assistance, and to the Faculty of Science (PMF), University of Zagreb, for providing the venue for SiSB. Thank you all for your enthusiasm, commitment, and for fostering an inspiring and collaborative atmosphere. We look forward to future meetings and partnerships—and hope to see you next year for another edition of SiSB!
The 10th edition of SiSB was financially supported by:
    
   
Sponsors:
   
   
Schedule and photos from the Symposium:
