INSTITUT ZA BIOLOSKA ISTRAZIVANJA

Their core work

The Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" (IBISS) is a leading Serbian research centre focused on biological sciences, from plant biology and genetics to ecology and conservation. Within H2020, they have contributed plant science expertise — particularly in crop genetics and new breeding techniques applied to chicory — while also running a sustained national science engagement programme ("Road to Friday of Science") that brings research to the general public. Their dual strength lies in combining serious laboratory research in plant biotechnology with a strong commitment to responsible research communication and public outreach.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

IBISS began its H2020 participation (2014-2017) entirely in science outreach, running public engagement events under playful themes like "Science Vans" and "Scientist in Private Life." From 2018 onward, a clear shift occurred: while continuing the ReFocuS outreach series, they entered serious plant biotechnology research through the CHIC project, working with CRISPR gene editing and crop science. This evolution suggests the institute is broadening from a nationally-focused public engagement role toward becoming a contributor in applied plant genomics at the European level.

IBISS is transitioning from primarily outreach-focused H2020 participation toward substantive plant biotechnology research, making them increasingly relevant for consortia needing both scientific expertise and built-in dissemination capacity.

How they like to work

IBISS primarily joins projects as a participant (4 of 5 projects), having coordinated only one — the mid-scale ReFocuS outreach project. With 22 unique partners across 12 countries from just 5 projects, they show broad network-building rather than repeat partnerships. Their Coordination and Support Action (CSA) dominance suggests they are often brought in for communication, dissemination, or public engagement work packages rather than leading technical research streams.

IBISS has built a surprisingly broad network for a modest project portfolio — 22 unique partners across 12 countries, reflecting the multinational nature of both their outreach consortia and the large CHIC research project. Their geographic connections span well beyond the Western Balkans into core EU research networks.

What sets them apart

IBISS offers a rare combination: genuine plant biology research capability paired with years of hands-on experience in science communication and public engagement. For consortium builders, this means one partner can cover both a technical work package in plant sciences and the dissemination/communication obligations that every H2020 project requires. Their Serbian base also adds Widening Country eligibility, which can strengthen proposals under certain EU funding criteria.

Highlights from their portfolio

• CHIC
  By far their largest project (EUR 361,280), marking their entry into serious plant biotechnology research using CRISPR/Cas gene editing for chicory crop improvement.
• ReFocuS
  Their only coordinated project, launching what became a three-edition science engagement programme (ReFocuS, 2.0, 3.0) spanning five years — showing sustained commitment and trust from funders.
• ReFocuS 3.0
  The final evolution of their outreach series, pivoting toward open science, citizen science, and diversity themes — aligning with current EU science policy priorities.