ZAVOD ZA ZASTITU SPOMENIKA KULTURE KRAGUJEVAC

Their core work

This is a cultural heritage protection institute based in Kragujevac, Serbia, responsible for the preservation and study of cultural monuments in the region. Within H2020, they contributed to science communication and public engagement through the "Road to Friday of Science" (ReFocuS) initiative — a recurring series connecting cultural and natural heritage with broader public understanding of science. Their EU participation bridges heritage preservation expertise with science outreach, citizen science, and open science activities aimed at making research accessible to non-specialist audiences.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Their early H2020 involvement (ReFocuS, 2016-2017) focused on foundational science outreach events with no specific thematic framing. By the second phase (ReFocuS 2.0, 2018-2020), they sharpened their focus around cultural and natural heritage as a vehicle for science communication. The most recent iteration (ReFocuS 3.0, 2020-2021) expanded significantly into open science, citizen science, multidisciplinarity, and diversity — reflecting a clear evolution from simple public events toward more structured participatory science engagement.

They are moving from passive science popularization toward active citizen participation in research, with growing emphasis on diversity and interdisciplinary approaches — a direction aligned with Horizon Europe priorities.

How they like to work

They participate exclusively as a partner, never as coordinator, across all three projects. Their network is notably narrow — only 3 unique consortium partners within a single country — suggesting they are a loyal repeat collaborator within a tight national network rather than a broadly connected European player. This pattern indicates a reliable local partner for Serbia-based or Western Balkan initiatives, but not an organization that brings extensive cross-border connections.

Very small network of 3 partners, all within a single country. This is a tightly-knit, locally-rooted collaboration pattern typical of organizations entering the EU framework through a recurring national initiative.

What sets them apart

As a cultural heritage institute participating in science communication projects, they occupy an unusual niche — they bring the perspective of heritage preservation into public engagement with science. For consortia that need a partner connecting cultural heritage audiences with research themes (especially in the Western Balkans), this institute offers an established track record through three successive project iterations. Their value lies in reaching non-academic audiences through the lens of heritage and place-based identity.

Highlights from their portfolio

• ReFocuS 3.0
  Most thematically mature iteration, introducing citizen science, open science, and diversity — reflecting alignment with current EU research policy directions.
• ReFocuS 2.0
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 28,000) and the project that explicitly framed cultural and natural heritage as the organization's thematic anchor.