Communication

A series of educational workshops for children in schools and kindergartens was organized as part of the Science Comes to Town project. In the first three months, a total of 12 workshops were held, engaging around 350 children. These workshops provided an excellent opportunity to explain, in a simple and engaging way, why oysters and their habitats are important for the health of marine ecosystems, and why it is essential to restore their populations in areas where they were once abundant.

Presentation of Project Activities and Results within the Network of Marine Protected Areas

in Communication

March 15, 2026

At the Croatian Marine Protected Area Network (CroMPA), Daria Ezgeta Blić presented key insights from ongoing research on the restoration of the native European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) in the Adriatic Sea. The lecture highlighted the ecological importance of oyster reefs as biodiversity hotspots and natural ecosystem engineers, while also addressing the severe decline of oyster populations across Europe. The presentation emphasized the growing importance of restoration efforts and the need to apply knowledge and experiences from European initiatives to support future conservation and recovery of oyster habitats in the Adriatic.

POPOYster at Science Along the Way

in Communication

March 9, 2026

This year, the city of Split hosted the “Science Along the Way” event for the first time, supported by the Science Comes to Town project. The event took place in the city center on Saturday, March 7, as part of the celebration of International Women’s Day, and featured 13 women scientists. During the event, project leader Daria Ezgeta Balić presented the POPOyster project and engaged both younger and older passersby, raising awareness about the importance of the European flat oyster and its role in the marine ecosystem.

Article about POPOyster project

in Communication

December 15, 2025

An article highlighting the importance of the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) and the activities carried out within the POPOyster project has been published on the Gorgonija.com. portal, which is dedicated to marine topics. The article also outlines upcoming project plans and future activities aimed at supporting the conservation and restoration of this important species.

European Researchers’ Night Follow-Up: Inspiring Young Minds in Science

in Communication

November 22, 2025

As part of the Blue-Connect 2.0 project, under the motto “I Explore…”, a follow-up activity to the European Researchers’ Night was held, titled “The Science of Life: From Genes to the Planet”. The event featured scientific presentations and panel discussions, targeting high school students who are soon to choose the universities they wish to attend. Its main goal was to introduce students to scientific research and the career path of a scientist.

POPOYSTER at the European Researchers’ Night

in Communication

September 30, 2025

During the European Researchers’ Night, we presented the POPOYSTER project. Visitors had the opportunity to learn why oysters are important for a healthy ecosystem. Children discovered the different species that can live on oyster reefs and even tried building their own miniature reefs, adding various marine organisms to them. This activity proved to be very engaging for children, who showed great curiosity and asked many questions. Around 10,000 people visited the event in Split, and many of them surely went home knowing a bit more about oysters and their vital role in marine ecosystems.

POPOyster at the I Love the Sea Festival

in Communication

June 30, 2025

In collaboration with the Tourist Board of Split-Dalmatia County and the I Explore project, the I Love the Sea children’s festival was held across four coastal towns: Sutivan on the island of Brač, Omiš, Stobreč, and Grohote on the island of Šolta. At each event, we presented the POPOyster project and educated children about the differences between the native European flat oyster and the invasive Pacific oyster.

Popular Science Lecture Held in Collaboration with City Library

in Communication

April 20, 2025

In collaboration with City Library Marko Marulić, and as part of the I Explore project, the project leader held a popular science lecture titled “Did you know that oysters are not just a delicacy, but also a vital part of a healthy marine ecosystem?”. During the lecture, she presented the POPOyster project through its completed and planned activities, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives for the preservation of oysters in the Adriatic Sea and their crucial role in maintaining marine environmental health.

POPOPOYSTER on European Researchers' Night in Split

in Communication

September 29, 2024

During the European Researchers’ Night in Split, the POPOYSTER project was showcased to the public. Interested visitors had the opportunity to learn more about the importance of the native oyster, Ostrea edulis, and to explore the morphological differences between the native species and the introduced Crassostrea gigas.

Workshop at Kostrena Primary School

in Communication

September 12, 2024

A workshop was held at Kostrena Primary School for sixth-grade students. During the session, we introduced the students to various marine ecosystems, highlighting the organisms within them and their roles. The workshop also emphasized the importance of biodiversity conservation and the restoration of damaged habitats, aiming to raise awareness among the younger generation about protecting our marine environment.

Educational Workshops for Children

Presentation of Project Activities and Results within the Network of Marine Protected Areas

POPOYster at Science Along the Way

Article about POPOyster project

European Researchers’ Night Follow-Up: Inspiring Young Minds in Science

POPOYSTER at the European Researchers’ Night

POPOyster at the I Love the Sea Festival

Popular Science Lecture Held in Collaboration with City Library

POPOPOYSTER on European Researchers' Night in Split

Workshop at Kostrena Primary School

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