The network action DNAqua-Net aims at connecting expertise and stakeholders around the topic of DNA-based environmental monitoring. The network is coordinated at the University Duisburg-Essen.

The IPA Adriatic Cross-border Programme aims at strengthening the cooperation and sustainable development of the Adriatic region, through the realisation of the initiatives referring to three priority axes: economic, social and institutional cooperation.

The general BALMAS objective is to establish a common cross-border system linking all Adriatic research, experts and national responsible authorities to avoid the unwanted risks to the environment and humans from the feasible impacts of HAOP (Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Patogens) through the potential transfer by Ballast Waters (BW) and sediments. An early warning system (EWS) about the presence of HAOP in ports, as well as a decision support system (DSS) for faster and effective decision making on BWM to responsible authorities will be developed. By developing a joint Adriatic BWM DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM (DSS), BWM Plan and Strategy, BALMAS will ensure uniform BWM requirements to ease shipping and at the same time to maximize environmental and economical protection of all sea users.

Nanotechnology is having a large impact in many industrial sectors and the use of nanoparticles is continuously increasing in many fields, from paints, automotive components, consumer products such as cosmetic sunscreens and anti-odorant up to biology and medicine.

Shellfish represent a significant part of the Croatian and global fish markets, however their susceptibility to contamination by algal toxins, with the resulting periodic outbreak of food poisoning in humans, places their commercial value at constant risk.

This project focuses on studying and comparing key biological and inorganic aspects of shellfish, gastropod and sea urchin biomineralization during embryonal development through the use of advanced materials characterization and proteomics techniques as a basis for furthering the development of a fundamental and comprehensive model of biomineralization.

Biomineralization is a complex combination of biochemical and physiological processes in the creation hard structures, depending on endogenous activity of an organism and the exogenous environmental influence. In marine organisms biomineralization starts in early stages of development and continues during the entire life.

Anthropogenic pollution is characterised by the dispersal of contaminants in all parts of biosphere so there are no ecosystems free from traces of human activity, because even areas unknown to human habitation are contaminated by pollutants carried by the movements of air masses or by marine currents