RBI launched a new generation particle accelerator today. The 18 MeV cyclotron 'Cyclone 18/9 HC' from Belgian firm IBA accelerates charged particles using a high-frequency, alternating voltage (potential difference).

RBI scientists Dario Hrupec, PhD and Tihomir Surić, PhD are the members of the international scientific collaboration MAGIC (Major Atmospheric Gamma-ray Imaging Cherenkov), which has recently launched second gamma-telescope, named MAGIC-II at the first light ceremony that took place at Roque de los Muchachos on the Canary Island of La Palma in Spain.

The latest paper by Robert Vianello, PhD and professor Zvonimir Maksić on very strong superacids was published on the cover of the new edition of New Journal of Chemistry, one of the most reputable scientific journals in the field of chemistry published by the British Royal Society of Chemistry and French Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS).

Paper by RBI scientists Lipa ČiČin-Šain and Branimir Jernej 'Zagreb serotonin rat' (Wistar-Zagreb 5HT rat) on the influence of serotonin on potential behavioural differences is included among eleven chapters of the book 'Neurobiology of the Serotonin Transporter' published by Cambridge University Press.

Project Underwater coastal sea surveyor (UNCOSS) funded under 7th FWP (Seventh Framework Programme) is a result of interregional cooperation between distinguished scientific institutions. The project worth 4,390,000 euro, besides Rudjer Boskovic Institute involves ECA and Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique from France, Laseroptronix from Sweden, Jozef Stefan Institute in Slovenia, Analysis and Control Technologies (ACT Ltd.) from Croatia, the port authorities of Dubrovnik and Vukovar in Croatia and Bar in Montenegro.

Danica Ramljak, D.V.M., Ph.D was elected to a four year term as the new Director of the Rudjer Boskovic Institute at the meeting of the Board of Governors held on 24th March 2009.

Eleven leading European ion-beam facilities joined together in the network - SPIRIT (Support of Public and Industrial Research using Ion Beam Technology). The network was officially launched at a kickoff-meeting on March 6, 2009, held at the Forschungszentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (FZD) in Dresden, Germany.

As a part of their official visit to Croatia the representatives of the Japanese Atomic Energy Commission headed by Dr. Takako Hirose visited the Rudjer Boskovic Institute on Friday. The guests were welcomed by acting director Dr. Jaroslav Horvat, Dr. Mary Ranogajec, Dr. Stjepko Fazinić and Dr. Tonči Tadić.

On Monday, March 16th, the representatives from the Kent State University (Ohio, USA) Dr. Timothy S. Moerland, Dean, College of Arts & Sciences, and Dr. Mary Anne Saunders, Executive Director, Office of International Affairs, visited the Rudjer Boskovic Institute. The distinguished guests met with Dr. Jaroslav Horvat, Dr. Kata Majerski, Dr. Igor Weber and Dr. Mladen Žinić. The purpose of this meeting was to exchange information and experiences as well as to discuss the possible cooperation between the two institutions.

At the Session, held on 18 February 2009, the Board of Governors of the Society of University Teachers, Scholars and Other Scientists, Zagreb, honoured dr. Branimir Bertoša with the Annual Award for Young Scientists and Artists.