Young BH researchers Andrej A. Gajić and Adla Kahrić achieved extraordinary results

Young BH researchers Andrej A. Gajić and Adla Kahrić visited the University of Sarajevo on Monday, 15 July 2019, where they met with Rector, Prof. Dr. Rifat Škrijelj. During the meeting, the results and successes of these two young researchers were discussed, as well as the importance of marine and freshwater biology research.

Andrej A. Gajić and Adla Kahrić completed the first cycle of studies at the Biology Department, University of Sarajevo Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. In the following academic year, they will attend “Veterinary Medicine and Health” specialist studies at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo. They are also co-founders of Sharklab ADRIA: Center for marine and freshwater biology.

Andrej A. Gajić is also the leader and chief scientist at Shark Tales at National Geographic. Some of his key achievements are:

• 62 published original scientific papers, conference messages, including two monographs
• 34 field expeditions coordinated across Europe, Asia and Africa, the Mediterranean Sea chiefly
• a lecturer at 35 international conferences in North America, England, Georgia, Spain etc.
• 8 regional projects as coordinator (PI) in the 2017/2018 scientific research season. INRI

His scientific achievements are reported by National Geographic, NAT GEO WILD, FOX Networks Group, Walt Disney and Deutche Welle.

“Our studies aim at understanding the negative effect of pollution, i.e., heavy metals, microplastics, warfare at the development of diseases in marine animals primary. Based on this, we are trying to create long-term plans for the protection of species and habitats for which we have been receiving support by the numerous European state bodies. So far, we have successfully worked on changes to European laws. We also do this on four continents, not just in Europe. These studies are primarily based on sharks and stingrays, although studies deal with a far wider range of organisms” said Andrej A. Gajić.

Adla Kahrić is also engaged in Shark Tales at National Geographic as a manager and scientist. Her key achievements are:

• 43 published original scientific papers, conference announcements
• 21 field expeditions coordinated across Europe and Africa, primarily the Mediterranean Sea
• a lecturer at 42 international conferences  in Morocco, Italy, Slovenia, Belgium and beyond
• 9 regional projects as coordinator (PI) in the 2017/2018 scientific research season INRI

Her scientific achievements are reported by National Geographic, NAT GEO WILD, FOX Networks Group, Walt Disney and Deutche Welle.
 
Young researcher Adla Kahrić said “The aim of all the research work is the protection of species and their habitats. So, we are working on the establishment of the first marine protected areas, which is important to emphasize as there are no protected areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”