BH geneticists host a series of international scientific conferences and workshops in the field of genetics

Within the various European COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) actions, a series of scientific meetings, conferences and workshops in the field of genetics begins on 4 September 2019 starting with activities hosted by the Association for Genetic Conservation of BH Endemic and Indigenous Resources “Genofond” with the support of the Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (INGEB), University of Sarajevo. These activities will be implemented within the Genomic Biodiversity Knowledge for Resilient Ecosystems - G-BiKE COST action led by Dr. Ph.D. Cristiano Vernesi, Italy. The project will be implemented in the period 2018-2023, and significant collaborative developments have already been noted. The project’s mission is to bring together scientists, managers and users of natural resources across Europe to highlight the importance of applying scientific knowledge in genetics and genomics to the protection of wildlife. The main idea behind the G-BiKE project is to establish a system of using genomic data as a standard tool in environmental programs, populations and species of wildlife, with standardization of protocols for the detection and monitoring of the genetic diversity of species and their adaptive potential at European Union level. This newly formed network of scientists from 32 European countries will throughout the project seek to link two key segments (point) in ecosystem protection programs: scientists on the one hand and anyone directly applying ecosystem protection programs on the other pages. Representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina in this project are Emina Šunje, MA (Faculty of Science, UNSA), M.Sc. Adi Habul (FBiH Environmental Fund), Prof. Dr. Belma Kalamujić Stroil (Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, UNSA)  and Dr. Branislav Cvjetković (Faculty of Forestry, University of Banja Luka). The action’s scientific program is divided into five thematic units which are operationally organized as working groups. A team from Bosnia and Herzegovina will participate in the work of a group whose main focus is the dissemination of knowledge about genetic diversity and the adaptive capacity of ecosystems in the wider European public, outside typical communities of scientists and practitioners. The activities of this group include the organization of educational events in zoos and botanical gardens, the development of citizen-scientist concepts, the development of online educational materials (videos, webinars, animated films), the promotion of a multidisciplinary approach to environmental issues through the involvement of artists and journalists, and communication with the EU and national bodies in charge of environmental issues. From 4-6 September GENOFOND and INGEB will hold meetings and a mini-symposium, and the entire event will end with a G-Biking cycle ride through the protected area, Velika aleja, Ilidža. The entire program will host over 50 participants from all over Europe.

In October, BH geneticists will the workshop Comet Workshop - Basic Comet Assay Techniques within the hCOMET - The COET Action Comet Assay as a Human Biomonitoring Tool (CA15132). This two-day workshop will be held at INGEB on 5-6 October 2019 as a satellite event of the First Genetics Congress in BiH with international participation that is to be held from 2-4 October 2019 at the Holiday Hotel. The First Genetics Congress in BiH, with international participation, is the third in a series of scientific conferences organized by the Genetics Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina (GENuBiH), after successfully convening geneticists' symposia in Sarajevo in 2011 and in Banja Luka in 2015.

A workshop will be held in November as part of the COST action Gene Regulation Ensemble Effort for the Knowledge Commons (CA15205).