Students at blocked Belgrade University embrace ecological topics, with a focus on microplastics and lithium exploration.

Amidst ongoing protests that have paralyzed academic life across Serbia, two lectures broke through the silence at the University of Belgrade. On December 13, 2024, Prof. Tanja Ćirković Veličković, Imptox Coordinator and a leading researcher from the Faculty of Chemistry, delivered a masterclass on microplastics to a packed Great Amphitheatre. At the same time, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering hosted an equally popular lecture on lithium exploration in Serbia, another ecological topic. Together, these events highlighted a growing demand among Serbian youth to engage with environmental science and its pressing challenges.

Science Amidst Unrest

As of Friday December 13^th, students occupy all 31 faculties at the University of Belgrade, with similar blockades at universities in Novi Sad, Niš, Kragujevac, and even several middle schools. Despite the turmoil, students demonstrated their dedication to academic inquiry by inviting Prof. Ćirković Veličković to speak about microplastics and the groundbreaking research being conducted at the Faculty of Chemistry in collaboration with European scientific institutions.

The amphitheatre was filled with students of all levels - from undergraduates to PhD candidates - who have been staying at the faculty day and night as part of the protests. Generous donations of food and drinks from citizens have created a sense of solidarity and support within the university’s walls.

Exploring the Microplastics Challenge

Prof. Ćirković Veličković’s lecture focused on the pervasive impact of microplastics on human health and the environment, highlighting how Imptox is pioneering reliable methodologies to tackle this global issue. She emphasized the importance of the scientific method and multidisciplinary approaches, positioning Imptox as a prime example of evidence-based research addressing critical challenges.

The lecture was enriched by contributions from junior Imptox researcher Milos Ilić, who shared insights from his own work. Together, their talks underscored the importance of collaboration across generations in advancing research.

Demand for Environmental Knowledge

The microplastics masterclass was not the only event to showcase the rising ecological awareness among Serbian youth. At the same time, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering hosted a popular lecture on lithium exploration, reflecting growing concerns over environmental sustainability and resource management. The parallel interest in these topics signals a cultural shift, with young people increasingly seeking scientific knowledge to address global and local environmental challenges.

Science as a Bridge

The enthusiasm for these lectures highlights the power of science to inspire dialogue and foster connections, even in times of unrest. As Serbia navigates this pivotal moment, the voices of its young people—hungry for knowledge and eager to engage with ecological issues—underscore the enduring importance of science as a cornerstone of progress and a guiding force for the future.

Imptox Coordinator, Prof. Tanja Ćirković Veličković

and Imptox Junior Researcher, Milos Ilić, holding a

lecture in the Great Amphitheatre at the blocked

University of Belgrade; food piling up at the podium

as students occupy the university 24/7.