On 2nd of February 2024 the National Institute of Biology (NIB) officially opened the new Biotechnological Hub (BTS-NIB). BTS-NIB is an extremely important research infrastructure hub that represents a major milestone in the development of the NIB and life sciences in Slovenia. The total investment of over EUR 36 million is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (80%) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Slovenia (20%).
NIB CutCancer team was also present at the event and the project was presented and disseminated on screen during the event.
CutCancer, combined with NIB’s major infrastructure advances and significant research equipment upgrades, enables NIB researchers to participate more actively in various research and innovation (R&I) processes, promote networking and enhance research excellence. The new premises and state-of-the-art equipment of the BTS-NIB makes the work of NIB researchers working on the CutCancer project much easier and more efficient and enables them to improve their research work on the project itself. The new facilities and modern equipment will also open up new opportunities for enhanced international cooperation. At the same time, the new building will enable CutCancer partners and other internationally well-established scientists visiting NIB to conduct high-quality research and establish collaborations.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Zei Awards, named after the Slovenian marine biologist and oceanographer Prof. Dr. Miroslav Zei. The awards are presented annually by the NIB for outstanding research achievements in various areas of its activities. The Miroslav Zei Award for an Exceptional Doctoral Dissertation in 2023 was received by Dr. Bernarda Majc, a researcher deeply involved in the work of the CutCancer project.
