12th of June 2026
Papers of our scientists
Members of the research team led by Dr. Ivana Vinković Vrček, in collaboration with international partners, have published a new paper on the potential endocrine effects of nanoplastics in the journal Particle and Fibre Toxicology, titled “Surface-driven endocrine activity of nanoplastics: polymer- and size-dependent estrogen and androgen receptors modulation without steroidogenesis perturbation”.
The study shows that the effects of nanoplastic particles on estrogen and androgen receptors depend on the type of polymer, particle size, and their mixtures, opening new questions for the risk and safety assessment of nanoplastics exposure.
The results of this study shift the assessment of the endocrine effects of nanoplastics beyond the previously often-used polystyrene models and provide an important foundation for future exposure monitoring and risk assessment in real environmental conditions and consumer exposure.
The paper was supported by European and national projects, including PARC, PlasticsFate, as well as the infrastructure and development support of the Institute.
Link to the paper: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12989-026-00692-7
29th of May 2026
EIT and Industry in the Horizon Europe Programme
Innovations Driving the Industry
EIT Community Hub Croatia, the Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes (AMEUP), and the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth are organizing the event ‘EIT and Industry in the Horizon Europe Programme’, aimed at strengthening cooperation between industry, the research sector, and the innovation ecosystem. The programme focuses on concrete opportunities for industry, ranging from project participation and access to funding to connecting with researchers, startups, and international partners. Through presentations, practical examples, a panel discussion, and interactive networking, participants will gain insight into industry priorities, current open calls, and ways to actively engage in European innovation initiatives.
Location: National and University Library in Zagreb
Date: 18/6/2026
Time: 9:00 – 14:30
Working language: Croatian
Registration link: https://share.hsforms.com/1aRodBoH9S62vMrXsdKLDVw5b9de
As part of the presentation and panel discussion titled ‘Opportunities for Industry in the Horizon Europe Programme’, our team leader, Assoc. Prof. Ivana Vinković Vrček, PhD, will participate as a panelist in the presentation of the Industry area within Cluster 4.