Italy-Serbia Science Forum

Trieste, 28 November 2024: The second scientific forum with Serbia takes place, coordinated by the Italian Ministry of University and Research and the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of Serbia.

The Italian Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, and the Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of Serbia, Jelena Begović, signed a joint declaration of cooperation in the fields of research and innovation.
Min. Begović, President of the ICGEB Board of Governors, met with Lawrence Banks, Director General, and Natasa Skoko, Head of the Biotechnology Development Unit and fellow Serbian scientist, at the ICGEB laboratories the previous day.
The first Forum was held in Belgrade in 2023. The second edition, taking place at the AREA Science Park, offered a further opportunity for discussion among over 100 experts and policy makers from the scientific sector of the two countries, from scientific and technological fields of greatest interest, including biomedicine.
In this context, the ICGEB was highlighted as an example of a fruitful and consolidated collaboration with Serbia, a historic member country that contributed to the establishment of the ICGEB in its current headquarters in Trieste.

"Our future is being shaped through science and innovation. The technological breakthroughs made in Italy and Serbia build bridges between our countries and towards the future", stated Min. Begović.

Lawrence Banks pointed out: "Serbia was instrumental in establishing ICGEB in Trieste, and is one of our strongest partners to date. The cornerstone of sustainability is empowering countries to develop local production capabilities - this is where ICGEB focuses a lot of its efforts".

Close to 60 fellowships have brought Serbian scientists into ICGEB labs - the majority of whom are now back working in Serbia. Of particular note is the recent technology transfer program funded by the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia that enables Serbia to produce a monoclonal antibody for the treatment of breast cancer.

The MabTHER project, which was brought to a close this year with a ceremony in the Serbian capital, has built upon the experience of the ICGEB Biotechnology Development Unit to transfer the technology to the Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy (INEP) in Serbia for the manufacturing of the biosimilar Mab Trastuzumab (a monoclonal antibody used to treat breast and stomach cancer).

Dr. Lawrence Banks, ICGEB Director-General Min. Jelena Begović (L) and Min. Anna Maria Bernini (R)

The forum was also attended by various ICGEB Alumni and collaborators, as well as Serbian researchers working in Trieste - who had the opportunity to exchange ideas with Min. Begović.

Min. Begović (R) with Serbian researchers working in Trieste ICGEB Alumnae (L-R) Milena Sinigaglia, Ana Baćković, Mirjana Nedeljković

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