The theme of the 2026 Science Festival is 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲, highlighting its importance in our everyday lives and future development. This year is especially meaningful, as it also marks the 170𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝑵𝒊𝒌𝒐𝒍𝒂 𝑻𝒆𝒔𝒍𝒂’𝒔 𝒃𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒉, 40 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒐𝒃𝒚𝒍 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 80 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒏𝒖𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒑𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.

During the workshop, Dinka presented the principles of nuclear power plant operation, with special focus on key features of the Krško Nuclear Power Plant. Nora introduced the concept of photovoltaic voltage and explained how it is generated in solar cells.

Students then took part in a hands-on practical session, working with photovoltaic panels. They measured voltage changes as a function of the angle of incoming light, variations in radiation intensity, and the level of panel shading. Using multimeters and a lux meter, they recorded and analyzed their measurements, organized the data into tables, and created graphical representations of their results.

It was a valuable opportunity for students to connect theory with real-world applications of energy transformation.

Combining dedication with a great environment, the team worked on-site, collecting valuable insights and pushing the project forward—proving that even sunny days can be productive when you’re passionate about your work.

Students from 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade explored the fascinating world of autonomous robotics with the help of LARIAT team members Ivana, Vicko, and Ante.

Throughout the morning, they learned how robots work, tested their skills by operating a drone simulator, navigated an underwater robot on a mission to place a plastic bottle into a recycling bin, and discovered how drone thermal cameras function.

It was a day filled with curiosity, learning, and lots of fun!

Thank you for visiting us — we hope you had an amazing time and left inspired!

The award highlights how AI, autonomous robotics, and citizen engagement are being used to tackle marine litter—from detection and mapping to collection and prevention—turning innovation into real impact for our seas.

Dr. Stefan Sosnowski (TU München) accepted the award on behalf of the consortium, reflecting the strength of the partnership and a shared mission to protect our oceans.

The panel, organized by the Commission for Gender Equality of Dubrovnik-Neretva County, brought together women working in traditionally male-dominated professions who shared a common message: love your job and don’t be afraid.

Please join us in congratulating her on this remarkable achievement!

𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐢𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 – Led by 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐥𝐞, participants explored the basics of circuits, connected LEDs and fans, tested a balance sensor, and learned to use a multimeter.
𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐎 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 – Led by the secretary of the Technical Culture Community, girls built, tested, and improved motorized machines using LEGO elements, discovering forces, motion, and interaction through play.
𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭𝟭, 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

Produced by the European Commission, Horizon Magazine showcases high-impact projects funded under EU research programmes. The magazine presents breakthrough scientific achievements, innovative technologies, and research stories that contribute to addressing Europe’s most pressing societal and environmental challenges. Being featured in this publication represents an important recognition of a project’s relevance, excellence, and potential impact at European and international level.

The article, titled “Robot clean-up crews tackle litter on Europe’s seabed”, highlights how SeaClear2.0 is developing advanced autonomous robotic systems capable of detecting, identifying, and removing marine litter. By combining artificial intelligence, underwater robotics, and coordinated robotic fleets, the project aims to significantly improve the efficiency and safety of marine clean-up operations compared to traditional methods.

The feature also underlines the project’s contribution to the EU’s broader environmental objectives, particularly within the framework of Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters. Through innovative technological solutions, SeaClear2.0 supports the restoration of marine ecosystems and the reduction of underwater pollution.

This publication further strengthens the visibility of the project and demonstrates the importance of EU-funded research in advancing sustainable solutions for protecting Europe’s oceans.

You can read the full article on the official website of Horizon Magazine at the following link: https://projects.research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/horizon-magazine/robot-clean-crews-tackle-litter-europes-seabed

During the visit, the students learned more about our work, projects, and the opportunities for young people interested in science, technology, and research.

We would like to thank the students and their teacher for their visit and interest, and we look forward to future cooperation