The Bosniak Institute, in collaboration with the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, recently hosted the forum “Biosafety: A Constant Challenge.” The event focused on public health, the prevention of infectious diseases, and environmental protection, with an emphasis on educating students in primary and secondary schools about biosafety, genetic research, and ethical considerations.
The Forum featured the participation of Prof. Dr. Alemka Markotić, Prof. Dr. Jasminka Hasić, Prof. Dr. Jurica Arapović, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tatjana Vilibić Čavlek, and Dr. Ana Gverić Grginić, with the event being moderated by Academician Mirsada Hukić and Prof. Dr. Mirza Ponjavić.
One of the key participants, Prof. Dr. Jasminka Hasić Telalović, EDIRE Project Coordinator, highlighted the importance of bioinformatics in identifying viruses and bacteria through computer technologies and statistical methods. She stressed the value of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex biosafety issues and underscored how the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the necessity of inclusion, diversity, equality, and education to effectively combat such crises.
Through her participation, Hasić Telalović actively promoted the EDIRE project and its core principles of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI), reinforcing their importance in shaping future biosafety systems and educational programs.
The Forum gathered experts from various fields, emphasizing the role of education in developing digital competencies and fostering scientific research, preparing students to become responsible citizens in safeguarding public health and the environment.