As part of the 66th International Fair of Techniques and Technical Achievements, hosted by the Government of the Republic of Serbia, a panel discussion shed light on the BIO4 Campus, a groundbreaking multidisciplinary project representing Serbia’s largest investment in science to date.
The discussion delved into the project’s goals, significance, and insights from similar ventures worldwide. The panel featured notable figures including Lu Deng, General Director of ZGC International Holding, Prof. Dr. Andreas Turle from Swiss Rockets AG, Dr. Ivana Gadanski from the “Biosens” Institute, and Dr. Tanja Vukov from the Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković,” with moderation by Prof. Dr. Vladimir Crnojević, Director of the “Biosens” Institute.
With a focus on biotechnology, the BIO4 Campus aims to integrate four key domains – biomedicine, bioinformatics, biotechnology, and biodiversity – across a sprawling 20-hectare complex. This initiative will bring together seven faculties and nine research institutes, fostering a collaborative ecosystem for scientific innovation and industrial application.
Boasting over 300 state-of-the-art laboratories, including a BSL-3 facility, and accommodating over 1,000 doctoral researchers and 4,000 students, the campus represents a pivotal milestone in Serbia’s scientific landscape. Lu Deng underscored the parallels between the BIO4 Campus and Beijing’s Zhongguancun technological hub, emphasizing Serbia’s commitment to accelerating scientific progress.
“The BIO4 Campus aspires to become one of Serbia’s premier biotechnology hubs, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and advancements in healthcare and technology,” remarked Lu.
Already forging partnerships with global corporations, the BIO4 Campus aims to position Serbia as a leading scientific research hub in Europe, attracting both local talent and international expertise.
Dr. Ivana Gadanski stressed the practical implications of biotechnology and the vital role of the BIO4 Campus in providing cutting-edge facilities conducive to scientific breakthroughs, thus driving progress in Serbia.
“I envision the BIO4 Campus as a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration, bridging scientific, business, and legal domains to effect societal change – a vital component currently lacking in Serbia,” expressed Dr. Gadanski.
Highlighting the critical importance of biodiversity, Dr. Tanja Vukov emphasized the imperative for environmental renewal, further emphasizing the BIO4 Campus’s role in fostering research and conservation efforts.
“Collaboration is key to addressing global challenges, and the BIO4 Campus presents an opportunity to galvanize efforts towards sustainable development,” added Dr. Vukov.
Reflecting on Serbia’s scientific legacy, Prof. Dr. Andreas Turle invoked the pioneering spirit of figures like Nikola Tesla and underscored the potential for transformative discoveries within the BIO4 Campus.
“The BIO4 Campus holds the promise of inspiring early successes, serving as a beacon for innovation and fostering a culture of scientific excellence,” noted Prof. Dr. Turle.
Visitors to the International Fair have the chance to explore the BIO4 Campus construction project firsthand, signaling a bold step forward in Serbia’s scientific trajectory. A dedicated space within the Fairgrounds serves as a platform for panel discussions, heralding the dawn of a new era in Serbian science and innovation.
