On September 25, 2026, the European researchers’ night was held at the BIG shopping centre in Novi Sad under the slogan “One Heart for Science.” As part of this well-attended science festival, researchers from the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops designed an engaging programme presented through a series of interactive workshops.
The Climate Crops Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Breeding of Climate Change-Tolerant Plants was represented by MSc Milica Škorić, MSc Srđan Bursać, and MSc Kimon Jonas, who introduced visitors to the Centre’s research activities and goals.
Their workshop focused on the importance of studying plant root systems in the context of achieving stable yields under changing climate conditions, which is one of the key research areas of the Climate Crops centre. Using a rhizotron, participants had the hands-on opportunity to analyse, measure, and classify sunflower roots. The workshop concluded with an educational game in which the audience took on the role of plant breeders, evaluating which root type would be most resilient to climate-related stresses such as drought, flooding, hail, or strong winds.
Another workshop, “Oil on the canvas of the field”, gave visitors the chance to explore the world of oilseed crops up close. Sunflower, oilseed rape, soybean, and camelina were presented through a sensory experience. Participants could see, smell, and guess which oil belongs to which plant species. The workshop also covered interesting facts about the cultivation and uses of these crops. The session was led by Dr Dragana Rajković, Climate Crops researcher.
The event was very well attended, with more than 300 participants taking part in the workshops organised by our researchers.
Evenings like this remind us that science is most powerful when it steps outside the lab and meets people where they are.