On June 25, 2025, Educons University hosted the GREENLand Stakeholder Engagement Event – Driving Environmental Innovation Through Academic and Industry Synergy, in its ceremonial hall in Sremska Kamenica. The event brought together university leadership, professors, researchers, students, alumni, and industry representatives, with the shared goal of deepening cooperation between academia and the business sector in addressing today’s environmental challenges.
The event was formally opened by Prof. Dr. Mira Pucarević, Rector of Educons University, and Prof. Dr. Andrea Andrejević Panić, Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation, along with deans of the participating faculties. In their welcoming speeches, they highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-faculty synergy in achieving sustainable development goals. At the event, representatives from the following companies were present: NP Fruška Gora, JP Vojvodinašume, Elixir Group, Sava Coop, Energy Net, Jugoinspekt Novi Sad, NS Seme, SteelImpex, Sferikom, MK Group Sunoko, Agro Plus Energy, and the Institute of Internal Auditors.
A symbolic highlight of the event was the presentation of the sculpture “Unfastening the Future”, representing the strong connection between science, education, and industry. During the Insight Session “Academic-Industry Collaboration on Environmental Challenges”, participants were introduced to the current achievements and future directions of the GREENLand project, Technology Transfer Hub and Project Incubator Hub.
A special segment of the program featured Prof. Dr. Nataša Stojić, who presented the results of the GREENLand project, with particular emphasis on current research addressing microplastics in organic-rich matrices. Her presentation served as a prelude to the upcoming international conference MICROM 2025, addressing the pressing issue of microplastics in complex environmental systems. This session underscored the importance of research cooperation at both national and international levels in the field of environmental protection.
The event also featured success stories from Educons alumni who are now prominent professionals in their respective industries. The closing part of the event included a panel discussion focused on how university-based services and research can effectively support the resolution of real-world business and environmental problems.
The event concluded with a networking reception, reinforcing the shared vision that collaboration between science and industry is essential for innovation and sustainable development in contemporary society.
