Press clipping
WiBioSE Conference Arandjelovac and Belgrade, February 02-08, 2014
Owerview Winter Biology Students in Europe (WiBioSE) Conference was an international student's scientific conference held in Serbia in early 2014 and it gathered around 50 of Europe's top students in area of biological sciences. Participants came from 14 different countries for a whole week stay packed with various activities. The rich scientific part focused on all fields of biological science, but the program also included many different social and (inter)cultural activities. The event was successfully organized by Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade and its two student's organizations – the Student's Parliament and the Students Association – supported in addition with Serbian society of medical mycology and generously hosted by the Town of Arandjelovac. WiBioSE is a part of much greater community behind SymBioSE (Symposium of Biology Students in Europe).
Day 1 First day was intended only for arrivals and checkin, and it of course couldn't go without a traditionally warm Serbian welcome. Even though some of the participants had troubles travelling because of the bad weather, everyone got to the hotel safe and sound
for a nice welcome party in the evening. Throughout the day, the venue was being set up for the following days, while the participants and organizers were all together enjoying some casual hangout time and getting to know each other.
Day 2 First working day was quite busy. It started with the official opening ceremony and opening lecture, which was followed by the cross-town treasure hunt in Arandjelovac – a way for everyone to have a good and memorable peek to venue surroundings, as well
as first-hand experience in a new country and some unforgettable fun moments, impressions and a nice time spent together. Later afternoon was reserved for a scientific session in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. It all ended with a late-hours party.
Day 3 Between the morning session in Immunology and Microbiology and the afternoon session in Biological Anthropology "wibionts" were taken to see the major natural and historic sites around the town – Risovaca cave, Maricevica trench near Orasac, Topola and fi-
nally Oplenac. Late evening was dedicated to country presentations – a nice activity where participants from different countries bring up the discussion and show some interesting facts about their own culture, after they all had a chance to get introduced to Serbian culture and tradition.
Day 4 Morning session was Physiology and Biophysics and after that there was the poster session and some workshops as well. Causality was brought in with WiBioSE games, a fun activity that was only a warm-up for the great night out to a local kafana, giving the guests
a lifetime experience of nightlife in Serbia. Quality drinks, live music and continuous dancing were dosed just right and it gave everyone a proper boost for tommorow’s whole day trip.
Day 5 On the fifth day the Conference had its working visit to the University of Belgrade. Top biomedical lecturers gave their talks and had a live discussion with the participants. Rest of the time in Belgrade was spent through a major city tour including the National Assem-
bly building, Skadarlija, Kalemegdan, Knez Mihailova pedestrian zone and many other famous Belgrade sights. Finally, great day was wrapped up with a gala dinner at riverside restaurant with a magnificent view right from down under on the 200 meters high Ada Bridge.
Day 6 Session in Ecology and Environmental Science was followed by a very useful keynote talk on careers and perspectives. In the afternoon, the Conference was officially closed and awards were given to best presenters. After discussing the future and giving some credit
to the organizers, participants were able to enjoy WiBioSE farewell party and once again put smiles on their faces before departure. Taken together, everyone agreed this winter scientific adventure was a big success.
more info on:
www.wibiose.bio.bg.ac.rs
facebook.com/WiBioSEConference
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