PROJECT TYPE:

• Institutional Research Project

PROJECT DURATION:

• October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2029

PROJECT LEADER AND TEAM MEMBERS:

• Prof. dr. sc. Mauro Štifanić (project leader) 
• Dr. sc. Milena Mičić
• Dr. sc. Željko Pavlinec 
• Prof. dr. sc. Mladen Kučinić
• Priv.-Doz. Mag. Dr. rer. nat. Stephan Koblmüller 

SHORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

In recent decades, the Adriatic ecosystem has been under great pressure from natural and anthropogenic changes. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and monitor the state of molecular biodiversity at the level of populations key to the functioning of the ecosystem with the aim of long-term enjoyment of its services, such as commercially important, endangered, non-native and/or invasive species. The DNAbarcodeUniPu project will use quantitative molecular methods of DNA barcoding to identify the species or establish the molecular diversity of populations of selected organisms present in the fauna of the Adriatic. Research methodology will include sampling of organisms; isolation and quality control of isolated DNA; polymerase chain reaction (PCR), where special attention will be paid to degenerate primers as critical components of PCR reactions; quality control and purification of PCR products; sequencing of PCR products in an external service. The obtained results will be processed, published and deposited in the BOLD database of DNA barcodes, and locally in the initial digital database of UniPu barcodes. The scientific contribution of this project will be reflected in conclusions about the presence, origin, and adaptation of individual species in the sampled area, as well as a better understanding of the vulnerability of ecosystems in light of climate and other changes. In addition to the scientific contribution, the project will contribute to the further development of the University and the strengthening of its international recognition through the introduction of a new methodology, enabling the creation of experimental final and diploma theses by students with joint publication of scientific papers in relevant international scientific journals, and digital transition through the establishment of the initial DNAbarcodeUniP database.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The main goal of the project is to conclude about the presence and possible origin of certain species in the northern Adriatic area and to better understand the functioning of ecosystems in light of climate and other changes as possible causes of ecosystem vulnerability. The project will also contribute to further development and strengthening of international recognition of UniPu through establishing a cooperation with the Laboratory for Evolutionary Biology and Molecular Ecology of the Institute of Biology - University of Graz, which has been one of the centers of the Austrian Barcode of Life Consortium since 2014. Introducing new molecular methodologies at UniPu will further diversify experimental techniques used by students for their final and diploma theses. The Project will contribute to digital transition through creating an initial UniPu digital database of DNA barcodes, and finally, the DNA barcoding methods introduced and established through this project will be available to Faculty of Natural Sciences and other UniPu employees both during the project as well as after its completion.

PROJECT HOLDER: Juraj Dobrila University of Pula