Projects / Programmes
Integrative zoology and speleobiology
January 1, 2020
- December 31, 2027
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.03.01 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biology |
Zoology and zoophysiology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B005 |
Biomedical sciences |
Zoology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.06 |
Natural Sciences |
Biological sciences |
biodiversity, biomimetic materials, conservation biology, cave animals, chitin, cuticle, Dinaric Kars, ecology, ecotoxicology, epithelia, evolution, large carnivores, mineralization, model organisms, mutualism, olm, pathogene, phylogeography, phylogeny, pollutants, reproductive biology, taxonomy
Data for the last 5 years (citations for the last 10 years) on
April 25, 2024;
A3 for period
2018-2022
| Database |
Linked records |
Citations |
Pure citations |
Average pure citations |
| WoS |
689 |
17,591 |
14,955 |
21.71 |
| Scopus |
737 |
19,396 |
16,456 |
22.33 |
Researchers (46)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
The mission of the program “Integrative zoology and speleobiology” is to understand the organisms and processes that generate and maintain the biodiversity of the Dinaric Karst in order to provide scientific basis for long-term conservation and sustainable management of the natural heritage of this area. Almost half of Slovenia's territory lies on karst terrain that represents the northeastern most part of the Dinaric mountain zone extending along the Eastern Adriatic. This region is nested within the Mediterranean Basin biodiversity hotspot, harboring exceptional species richness. A wide variety of animals from invertebrates to vital European populations of charismatic and generally endangered carnivores, such as wolf and bear, inhabit the surface. Albeit often overlooked, the northern Dinaric Karst represents unique global hotspot of subterranean biodiversity. The labyrinths within the fissured limestone massifs provide the living space to many bizarre life forms, including globally famous olm (Proteus anguinus), cave clam (Congeria jalzici) and slenderneck beetle (Leptodirus hochenwarti). The surface and subterranean counterparts comprise functionally interdependent ecosystems. While the subterranean community depends on surface productivity, surface inhabitants depend critically on groundwater resources.
The Dinaric karst is an important part of our natural and cultural heritage. Its uniqueness was first revealed by polyhistorian Valvasor in the 17th century. The cave animals of Carniola served as a case of evolution by natural selection to Darwin. The region is a cradle of beekeeping and speleobiology. Some of its parts are under the auspices of UNESCO, and majority of the region is included in the Natura 2000 network. Human activities interfere with the natural processes, hence the sustainable management of this fragile region requires careful long-term monitoring of wild populations and science-based decisions.
The research is carried out in three sections. Within the section “From cell to organism” we study animal biology, from molecular to organismal level. We explore the links between the structure and function of animals, with an emphasis on their development, tissue regeneration, interactions and adaptations to the environment. Within the “From populations to communities” section, we study processes at a population or species level. The research aim is to disentangle the origin of biodiversity through evolutionary and ecological processes. The section “Animal in the Anthropocene” explores reciprocal relations between humans and local faunas. On one side, it examines the adjustment of anthropogenic activity to minimally interfere with the needs of wildlife, and conversely, how indicator organisms can communicate environmental risks to humans. In the program, we seek to capture the complexity of animal life by interconnection of different concepts, theories and methods into innovative research spanning across all three sections.
Significance for science
Importance for the development of science or profession
Scientific excellence is one of the foundations of an innovative, knowledge-based society. Our research will increase the excellence of Slovenian science contributing to its international recognition and competitiveness at the European and global scale. The overarching aim of the programme is to foster a creative environment to strengthen scientific excellence and increase professional competences in line with basic principles laid down in the “Resolution on Research and Innovation Strategy of Slovenia 2011-2020”. Fundamental knowledge obtained within the P1-0184 programme will contribute to the economic growth of Slovenia as well as successful management of arising global social challenges. We consider that the programme has the following strategic assets to reach scientific excellence: new model organisms and systems, integrative, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research strategy, scientific and professional excellence of team members and intense international networking.
Model species in our programme are globally new and innovative (cave animals, pollinators) and provide a great advantage in generating novel unconventional hypothesis as well as testing traditional ones.
Integrative approach to science will strengthen scientific output and generate innovative hypothesis and concepts. Our research programme provides a platform for the integration of knowledge from different levels of biological organisation, integration of evolutionary processes into ecology and conservation biology, and linking cell-ultrastructure with functional ecology. Inter- and transdisciplinary inputs across scientific and non-scientific stakeholder communities will facilitate a systemic way of addressing future challenges for Dinaric Karst region.
Novel methodologies are drivers of science and innovation. The integrative approach of this programme encourages the implementation of innovative methodologies. Importantly, the development of methods links basic and applied sciences and generates new scientific questions. Technical solutions developed within the programme will increase the recognition of Slovenian science and establish a link to industry. Another important contribution to science and profession development are online databases with high quality data which are becoming a standard tool to study taxonomy, biodiversity, ecology and environmental safety. During the past decades we have developed a comprehensive subterranean biodiversity database which has already become an indispensable tool for global biodiversity pattern analyses. We also aim to communicate relevant and high-quality environmental safety data to the general public and relevant stakeholders through existing web-platforms (DaNa, EUON, NanoFASE and NanoCommons).
Overall, our mission is to continue our contribution to study biological patterns and processes from cellular to ecosystem level leading to applied science and novel technological solutions and management strategies. To enhance our global recognition we will strengthen our international networking through bilateral and multilateral collaboration in line with the principles laid in the “Strategy of internationalisation of Slovenian science and research (2018-2030)”. Our currently established collaborations are with partners across Europe, USA, Brazil and China. Further networking will be established through joint publications, invited lectures, and organisation of international meetings. We shall maintain an open, creative scientific and educational environment that will welcome national and international collaboration, acquire and disseminate knowledge as well as provide solutions to raising problems. To conclude, we are highly competent research team, pursuing innovative aims framed in this program, and leading to internationally recognisable outputs at the European and global scale.
Significance for the country
Potential impact on economic development
Integration of basic and applied research within this programme enables outputs that may drive and impact economic development on a regional, national and global scales. The programme contributes to the economy in several aspects. Solving the conflicts among stakeholders and large carnivores has reduced threats to wildlife, while successful management of large carnivores has prevented costs occurring from wildlife predation on livestock and destruction of crops. Moreover, direct economic profits come from sustainable and profitable beekeeping with the introduction of new technical solutions and taking actions towards prevention of honeybee disease. Honeybee colonies are essential for agriculture and environment, ensuring plant reproduction by pollination, while beekeeping participates to the development of rural areas and bee products are considered an important share of European food industry. Activities linked with the protection of groundwater will crucially contribute to maintaining sufficient drinking water supplies for the next generations. Understanding complex biotic processes is important to develop sustainable strategies for water supply management. The programme also provides outputs related to technological development. The study of biomimetic materials (materials developed in nature, e.g. the cuticle) can guide research on advanced composite materials. Also, knowledge regarding the safety of advanced materials can inform “safe-by-design” production leading to their higher competiveness. The intensive networking of programme members in several international project consortia as well as centres of excellences (MIRC UL, NanoCenter, Namaste) will ensure technological output. Finally, the protection of the Dinaric region as laid down in this programme has positive implications for the development of tourism. This programme is an excellent example how research in the academic sector is an important component of the economic development.
Potential impact on social and cultural development
This research programme addresses key developmental goals; the preservation of natural environment and sustainable management of natural resources; laid down in new national development framework adopted by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia (“Slovenian Development Strategy 2030”). A large share of programme activities are linked to preservation of nature including monitoring of environment, management of endangered species and wildlife populations and activities related to the protection of Natura 2000 areas. Knowledge transfer to conservation practise is ensured through active participation in international expert groups, such as UCN SSC Cave Invertebrate Specialist Group, Varroa control task force and Apitox task force, and Nanosafety cluster expert group. Programme members have established communication with stakeholders such as the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation, Slovenian Forest service, Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning, National Chemicals bureau and the Slovenian Beekeepers' Association. Even more importantly, we are linked to amateur conservationist, speleologists, beekeepers and hunters who represent a direct communication channel to the general public. Research on unique Slovenian biodiversity is by no doubt an excellent chance of natural and cultural heritage promotion of Slovenia. The organisation of international meetings in Slovenia and the establishment of international collaborations will contribute to promotion of the country (“science tourism”). As a part of our mission at the University of Ljubljana we support competence development of students. Most of our team members are involved in numerous programmes at the BSc, MSc and Doctoral degree levels. Students are invited to actively participate in our research projects as part of their thesis. We are involved in Erasmus+ programme, which supports sharing knowledge and
