The primary goal of this project is to explore two-particle correlations in proton-proton (pp) collisions using event shape variables extensively used by our group in previous analyzes. In 2010, a pronounced structure in the two-dimensional function angular correlation function was measured for particle pairs at small azimuthal angular differences of delta phi and over a wide range of differences in pseudorapidity of delta eta. This structure is named the "ridge” and has been observed in events with high multiplicity. The ridge correlation was first seen in heavy ion collisions in which we know that quark-gluon plasma (QGP) is produced. Recently, a ridge structure has been observed in high-multiplicity pp events at 7 TeV. The reef in high-multiplicity pp events has sparked speculation about QGP formation in small systems. Recent ALICE results on the first observation of an increase in strangeness in high-multiplicity proton collisions also tell us that we do not yet understand the mechanism of QGP formation. Using the methods developed in the PI group can help to understand the origin of the “ridge” structure with a new method of eliminating the background that has already been used successfully by our group. The secondary goal of this project is to demystify the occurrence of sparking of GEM detectors used for TPC upgrade of ALICE detectors at CERN. PI established a GEM laboratory with a clean room using a previous UKF project and the group has already gained significant experience with GEM foils. GEM foils are an integral part of the upcoming ALICE detector upgrade, as they are necessary for planned pp and high-luminosity heavy ion collisions. This upgrade is also motivated by open-ended questions in QGP, as a high-luminosity run will result in a significant increase in the amount of data used for QGP analyzes.

The Biodiversity Genomics Europe (BGE) ProjectThe Biodiversity Genomics Europe (BGE) Project has the overriding aim of accelerating the application of genomic science to enhance understanding of biodiversity, monitor biodiversity change, and guide interventions to address its decline. BGE coordinates and upscales DNA barcoding and reference genome generation in the context of European biodiversity. The Project develops synergies by aligning efforts and resources of the DNA barcoding and genome sequencing communities across the continent. The BGE objectives with derived ambitions: CAPACITY: To establish functioning biodiversity genomics networks at the European level to connect and grow community capacity to use genomic tools to help tackle the biodiversity crisis With the ambition to (a) Future-proof our networks on biodiversity genomics research, (b) lower access thresholds to biodiversity genomics research, and (c) promote co-creation and citizen engagement. PRODUCTION - To establish and implement large-scale biodiversity genomic data-generating pipelines for Europe to accelerate the production and accessibility of genomic data for biodiversity characterisation, conservation and biomonitoring With the ambition to (a) establish distributed and inclusive capacity, (b) build economies of scale and (c) connect previously disjoined resources to deliver relevant knowledge. APPLICATION - To apply genomic tools to enhance understanding of pan-European biodiversity and biodiversity declines to improve the efficacy of management interventions and biomonitoring programmes. With the ambition to (a) improve the use of biodiversity genomics data in science policy and (b) establish European-wide large scale biodiversity genomics research mechanisms. The BGE Consortium is comprised of 33 partners across 20 countries and brings together, for the first time at this scale, the two communities for barcoding and reference genome to implement its aspirational programme.

The current reform efforts in Croatia in the field of physics teaching are aimed at promoting inquired-based teaching of physics, which should replace the current predominantly teaching in secondary schools. The new approach should involve many more student research experiments than is the case now. It is therefore important to explore the effect of their involvement and to assess the possible benefits as well as problems. The research will focus on wave optics, which is taught in the fourth grade of secondary school (ages 18-19). Students will be selected from general secondary schools in the Zagreb area. Existing research points to many students ’conceptual difficulties and suggests that this topic is difficult to master well without experimentation. An additional problem of the lack of appropriate experimental equipment in most secondary schools, as well as the lack of physics teachers with experience in conducting such teaching, is a major obstacle to the introduction of research-oriented teaching in Croatian secondary schools. The aim of this project is therefore to provide the necessary equipment, training, and support for the teachers involved, and then to assess the impact of the teaching intervention on the scientific reasoning and conceptual understanding of secondary school students.