In September 2024, Dr Iris Maria Țușa from INCDSB participated in the International Polar Conference held in Aheloy, Bulgaria, an event organised in the framework of the EU-supported programmes POLARIN and EUPolarNet-2. The conference provided an essential framework for strengthening scientific and logistical co-operation between Balkan countries in the field of polar research. The event was attended by representatives from Romania, Greece, Turkey, Turkey, Cyprus, Spain and other countries, emphasising the importance of international collaboration in polar research.

At the conference, Dr Iris Maria Țușa gave a presentation entitled "The Role of Romania, the National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences and the ROICE Expeditions." The presentation highlighted Romania's key contributions to polar research, in particular through the ROICE expeditions to Antarctica and the work of INCDSB. The impact of these expeditions in advancing our knowledge of microbial ecosystems in extreme environments and their global implications was emphasised.

The POLARIN project was also a centrepiece of the discussions, as it plays a key role in promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange between European polar research institutes. The importance of synchronising efforts between Balkan countries to address environmental challenges in polar regions was discussed. The conference provided a platform for exchanging experiences, successes and challenges in Antarctic research, while also providing a valuable opportunity to strengthen links between the countries of the region and prepare for future joint expeditions.

This event was not only an opportunity to showcase Romania's achievements, but also an opportunity to discuss the future of polar research, promoting the essential collaborations needed to address the scientific and environmental challenges of our times.