Lecturer: Dr. Smilja Praćer, Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade

Time: Friday, 26th December 2025, 18.00

Venue: Palata nauke

What happens when parents of children with autism join forces with scientists?

One possible answer is offered by Dr Smilja Praćer from the Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, who will present the innovative PaSTINCA project – Parents and Scientists Together for Identifying Nutritional Challenges in Autism, funded under the Horizon Europe programme.

PaSTINCA brings together parents and researchers around a shared goal: to identify the nutritional challenges faced by children with autism and to develop recommendations that can, in the long term, improve their health, daily life, and position within the healthcare and social systems.

This lecture explores how citizen science can change lives and how such partnerships enable scientific knowledge to move beyond the laboratory, becoming a tool for empowering individuals and families.

Join us to learn about the results achieved so far—and to consider whether collaborative work between scientists and the community can drive meaningful systemic change.