We are very proud to announce that on February 3, 2026, at the 68th Plant Protection Seminar in Opatija, project leader Dr. Elda Vitanović, was honored with the profession’s highest recognition – the Golden Plaque and Charter of the Croatian Plant Protection Society.

The award was presented by the President of the Society, Prof. dr. Jasminka Igrc Barčić, who highlighted Dr. Vitanović’s inexhaustible curiosity and perseverance in researching and solving complex problems within the field of plant protection.

Recognition of leadership and scientific excellence

This prestigious award is a testament to Dr. Vitanović’s years of dedicated work, which she today successfully integrates into leading current scientific projects. A prime example is the Croatian Science Foundation project: “Novel approach to olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae, Rossi) monitoring and/or control using volatile compounds produced by brewing by-product – BeerBy-4-OliveFly” (IP-2022-10-9643). As a project leader, Elda sets high standards for her research team through her expertise, dedication to the profession, and personal example.