Six members of the B-PaNDa project took part in “HDBMB 2026 –Uniting Scientists” Congress, held in Dubrovnik from 30 September to 4 October, presenting their research through oral and poster presentations.

Antonio Zandona gave an oral presentation titled “Targeting Oxidative Stress at the Blood–Brain Barrier with Nicotinamide Derivatives”, highlighting research directly related to the B-PaNDa project's objectives.

Four project members presented their work in poster sessions:

• Suzana Žunec – “Neurochemical Biomarkers (AChE and MAO) in the European Brown Bear: Influence of Season and Biological Factors”
• Matea Kurtović Kodžoman – “How Serum Type Influences Cellular Health and Cell Culture Experimental Outcomes”
• Lucija Marcelić – “Structural Modification of Nicotinamides and Its Impact on the Modulation of Key Signal-Transduction Receptors Involved in Synaptic Neurotransmission”
• Katja Vuković – “Comparative Evaluation of Endothelial Cell Models for In Vitro Blood–Brain Barrier Formation”

Beyond presenting their research, B-PaNDa members also contributed to the organization and scientific programme of the conference. Antonio Zandona was a member of the HDBMB Organizing Committee, while Maja Katalinić was on the HDBMB Scientific Committee.

Participation in HDBMB 2026 provided an opportunity to share research findings,exchange ideas with the scientific community, and join in celebrating the 50th anniversary of HDBMB.