We are proud to share that Dr. Zrinka Kovarik, nominated by the Croatian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (HDBMB), has been awarded the 2025 Israel Pecht Award by the Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS). This award, established in 2024 to mark the 60th anniversary of FEBS, honors individuals who have significantly strengthened their national societies and advanced collaboration within the FEBS community.
Dr. Kovarik is a scientific adviser at the Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health and a titular associate professor at the University of Zagreb. Her research focuses on cholinesterases, enzymes central to the treatment of organophosphorus poisoning and neurodegenerative diseases.
She has played a vital role in Croatian science policy, holding positions on the Governor Board of the Croatian Science Foundation and the Chemistry Board of the Croatian Agency for Science and Higher Education.
Within HDBMB, Dr. Kovarik has served as Secretary General, Chair, Vice-Chair, and currently sits on the Advisory Board. Her leadership has been instrumental in transforming HDBMB into a leading molecular life sciences society in Croatia. She has organized numerous congresses, including the first FEBS3+ Meeting (Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary) in 2012, and led initiatives for science popularization during HDBMB’s 40th anniversary in 2016.
At the European level, Dr. Kovarik has long represented HDBMB in FEBS, contributed to the success of the 45th FEBS Congress, and serves her second term on the FEBS Advanced Courses Committee. She is also an associate editor of FEBS Open Bio and BioFactors.
In the words of HDBMB Chair Morana Dulić, “Dr. Kovarik has never been a bystander, but always one of the leaders doing most of the work… Her influence on the next generation of HDBMB leaders will never be forgotten.”
We warmly congratulate Dr. Kovarik on this well-deserved recognition!