During the summer of 2026, the Scientific Research Association (SRA) organized its 33rd Summer Field Project. The first part took place from 13 to 20 July in Galičica National Park, while the second part was held from 7 to 11 August in Šar Mountain National Park. The project involved 24 students under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Gjose Stefkov. Scientific collaborators from the Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” (IBISS), Republic of Serbia, and the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, also participated in the fieldwork and scientific research activities.
The field activities were divided into two stages:
1.Field activities in Galičica National Park
2.Field activities in Šar Mountain National Park
The field research focused on studying and assessing the distribution, abundance, and condition of natural populations of mountain tea (Sideritis raeseri), bilberry, and juniper.
This year’s research was further expanded through activities within the projects “Chemomarkers of Threatened Plant Communities in the Republic of North Macedonia,” led by Assistant Filip Todorov, and “Integration of Multispectral and Phytochemical Analyses for the Detection and Monitoring of Vitality and Environmental Stress in Wild Medicinal Plants,” led by Aleks Jačovski.
A significant part of the fieldwork focused on the application of modern remote sensing and spectral analysis methods. Selected areas were surveyed using a drone equipped with a multispectral camera, alongside measurements conducted with a handheld spectrophotometer.
As an association, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to our sponsors for their invaluable support in organizing the 33rd Summer Field Project: the Macedonian Pharmaceutical Society, RAMUS Laboratory, Makedonija Lek, Varus, Galenium Pharm, the Pharmaceutical Chamber, Eurofarm, Farmahem, Ginekaliks, Mako Market, Vardarec Dairy, Mama’s Food, Aqua Dejon Plus, Kozuvchanka, Sinalco, and Restourant Javor Agapi Mrzentsi. We would also like to thank the Red Cross of Ohrid – Velestovo, the Institute of Ecology and Technology at the University of Tetovo, and the Faculty of Pharmacy at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje for their support and contribution to the successful realization of the project.
The project gallery can be viewed here.
