Summer research project

The Summer Field Project is the largest and most recognizable project of the Scientific Research Association (SRA), traditionally held every July. This project represents the very first research activity from which the story of SRA began, and to this day it remains the heart of our work – a fusion of science, nature, and student enthusiasm.

The project is based on field research carried out in the mountains of Macedonia and beyond, with a focus on studying medicinal and useful plants through pharmacognostic and ethnobotanical approaches. Participants collect and process plant materials, which are later analyzed for their chemical composition and potential pharmacological activity. The activities and research initiated in the field continue in the facilities and laboratories of the Faculty of Pharmacy in Skopje, as well as in other scientific and educational institutions that collaborate with SRA.

The goal of the Summer Field Project is to offer students a unique opportunity for learning and hands-on experience outside the classical curriculum – a chance to broaden their knowledge, develop research skills, and network with colleagues from the country and abroad.

The project involves students from the Faculty of Pharmacy – Skopje at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, collaborating students from other faculties and universities, as well as pharmacy students from other countries. The academic component is led by professors and teaching assistants from domestic and international universities, along with experts from practice, who together create a rich, inspiring, and scientifically relevant program.

The Summer Field Project is more than research – it is an experience that inspires, connects, and shapes generations of young scientists.

Over its more than 30 years of existence, SRA has organized the following field projects:

1. Golak (1994)
2. Osogovo Mountains (1995)
3. Baba Mountain, Pelister (1996)
4. Karadžica (1997)
5. Kozuv (1998)
6. Bistra and Stogovo (1999)
7. Kozjak (2000)
8. Plačkovica (2002)
9. Belasica (2003)
10. Pretor (2003)
11. Belasica (2004)
12. Neolica (2005)
13. Lokov (2006)
14. Lokov (2007)
15. Kalin Kamen (2008)
16. Šar Mountain (2009)
17. Belasica (2010)
18. Ljuboten, Šar Mountain (2011)
19. Vrteška, Plačkovica (2012)
20. Velestovo, Galičica (2013)
21. Prokletije, Albania (2014)
22. Pirin, Bulgaria (2015)
23. Golemo Ezero, Pelister (2016)
24. Ljuboten, Šar Mountain (2017)
25. Karadžica (2018)
26. Velestovo, Galičica (2019)
27. Velestovo, Galičica (2020)
28. Gorna Belica, Jablanica (2021)
29. Smrdliva Voda, Kozuv (2022)
30. Popova Šapka, Šar Mountain (2023)
31. Ljuboten and Popova Šapka, Šar Mountain (2024)
32. Popova Šapka and Žirovnica, Šar Mountain (2025)