Ms. Mia Dujmović, University Of Zagreb Faculty Of Agriculture ,Croatia.
Ms. Mia Dujmović is a dedicated research assistant at the University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Sustainable Technologies and Renewable Energy Sources. Her work focuses on the nutritional and functional value of stinging nettle, examining modern hydroponic cultivation techniques, bioactive compounds, and innovative packaging methods. Mia is passionate about sustainable food production and the preservation of bioactive compounds in fruits and vegetables. With a background in horticulture and botany, she has conducted various lab analyses, mentored students, and presented her research at conferences. She also actively promotes science and sustainable agriculture. 
Publication profile
Education and Experience
- 2022 – Present: PhD student in Agriculture, University of Zagreb
- 2014 – 2018: Master’s in Experimental Biology (Botany), University of Zagreb
- 2009 – 2012: Master of Engineering in Horticulture (Ornamental Plants), University of Zagreb
- 2005 – 2009: Bachelor of Engineering in Horticulture, University of Zagreb
- 2022 – Present: Research Assistant, University of Zagreb
- 2012 – 2022: Sales roles in organic and medicinal food products
Suitability For The Award
Ms. Mia Dujmović is a promising researcher with a strong academic and professional background in sustainable food production, bioactive compounds, and agricultural innovation. Her current work at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, particularly focusing on the nutritional and functional value of stinging nettle through modern hydroponic cultivation techniques, positions her as an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her interdisciplinary approach, which combines cutting-edge research on food packaging and processing with a focus on sustainability, highlights her potential to make significant contributions to both the academic and practical aspects of agriculture and food science.
Professional Development
Mia has taken part in numerous workshops and training programs, enhancing her skills in food analysis, plant biochemistry, and packaging technologies. In 2024, she attended seminars on microwave digestion and sensory wine tasting, sharpening her analytical abilities and sensory evaluation techniques. Prior to this, Mia expanded her knowledge through training in lab instrumentation like HPLC, UPLC, and the Nexera LC-40. Workshops on bioactive molecules and career management also fueled her scientific growth. These programs, combined with her diverse research background, have equipped her with a comprehensive skill set for agricultural and food science research. 
Research Focus
Mia’s research focuses on enhancing sustainable food production through non-invasive processing methods, modern packaging, and bioactive compound preservation in fruits and vegetables. At the University of Zagreb, she contributes to a project on the nutritional value of stinging nettle, assessing the effects of hydroponic cultivation and innovative packaging. Her investigations into the use of polymeric materials and modified atmosphere packaging aim to prolong freshness while preserving nutrients. Through her work, Mia aspires to improve food quality, drive eco-friendly production practices, and highlight the benefits of bioactive compounds in daily nutrition.
Awards and Honors
- 2022: Cum Laude distinction for Master’s in Horticulture
- 2022: Student Tutor and Research Presenter at scientific conferences
Publications
- “Packaging Matters: Preservation of Antioxidant Compounds of Fresh Stinging Nettle Leaves (Urtica dioica L.)” (2024) – Applied Sciences [DOI: 10.3390/app14156563]
- “Can LED Lighting Be a Sustainable Solution for Producing Nutritionally Valuable Microgreens?” (2024) – Horticulturae [DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae10030249]
- “Accumulation of Stinging Nettle Bioactive Compounds as a Response to Controlled Drought Stress” (2023) – Agriculture [DOI: 10.3390/agriculture13071358]
- “Alfalfa, Cabbage, Beet and Fennel Microgreens in Floating Hydroponics—Perspective Nutritious Food?” (2023) – Plants [DOI: 10.3390/plants12112098]
- “Energy vs. Nutritional Potential of Virginia Mallow (Sida hermaphrodita L.) and Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.)” (2022) – Plants [DOI: 10.3390/plants11212906]
