Dinosaur Footprints Brought to Life with 3D Technology: The 3rd EduCalucemTech Breakfast Held on Brijuni

The collaboration between the academic community and industry brings innovative solutions that positively impact the entire community, as demonstrated at the 3rd breakfast of the EduCalucemTech project. In partnership with the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Juraj Dobrila in Pula, the Public Institution National Park Brijuni, and Calucem, experts, scientists, and representatives from various sectors gathered on Brijuni to emphasize the importance of research, technology, and education in preserving cultural and natural heritage. One of the most striking moments was the presentation of a 3D reconstruction of dinosaur footprints, allowing participants to experience traces of the past through modern technology.

Alena Sprčić, the expert leader of National Park Brijuni, presented the process of site valorization, while geologist Damir Pocrnić highlighted the significance of the dinosaur footprints in the context of the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the first traces in Croatia, on Veliki Brijun. Biologist Martina Hervat and professor Sven Maričić showed how 3D modeling and printing can improve heritage interpretation, making it more accessible and attractive to the public, and presented a 3D model of a dinosaur footprint.

The EduCalucemTech project is not only focused on research – its core includes the local community and youth. Students from the Medical School in Pula actively participated in the development of an educational platform, with Danijela Panić discussing the importance of connecting education with practice and innovation. The gathering continued with a special breakfast where participants could taste dinosaur-shaped cookies, prepared by the team of renowned chef Deniz Zembo. Afterward, there was a tour of the footprint site, including a special footprint for which a 3D model was created, further demonstrating how technology can play a crucial role in preserving and promoting heritage.

The collaboration with the University of Juraj Dobrila in Pula, particularly with their robotics and artificial intelligence laboratory, which will also be equipped as part of the project, opens new possibilities for applying 3D technologies, artificial intelligence, and robotics in scientific research. Award-winning both nationally and internationally, in collaboration with National Park Brijuni, they are exploring how to enhance existing scientific knowledge and apply it to heritage valorization.

For Calucem, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, sustainability and community care are not just business strategies – they are the fundamental philosophy of the company. Through projects like EduCalucemTech, the company actively contributes to education and scientific research, opening new opportunities for young people and strengthening the collaboration between industry and the academic community.

The double anniversary – 100 years since the discovery of dinosaur footprints in National Park Brijuni and Calucem’s century-long tradition – symbolizes the long-standing connection between natural heritage, scientific research, and industry in this region.

The EduCalucemTech project will continue to develop through new collaborations and research activities, further connecting the scientific community, the entrepreneurial sector, and the local community to promote innovation and sustainable development.