Rebeka Mesarić Žabčić, PhD, on scientific mobility as part of the project Dynamics and Challenges of Migration, Re-Migration and Immigration in the Republic of Croatia; Skopje, 16/02-20/03/2026
As part of the project Dynamics and Challenges of Migration, Re-Migration and Immigration in the Republic of Croatia, and based on a cooperation agreement with the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje and the Institute for Intellectual Property in Skopje, Rebeka Mesarić Žabčić, PhD, realized international scientific mobility in the period from 16 February to 20 March 2026
The research stay was conducted in accordance with the objectives of the project activities and based on previously submitted invitation letters, primarily at the aforementioned institutions in Skopje. As part of common research interests, part of the activities was additionally realized in cooperation with a strategic partner, the Institute for Intellectual Property.
During the aforementioned period, a shorter visit was also realized and cooperation was established with the International Balkan University in Skopje at the invitation of Natalija Shikova, PhD.
During the stay, teaching and research activities were carried out with a focus on the following topics:
– contemporary demographic trends in the Republic of Croatia, North Macedonia and Turkey
– declining of the working-age population in Croatia and North Macedonia
– population aging and decline of social capital in both countries
– return migrations to the Republic of Croatia and their impact on the development of local communities.
In addition to the scientific contribution, this international mobility also had a significant personal and professional impact. It enabled further strengthening of lifelong education and development of human resources for research work, as well as the implementation of applicable research activities aimed at the development of national and regional identity in cooperation with Macedonian partners of Croatian origin. The mobility also contributed to the provision of scientific and research services to partner institutions, the application of a joint scientific project and the additional positioning of the Pilar Institute in relevant international academic networks.
