150 years of the Division of Zoology at the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb

The Division of Zoology at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, celebrates 150 years of continuous contribution to zoological research, education and public engagement. As one of the oldest and most respected institutions in Croatia dedicated to zoological sciences, the Division has played a central role in shaping the development of zoology and related disciplines at both national and regional levels. This review article marks this significant milestone by providing an overview of the Division’s activities and achievements over the past decade (2014 – 2024). Key focus areas include scientific research, with an emphasis on biodiversity, ecological interactions, ecosystem functioning, biomonitoring and evolutionary biology; project involvement and educational contributions, reflecting a strong commitment to curriculum modernization, field-based learning and integration of contemporary pedagogical approaches. The Division continues to play a pivotal role in the Faculty’s academic structure, accounting for approximately 40% of teaching at the Department of Biology and actively participating in institutional leadership, professional associations and public science communication. In addition to its extensive publication record and project output, the Division maintains valuable zoological collections, necessary to support the professional development of students, young scientists and educators. The 150th anniversary represents not only a celebration of the Division’s legacy but also a reaffirmation of its ongoing dedication to excellence in science, teaching and community engagement.