Project leader: Dr. Milica Pecelj
Project duration: January 10, 2026, to December 20, 2026
Sponsors: Center for the Promotion of Science (CPN)
Executive contractors: Jovan Cvijić" Geographical Institute of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SASA) and as Project Partners: ten selected primary schools in Belgrade, local government representatives, the scientific community, and the civil sector.
List of participants: Dr. Milica Pecelj, Dr. Slavica Malinović-Milićević, Dr. Uroš Durlević
The Geographical Institute "Jovan Cvijić" of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SASA) is the leading institution for the science popularization project "Urban Heat Under the Microscope in Schools: Monitoring, Solutions, and Climate Literacy for New Generations". The project is funded by the Center for the Promotion of Science (CPN) under its support program for science-promotion and popularisation projects aimed at developing scientific culture and citizens' science literacy.
The project focuses on primary school students and aims to introduce them to extreme urban heat, thermal comfort, and the urban heat island effect through a series of interactive, practical activities. The project includes hands-on fieldwork in which students, supported by the expert team from our Institute, use portable "Kestrel" devices to measure micrometeorological parameters (air temperature, humidity, wind speed, and radiant temperature) at selected locations in their schoolyards.
The project is expected to raise climate awareness among children, develop research and analytical skills, and encourage creativity in designing Nature-Based Solutions, such as greening and creating shaded zones. Additionally, the project will strengthen dialogue among schools, local governments, and the wider public to create healthier and more resilient school spaces in the future.
In line with its science-promotion objectives, the project includes 20 workshops and 10 field measurements, as well as GIS maps and educational posters to share results with the wider school community and the public.
Brochure Project
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