ZAGREB, 19 Nov (Hina) - Barbara Arbanas Ferreira, a researcher at the Centre of Excellence in Marine Robotics and Technologies for a Sustainable Blue Economy (CoE MARBLE), has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Danubius Young Scientist Award (DYSA).

Arbanas Ferreira completed her master's and doctoral studies at the University of Zagreb's Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing. The award was presented on 13 November at the annual Danube Rectors' Conference, organised by Austria's Federal Ministry for Women, Science and Research.

The award, presented jointly by the Ministry and the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM), recognises excellence and cross-border cooperation in research and innovation across the Danube region.

"Addressing the diverse challenges facing the Danube region requires interdisciplinary solutions and international cooperation. These awards highlight the breadth and outstanding quality of scientific work in the region and foster dialogue across borders. I am particularly pleased to see such strong representation of exceptional women researchers – in 2025, two-thirds of the awards go to women," said Federal Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner.

Representing Croatia, Arbanas Ferreira is one of 14 young researchers from 14 Danube-region countries to receive the honour. The €1,350 DYSA award is granted on the basis of institutional nomination and assessment by an international jury.