25th Brain Awareness Week Held at CUC

Organized by the University Department of Psychology, a programme marking the 25th Brain Awareness Week in Croatia—a traditional event dedicated to the popularization of neuroscience and the promotion of knowledge about the importance of the brain, mental health, and psychological well-being—was held at the Catholic University of Croatia on 20 March 2026.

This year’s rich programme focused on the themes of movement and the brain, circadian rhythm, and the neurobiology of love, bringing together numerous presenters and participants interested in contemporary insights from psychology and neuroscience.

At the beginning of the programme, attendees were addressed by the Rector of the Catholic University of Croatia, Prof. Željko Tanjić, PhD, who emphasized the importance of such events for the academic community, students, and the wider public. The programme was moderated by Senior Assistant Maja Žutić, PhD, who was also the event organizer, together with Assistant Katarina Užarević, MA (Psych.).

The following lectures were delivered:

• Luka Poslon, MA (Phil.) – From Neurons to Algorithm: Where Does Morality Begin?
• Petra Šiško, BA (Psych.), mentor: Assist. Prof. Maja Brekalo, PhD – How Do We Experience Social Rejection?
• Paula Antunović, BA (Psych.) and Zrinka Ljubičić, BA (Psych.), mentors: Assoc. Prof. Sandra Nakić Radoš, PhD and Maja Žutić, PhD – From Stigma to Support: Seeking Psychological Help in the Peripartum Period
• Katarina Jolić, BA (Psych.) and Mandalena Mihajć, BA (Psych.), mentors: Assoc. Prof. Sandra Nakić Radoš, PhD and Maja Žutić, PhD – What Lies Beneath the Armor of Fatherhood? – The Misunderstood Mental Health of Fathers
• Klara Budić, BA (Psych.) and Nikolina Raguž, BA (Psych.), mentor: Assist. Prof. Lea Skokandić, PhD – The Effects of Digital Multitasking on Cognitive Functioning and Brain Health
• Jelena Penjin, BA (Psych.) – Depths of Recovery – Diving as a Method of Resocialization of Ukrainian Veterans
• Serhii Mylo, with translator Anna Komarytsia, MA (Philol.) – The Path to Recovery: The Experience of a Ukrainian Veteran with a Diving Programme
• Antonija Hnatjuk and Klara Lažeta, mentor: Prof. Maja Jazvinšćak Jembrek, PhD – The Biological Clock in Motion: The Interaction of Circadian Rhythm and Physical Exercise
• Assist. Prof. Dragan Glavaš, PhD – The Brain and Physical Activity

A particularly impactful part of the programme focused on the recovery and resocialization of Ukrainian war veterans. Our student Jelena Penjin, BA (Psych.), in her presentation Depths of Recovery – Diving as a Method of Resocialization of Ukrainian Veterans, opened an important discussion on psychological support and recovery processes within diving programmes for veterans following traumatic war experiences. The programme gained additional depth through the testimony of Serhii Mylo, a Ukrainian veteran, who—assisted by translator Anna Komarytsia, MA (Philol.)—shared a powerful and personal account of recovery, resilience, and reintegration into everyday life.

The programme was further enriched by the contribution of the Head of the University Department of Psychology, Assist. Prof. Dragan Glavaš, PhD, who delivered a lecture titled The Brain and Physical Activity. In this way, the thematic framework of this year’s Brain Awareness Week was effectively rounded off, highlighting the important connection between physical activity, brain functioning, and the preservation of psychological well-being.