Vera Šnajder Award 2025: Nikolina Tomić Takes Her Research on Osteosarcoma to the International Stage
The Bosnia and Herzegovina Futures Foundation (BHFF) is proud to highlight Nikolina Tomić, a 2025 recipient of the Vera Šnajder Award, whose research journey has taken her to an international scientific conference focused on sarcomas and rare cancers.
A third-year PhD student in Biology – Genetics at the University of Sarajevo’s Faculty of Science, Nikolina used the support provided through the Vera Šnajder Award to participate in an international conference dedicated to advancing knowledge and collaboration in the field of sarcoma research.
For Nikolina, the experience was inspiring from the very beginning. The quality of the scientific program, the expertise of the speakers, and the professionalism of the organization offered an opportunity to engage with a global scientific community working at the forefront of sarcoma and rare cancer research.
One of the aspects that left the strongest impression on her was the active involvement of patient representatives. Their presentations and participation in discussions provided a valuable reminder of how scientific research ultimately connects to the people who depend on progress in diagnosis and treatment.
As part of the conference, Nikolina presented her own research in a poster presentation, creating an opportunity to discuss her work with researchers and experts from different fields. She highlighted the organization of the session as particularly valuable for meaningful scientific exchange, allowing participants to both present their work and engage with research from across the field.
The conference also provided Nikolina with an opportunity to participate in mentoring sessions, where young oncologists and researchers discussed topics of interest in smaller groups under the guidance of experienced experts. These sessions further contributed to her professional development and helped her establish new connections within the international research community.
Connecting Basic Research with Clinical Practice
As a researcher primarily focused on basic science, one of the most valuable aspects of the conference was gaining a deeper understanding of current clinical approaches to sarcoma treatment.
Presentations and discussions led by clinical oncologists from different parts of the world allowed Nikolina to better understand the broader context in which her research can eventually be applied. She also gained insight into international working groups and research consortia focused on developing new therapeutic approaches for sarcomas.
Particularly valuable were discussions surrounding the molecular basis of osteosarcoma, including research at the protein level—an area outside the primary focus of her current doctoral work. These perspectives introduced new research questions and offered directions for further development of her scientific work.
The knowledge gained through the conference has already begun to influence her doctoral research, particularly its discussion and broader scientific context. The experience also reinforced the importance of connecting basic research with clinical perspectives when studying rare tumors.
The Impact of the Vera Šnajder Award
For Nikolina, receiving the Vera Šnajder Award represents both recognition and an important opportunity for professional development. Having previously received an Honourable Mention from the Award jury in 2022, the 2025 recognition holds particular significance as a reflection of her academic and professional progress.
The financial support provided through the Award made her participation in the international conference possible at a crucial stage of her doctoral studies. The experience expanded her knowledge of rare cancers, sarcomas, and osteosarcoma while directly supporting the development and finalization of her doctoral research.
Beyond the immediate academic benefits, the opportunity strengthened her motivation to continue working in the field and broadened her international scientific network—an especially important element of research into rare diseases and tumors.
Nikolina also hopes to carry the experience beyond her own research. As a member of organizing committees for scientific conferences, she plans to draw inspiration from the discussion formats and interactive panels she encountered internationally and explore how similar approaches could contribute to improving scientific events in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Encouraging the Next Generation of Women Scientists
Reflecting on the Award, Nikolina encourages young women scientists in Bosnia and Herzegovina to consider applying for the Vera Šnajder Award and to recognize the value of opportunities that extend beyond financial support.
For her, the Award represents not only the possibility of attending conferences and study opportunities that might otherwise remain inaccessible, but also meaningful recognition of scientific work and a source of motivation for continued academic growth.
Through the Vera Šnajder Award, BHFF continues the legacy of Vera Šnajder by investing in women scientists from Bosnia and Herzegovina and supporting their professional development, research, and international engagement.
Nikolina’s experience demonstrates the impact that targeted support can have at a critical stage of a young researcher’s career: opening access to international scientific communities, strengthening research, creating new connections, and helping promising scientists bring new knowledge back to their work and communities.
Her journey is a powerful example of how supporting one young scientist can contribute to a wider culture of research, collaboration, and scientific excellence in Bosnia and Herzegovina.