During the 59th CETAF General Assembly (CETAF59), held in Florence from 27–29 May 2026, CETAF members formally approved the accession of two new institutions to the network: UiT – The Arctic University of Norway and the Department of Biology and Ecology at the University of Novi Sad (RS), Faculty of Sciences.
The addition of these institutions further strengthens CETAF’s scientific expertise and geographic reach, expanding the network from the Arctic region to the biodiversity-rich landscapes of the Balkan Peninsula. Both organisations bring internationally recognised collections, active research programmes, and a strong commitment to advancing taxonomy, biosystematics and biodiversity knowledge.
Strengthening the network from the Arctic to the Balkans
Representing UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, Vice Dean Bastian Fromm introduced the Arctic University Museum of Norway, Northern Norway’s oldest scientific institution, founded in 1872. Located at 69°N, it is the northernmost university museum in the world and houses approximately one million natural history specimens, with a particular focus on Arctic biodiversity, taxonomy and biosystematics.
The museum’s collections play an important role in understanding environmental change in the Arctic, one of the regions most affected by climate change. Its research combines traditional collection-based taxonomy with modern approaches, including genomics and ancient DNA studies, helping to document and understand biodiversity across northern ecosystems.
The Faculty of Sciences at the University of Novi Sad was represented by Željko D. Popović, Deputy Director for Science, International Cooperation and Public Relations. As part of Serbia’s second-largest university, the institution serves as a major taxonomic and biodiversity research hub in South-East Europe.
Its collections include one of the largest hoverfly reference collections in the region, alongside extensive botanical, mycological and microbial repositories. The institution combines classical taxonomy with cutting-edge genetic and genomic approaches, contributing to biodiversity research across the Balkan Peninsula, a recognised hotspot of European and global biodiversity.
Expanding expertise across Europe
For both institutions, joining CETAF represents an opportunity to strengthen collaboration, exchange expertise and engage more closely with the European natural science collections community.
Reflecting on the accession, Bastian Fromm highlighted the value of connecting with fellow natural history institutions across Europe and the opportunities that CETAF provides for collaboration and mutual learning.
“We’re very happy to be becoming members now because, as we can see here at this General Assembly, we are connecting with all the natural history museums that are already part of CETAF. We have already initiated many collaborations — or potential collaborations — so it’s perfect. It’s really a great opportunity to learn from other museums.”
Similarly, Željko D. Popović emphasised the importance of networking and knowledge exchange within a rapidly evolving scientific landscape.
“CETAF provides very good networking platforms and ways of communicating and exchanging ideas, projects and opportunities. Scientists need to collaborate more than ever, and this is particularly important for taxonomy, where new competencies and approaches are constantly emerging.”
A mutual benefit for CETAF and its members
The accession of both institutions reflects CETAF’s continued commitment to strengthening collaboration across Europe’s natural science collections community.
While UiT contributes unique expertise on Arctic biodiversity and environmental change, the University of Novi Sad brings extensive knowledge of one of Europe’s most diverse biogeographical regions. Together, they enhance CETAF’s capacity to support research, collections management, training and biodiversity knowledge across a broad geographic spectrum.
As the network continues to grow, these new memberships reinforce CETAF’s role as a leading platform for collaboration among natural history museums, botanical gardens, universities and research institutions working to advance taxonomy and biodiversity science.undefined
This article is part of CETAF’s coverage of the 59th General Assembly (CETAF59) held in Florence, Italy. Explore related articles on CETAF’s newest members, the 2026 e-SCoRe Award, and key discussions on integrative taxonomy and colonial collections.