معرفی
Ivan Širić is an Associate Professor at the Department of Animal Science and Technology, Division for Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb. Employed since 2011, he progressed from Junior Researcher (2011-2016) to Assistant Professor (2016-present) and currently holds the rank of Associate Professor (2021-present). His office is located in Building II, Room 054, with consultations held Wednesdays 10-12 hours.
His academic qualifications include:
- Doctoral dissertation (2011-2014) at University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture on "Heavy metals in edible saprophitic and ectomycorrhizal mushrooms in northern and coastal Croatia"
- Graduate thesis (2004-2009) at University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture
Širić's research centers on mushrooms as bioindicators of environmental pollution, with emphasis on heavy metal and radioactive contamination in wild edible fungi. He investigates saprotrophic and mycorrhizal mushroom cultivation, medicinal properties of mushrooms, and food safety implications. His work bridges environmental toxicology, mycology, and food science, focusing on Croatian ecosystems and post-Chernobyl radioactivity impacts.
Analysis of his 2016-2018 publications reveals consistent focus on heavy metal bioaccumulation (lead, cadmium, mercury) and cesium-137 in mushrooms, addressing environmental pollution and food safety. While predominantly mycology-focused, one 2017 publication explores statistical modeling of goat growth, indicating secondary interest in animal science.
He has coordinated multiple significant projects including:
- Genomic characterization of Croatian sheep breeds (Croatian Science Foundation, 2020-2023)
- Radioactivity measurement for waste disposal site assessment (2020-2022)
- University-funded initiatives on animal genetics (2014-2017) and mushroom cultivation technology (2021-2022)
Širić leads the "Mushroom group" extracurricular activities at the Faculty and serves on the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Analysis. He is an active member of the Mushroom Society Kamilo Blagaić and participates in university governance through the Biotechnical Council and Study Council for doctoral programs.
