Dr. Marija Ivanov is a researcher in the field of molecular biology, mycology, natural products and biological activity. She received her PhD degree at the Faculty of Biology of the University of Belgrade in 2019. Marija was visiting researcher at the Institute of Microbiology, University and University Hospital in Lausanne, Switzerland (02.08.-31.08.2018), Institute for Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Hellenic Research foundation (16.03.-30.05.2015), Laboratory for Biomolecular Structures, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia (23-29.08.2015 and 21-27.11.2015), Laboratory for Phytomedicine, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany (15- 28.09.2013). She is the principal investigator of a bilateral project with Austria (Plant flavonoids as a tool for healthy aging – mechanisms behind their effect on aging and age related infections) and a project of the Center for the Promotion of Science (Functional food of the 21st century - Natural products from a scientist's perspective). As a participant, she is engaged in numerous international and domestic projects. She is the recipient of various scholarships including FEMS-GO for research stay and Loreal-Unesco for women in science. Marija is on Stanford's list of the most cited scientists for 2022.
Ethnobotany deals with research into specific aspects of the cultural and biological heritage of a particular region and includes research into the ways in which native plants are used in traditional and veterinary medicine, nutrition, and the production of various local products. This research contributes to the protection of biodiversity, sustainable development, and the efficient management of resources.
Nutrition is the process by which the body uses food to produce energy and sustain life. The science of nutrition studies the role of nutrients and other food components in the growth, reproduction, health and disease of the organism. Food ingredients with medicinal properties are called nutriceuticals and can be used to treat or prevent disease. There are more and more alternative sources of food, such as edible insects, which should limit the negative impact of food production on the environment.
Mycology is the study of fungi that investigate their genetics, growth, structure, and interactions with other organisms in an ecosystem. The areas of mycological research at the Institute include medicinal mycology, phytopathology, description of new species and their potential application in biotechnology and industry.
Microbiology studies the structure, function, genetics, and ecology of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Within the Institute, important areas of microbiological research include medical microbiology, environmental microbiology and industrial microbiology.
Natural products are complex chemical compounds synthesised by living organisms through biochemical processes, with a specific physiological or ecological function. Researchers at the Institute study the chemical characterization and isolation of natural products, metabolic engineering, as well as the assessment of the possibility of their application in industry (as medicaments, dietary supplements and functional food, biopesticides).
Education
• Doctorate, Ph.D. (Faculty of Biology University of Belgrade, 2022)
• Master, M.Sc. (Faculty of Biology University of Belgrade, 2017)
• Basic studies, B.Sc. (Faculty of Biology University of Belgrade, 2016)
Research interests
• Reactions of plants to abiotic stress factors; drought; oxidative stress; antioxidant defense system; molecular biology of plants.
Study stays abroad
• Study stay in the Kingdom of Spain for one month in 2024 (Aquaporins Group, Plant Nutrition Department, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura (CEBAS-CSIC), Campus Universitario de Espinardo, Edificio 25, 30100 Murcia, Spain).
Awards, recognitions, projects
• Grant for the stay of young researchers in a foreign laboratory awarded by the Horizon Europe project Green Era Hub (GEH)
• Grant for participation in the FESPB/EPSO Plant Biology Europe 2020 Congress (PBE2020), which was held online next year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Participant in the project of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development "Development and application of biotechnological procedures in obtaining healthy planting material of ornamental plants" (TR31019), from June 2018 until the end of the project period in 2019.
Memberships in scientific societies
• Member of the Serbian Biological Society (SBD) and the Society for Plant Physiology (DFBS).
Biotechnology is defined as the use of biological processes and systems (living organisms or their parts) to develop or modify different processes or products useful to humans and includes analysis of risks of its implementation (biosafety).
Physiology and molecular biology of plants studies the mechanisms underlying plant growth and development, plant morphogenesis in vitro (organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, androgenesis), synthesis and accumulation of specialised metabolites, plant responses to different types of stressors, as well as allelopathic relationships between plants.
She began her professional development at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, within the Molecular Biology and Physiology study program, which she finished with an average grade of 9.74, and after which she gained the PhD degree in Biology (average grade of 10). As a PhD student, she won the 1st place for poster presentation at "3rd International Conference on Plant Biology / 22nd SPPS Meeting", 9-12 June 2018 (Belgrade, Serbia), in the organization of the Serbian Plant Physiology Society. The experience she gained by participating in the project of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia (OI 173015) "Biotechnology in vitro - cultivated, medicinal and endangered plant species" (2011-2019), as well as the international SCOPES project "Circadian regulation of phototropism in Arabidopsis and potato" (no. 152221) in collaboration with Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne (Switzerland), founded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (2014-2016), makes her a competent researcher in the field of plant physiology and molecular biology. Her research has been mainly focused on the plant allelopathic interactions and the mechanism of their phytotoxic action for the production of ecologically acceptable herbicides. She has also been engaged in the stable genetic transformation of recalcitrant woody species to develop a model system for allelopathic studies and to produce the pest-resistant genotypes. Dr. Stanišić is also a member of the Serbian Plant Physiology Society and The Federation of European Societies of Plant Biology (FESPB). As the mentor of one PhD dissertation and a master's thesis, as well as supervisor of several student projects, Dr. Stanišić has expertise in training young researchers in numerous experimental biochemical, molecular and in vitro tissue culture techniques, developing critical scientific thinking and other academic skills.
Biotechnology is defined as the use of biological processes and systems (living organisms or their parts) to develop or modify different processes or products useful to humans and includes analysis of risks of its implementation (biosafety).
Physiology and molecular biology of plants studies the mechanisms underlying plant growth and development, plant morphogenesis in vitro (organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, androgenesis), synthesis and accumulation of specialised metabolites, plant responses to different types of stressors, as well as allelopathic relationships between plants.
Natural products are complex chemical compounds synthesised by living organisms through biochemical processes, with a specific physiological or ecological function. Researchers at the Institute study the chemical characterization and isolation of natural products, metabolic engineering, as well as the assessment of the possibility of their application in industry (as medicaments, dietary supplements and functional food, biopesticides).
Biotechnology is defined as the use of biological processes and systems (living organisms or their parts) to develop or modify different processes or products useful to humans and includes analysis of risks of its implementation (biosafety).
Physiology and molecular biology of plants studies the mechanisms underlying plant growth and development, plant morphogenesis in vitro (organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, androgenesis), synthesis and accumulation of specialised metabolites, plant responses to different types of stressors, as well as allelopathic relationships between plants.
Natural products are complex chemical compounds synthesised by living organisms through biochemical processes, with a specific physiological or ecological function. Researchers at the Institute study the chemical characterization and isolation of natural products, metabolic engineering, as well as the assessment of the possibility of their application in industry (as medicaments, dietary supplements and functional food, biopesticides).
Ecophysiology studies the physiological processes in living beings that are a response to changes in the external environment and that are fundamental to understanding the mechanisms and interactions that underlie the adaptive strategies of organisms. The effect of climate change, the presence of various pollutants, the availability of nutrients, and habitat degradation are some of those influences that are studied.
Physiology and molecular biology of plants studies the mechanisms underlying plant growth and development, plant morphogenesis in vitro (organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, androgenesis), synthesis and accumulation of specialised metabolites, plant responses to different types of stressors, as well as allelopathic relationships between plants.
Climate change is an all-encompassing and growing global threat to biodiversity and ecosystems. It directly leads to phenological, physiological, morphological, and ethological changes, the spread of invasive species, and a decrease in the number of native species and their extinction. Changed climatic conditions affect habitat quality, resulting in changes in the distribution of species and communities. In order to mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment, it is necessary to predict and understand their impact on the living world.
Natural products are complex chemical compounds synthesised by living organisms through biochemical processes, with a specific physiological or ecological function. Researchers at the Institute study the chemical characterization and isolation of natural products, metabolic engineering, as well as the assessment of the possibility of their application in industry (as medicaments, dietary supplements and functional food, biopesticides).
Redox biology is the study of all aspects of biology mediated or influenced by biochemical processes involving reduction (gain of electrons) and oxidation (loss of electrons). Redox homeostasis is central to the basic functions of life, including metabolism and respiration, and when altered it can promote the progression of disease and ageing.
Environmental protection comprises reduction or prevention of pollution, negative impacts on the environment, damage caused to ecosystems or natural resources caused by human activities.
Dr. Jovana Petrović was born on March 3, 1985 in Zemun, Republic of Serbia. After completing her studies, she enrolled in doctoral academic studies, which she completed in 2018. She has been employed at the Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade since 2009. During her career, Dr. Petrović participated in 48 manuscripts, which indicates her engagement in various areas of scientific work. According to SCOPUS database, her h index value is 20. Dr. Petrović's studies were cited 1,135 times in 1,047 documents, which indicates the actuality of her research. Jovana Petrović participated in projects: (1) “Taxonomic, biochemical molecular research of mushrooms and biologically active substances”, (2) “Characterization and application of fungal metabolites and assessment of new biofungicides potential”, (3) “Functional food of 21st century - natural products from scientists perspective”, (4) “Functional products based on goat milk proteins and bioactive compounds extracted from grape pomace and edible mushrooms”, (5) “Chicory as a multipurpose crop for dietary fiber and medicinal terpenes”, (6) “New lectins for glycan analysis with diagnostic, biomedicine and biotechnological applications”, (7) “Search for new sources of biologically active compounds: Study on the river sponge Ephydatia fluviatilis from Serbia”, (8) “Biocontrol of phytopathogenic fungi with natural products originating from subtropical plants of the Rosales order”, (9) “Development of new fermented products enriched with plant and mushroom extracts”, while as a Principal Investigator she was engaged in projects (10) “Increased optical purity of natural monoterpenoids as possible means of improving their biological activity”, (11) “Identification of Medicinal/Aromatic Plants properties and improving quality, nutritional value and storability of fresh and dry products to support SME competitiveness” and (12) Proof of concept “IBISSPolyCURE”. Dr. Jovana Petrović is experienced as project administrator, as a reviewer in renowned journals and education of young researchers.
Ethnobotany deals with research into specific aspects of the cultural and biological heritage of a particular region and includes research into the ways in which native plants are used in traditional and veterinary medicine, nutrition, and the production of various local products. This research contributes to the protection of biodiversity, sustainable development, and the efficient management of resources.
Nutrition is the process by which the body uses food to produce energy and sustain life. The science of nutrition studies the role of nutrients and other food components in the growth, reproduction, health and disease of the organism. Food ingredients with medicinal properties are called nutriceuticals and can be used to treat or prevent disease. There are more and more alternative sources of food, such as edible insects, which should limit the negative impact of food production on the environment.
Mycology is the study of fungi that investigate their genetics, growth, structure, and interactions with other organisms in an ecosystem. The areas of mycological research at the Institute include medicinal mycology, phytopathology, description of new species and their potential application in biotechnology and industry.
Microbiology studies the structure, function, genetics, and ecology of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Within the Institute, important areas of microbiological research include medical microbiology, environmental microbiology and industrial microbiology.
Natural products are complex chemical compounds synthesised by living organisms through biochemical processes, with a specific physiological or ecological function. Researchers at the Institute study the chemical characterization and isolation of natural products, metabolic engineering, as well as the assessment of the possibility of their application in industry (as medicaments, dietary supplements and functional food, biopesticides).
Dr. Jelena Savić is a Principal Research Fellow at the Department of Plant Physiology. She received a BSc and a PhD degrees in 2004 and 2012, respectively, from the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, both in plant physiology. During 2005-2006 she was working as a Junior Teaching Assistant at the Chair of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Biology. Since 2006 she has been full-time employed at IBISS.
Dr. Savić spent one year (2008-2009) as a visiting scientist in the Plant Pathology Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA, working on the characterization of sugar beet genes responsible for tolerance to pest insects.
She has been a mentor of 3 PhD and 1 MSc theses of the students from the Faculty of Biology. Dr. Savić is a member of the Steering Committee of the Serbian Plant Physiology Society, and a member of the Serbian Biological Society, the Federation of European Societies of Plant Biology (FESPB), and the International Association For Plant Biotechnology (IAPB).
Due to graduating in 2004, Dr. Savić worked as a plant biologist with credentials in plant physiology, biotechnology and molecular biology, and is especially interested in ecophysiology, plant-to-plant communication, plant defense mechanisms and interactions between plant host and pests. Dr. Savić is a leader of a research group focused on the investigation of the potential of plant essential oils for priming defense in host plants and the role of epigenetic control of induced defense against pests.
Besides the fundamental results which will unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying these mutual interactions, the major research outcomes should promote the agricultural cultivation practices that will increase plant diversity and provide sustainable management of insect pests. The established research model system (potato-essentail oils-pests) could serve as a suitable for testing different essential oils with potential to be transfered into commercial bio-products.
Biotechnology is defined as the use of biological processes and systems (living organisms or their parts) to develop or modify different processes or products useful to humans and includes analysis of risks of its implementation (biosafety).
Ecophysiology studies the physiological processes in living beings that are a response to changes in the external environment and that are fundamental to understanding the mechanisms and interactions that underlie the adaptive strategies of organisms. The effect of climate change, the presence of various pollutants, the availability of nutrients, and habitat degradation are some of those influences that are studied.
Physiology and molecular biology of plants studies the mechanisms underlying plant growth and development, plant morphogenesis in vitro (organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, androgenesis), synthesis and accumulation of specialised metabolites, plant responses to different types of stressors, as well as allelopathic relationships between plants.
Natural products are complex chemical compounds synthesised by living organisms through biochemical processes, with a specific physiological or ecological function. Researchers at the Institute study the chemical characterization and isolation of natural products, metabolic engineering, as well as the assessment of the possibility of their application in industry (as medicaments, dietary supplements and functional food, biopesticides).
Research field and areas:
Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology. The function and significance of protective proteins in plants' response to high temperature. Examination and application of potential protein markers in the selection of heat-tolerant potato varieties, with the aim of enabling unhindered potato production in altered climatic conditions.
University education:
• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, 2023., University of Belgrade – Faculty of Biology, Study program: Biology, Module: Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology.
• Diploma in Biology (equivalent to the M.Sc.), 2012., University of Belgrade – Faculty of Biology, Study program: Biology.
Projects:
• 2023-present: National scientific project within the Program PRISMA: „Employing modern aeroponic technology and stress-protective nanoparticles for improved seed potato production under elevated temperature“, team member.
• 2020-2022: Serbian-Slovenian bilateral project 337-00-18/2022-01/1: ”Screening of potato breeding clones suitable for cultivation in Slovenia and Serbia for resistance to pathogens, drought and heat stress”, team member.
• 2017-2019: Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia Project TR31019: „Development and application of biotechnological methods for obtaining healthy plants of ornamental species“, team member.
• 2013-2017: Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia Project TR31049: “Development and application of protein markers for heat tolerance screening in potato”, volunteer.
Membership:
• The Serbian Biological Society,
• The Serbian Plant Physiology Society,
• The Federation of European Societies of Plant Biology.
Physiology and molecular biology of plants studies the mechanisms underlying plant growth and development, plant morphogenesis in vitro (organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, androgenesis), synthesis and accumulation of specialised metabolites, plant responses to different types of stressors, as well as allelopathic relationships between plants.
Jelena Milojević was born in 1984 in Belgrade. She completed her basic and PhD studies at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade and defended her doctoral dissertation in 2015. (modul – Plant physiology and molecular biology). She has been employed at IBISS (department of plant physiology) since 2010. Jelena is the mentor of one defended doctoral dissertation. She improved her knowledge by attending the international course: "QPCR Experience Workshop: Real-time PCR applications in plant biology", organized by the company "BioSistemika" (Slovenia).
Jelena is the author of more than 20 papers, mostly in highly ranked international journals, with more than 100 citations in international journals and numerous announcements at international and national conferences. Two papers of her doctoral dissertation were highlighted as significant contributions to the field of plant biotechnology in the "Agricell Report" review (http://www.agritechpublications.com/argenl.htm). She also won the award for the best young researcher poster presentation at a symposium of national importance. Jelena is a member of the Society for Plant Physiology of Serbia (DFBS) and the Federation of European Societies of Plant Biology (FESPB).
During her scientific career, she has studied the mechanism of induction of somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis with special reference to gene expression and epigenetics. The main direction of her research includes the study of the mechanism of induction of somatic embryogenesis from spinach roots.
As an associate, Jelena participated in two national projects, as well as in two COST actions (CA18201, CA21157). She is currently engaged in the IBISS work program (reg. no. 451-03-66/2024-03/200007), within which she manages the research task "Study of molecular mechanisms of somatic induction embryogenesis from spinach roots".
Physiology and molecular biology of plants studies the mechanisms underlying plant growth and development, plant morphogenesis in vitro (organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, androgenesis), synthesis and accumulation of specialised metabolites, plant responses to different types of stressors, as well as allelopathic relationships between plants.
Jelena Božunović (née Boljević) has been engaged in the Department of Plant Physiology of IBISS since 2013. After graduating from the Faculty of Biology at the University of Belgrade, she obtained a master's degree (2013) and a doctorate (2020) at the same faculty. Jelena Božunović's scientific and research work is aimed at elucidating the molecular basis of the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites and their differential accumulation in different genotypes of Nepeta and Centaurium species, as well as increasing the production of active compounds using modern biotechnological methods. During her career, Dr. Božunović participated in two national and one international project. She was a member of the Organizing Committee of the conference "3rd International Conference on Plant Biology (22nd SPPS Meeting)" in 2018. Jelena actively participates in the popularization of science through the projects of the European Researchers’ Night, the international manifestation "Fascination of Plants Day" organized under the auspices of the European Organization for Plant Sciences, and at the "Drugarijada" organized by the Novak Đoković Foundation. Dr. Božunović is involved in the work of the Center of Research Excellency for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology at IBISS. She is a member of the European Federation for Plant Biology (FESPB) and the Society for Plant Physiology of Serbia (DFBS).
Biodiversity is the variety and variability of life on Earth. It encompasses diversity at the genetic, taxonomic and ecosystem levels. Biodiversity is important in both natural and artificial ecosystems. Today, biodiversity is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, unsustainable resource use, invasive species, pollution and global climate change.
Biotechnology is defined as the use of biological processes and systems (living organisms or their parts) to develop or modify different processes or products useful to humans and includes analysis of risks of its implementation (biosafety).
Ethnobotany deals with research into specific aspects of the cultural and biological heritage of a particular region and includes research into the ways in which native plants are used in traditional and veterinary medicine, nutrition, and the production of various local products. This research contributes to the protection of biodiversity, sustainable development, and the efficient management of resources.
Physiology and molecular biology of plants studies the mechanisms underlying plant growth and development, plant morphogenesis in vitro (organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, androgenesis), synthesis and accumulation of specialised metabolites, plant responses to different types of stressors, as well as allelopathic relationships between plants.
Phone: +381 11 20 78 300
Fax: +381 11 27 61 433
Email: ibiss@ibiss.bg.ac.rs
Bulevar despota Stefana 142
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Serbia
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