In the IBISS library, on Wednesday, 6th May 2026, Prof. Janko Ž. Nikolić held a lecture on the topic: Cytomegalovirus and immune aging - friends or enemies?
EDUCATION:
2025: Doctoral studies (PhD), Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
2024–2025: Master’s studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
2020–2024: Bachelor’s studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
molecular oncology, experimental biomedicine, preclinical research, cell culture
Understanding the physiological and functional characteristics of cancer cells at the individual level, and the tumor tissue as a highly orchestrated multicellular formation, by whose activity the tumor expands, invades and disseminates, is the main goal of cancer biology research today. Defining the causes of abnormal behavior of neoplastic cells individually and in the context of the tumor microenvironment, including the histological, metabolic and immunological specificities of this tissue, represents a platform for designing new approaches in cancer treatment. Investigating the phenomenon of initial or acquired tumor resistance helps to gain deeper insights into the reasons for limited effects of the conventional treatments, enabling the improvement of existing protocols.
I completed my undergraduate studies in Ecology in 2023 at the Faculty of Biology at the University of Belgrade. I defended my Master's studies in Ecology and Environmental Protection in 2024 at the same faculty with the thesis: Unsupervised machine learning in the recognition of bioclimatic signals in the region of the Western Balkans. By enrolling in a PhD in 2025, I got employed at the Institute at the Department of Evolutionary Biology, where I am currently conducting doctoral research on the invasiveness of the red-eared turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) and its competition over the pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in natural and urban freshwater habitats, by implementing environmental DNA as a method for detection.
During my studies, I actively participated in the work of the Biological Research Society "Josif Pančić" as secretary and project manager, whereas in 2024 I led a citizens' association project "Projekat Jastrebac" with the support of BOŠ and USAid, with a focus on contributing to the knowledge of biodiversity and the risk factors of Veliki Jastrebac Mountain, with the aim of declaring the mountain a protected area. In the work of the Society's herpetological section, I primarily participated in the study of herpetofauna diversity of target areas. While conducting research and field activities at the university and as a volunteer at IBISS, I participated in research on the defensive behavior of the Fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina), the functional morphology of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis), and the effect of artificial lighting on the development of the European tree frog (Hyla arborea). As part of European Solidarity Corps, in 2025 I was a long-term volunteer in Association Biom, BirdLife’s partner in Croatia, where I participated in LIFE projects focused on the protection and conservation of the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) (LIFE SUPport), as well as the control of invasive species and the monitoring of nesting seabirds (LIFE TETIDE).
Aquatic ecology studies the ecosystems in aquatic environments including seas, rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands. It examines the interaction between the physical, chemical, and biological components of aquatic ecosystems. Aquatic ecologists are also interested in human interactions with the environment, and the impact of human activity on aquatic ecosystems.
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.
Invasion biology studies introduced invasive species and their impact on the diversity, structure, dynamics, and functioning of the ecosystems they inhabit. Invasive species are considered one of the most significant factors that lead to a reduction in biodiversity.
Eco-Evo-Devo combines ecology, evolutionary theory and developmental biology. Within the Eco-Evo-Devo, the influence of environmental signals (biotic and abiotic) on the structure and dynamics of populations, the formation of new phenotypes during the developmental process, and their evolution is studied on different taxa of plants, animals and fungi.
Conservation biology aims to conserve biodiversity on Earth and is concerned with the long-term sustainability of ecosystems. With an interdisciplinary approach, conservation biology addresses conservation problems at the level of species, communities, and ecosystems that are directly or indirectly disturbed by human activities or other impacts.
Urban ecology focuses on studying fundamental ecological concepts within urban areas. It examines how ecological patterns, relations and processes differ in urban environments compared to non-urban environments, and investigates the impact of urbanisation on the ecology of organisms. Additionally, urban ecology examines the relationships and interactions between ecological and social systems within urban ecosystems that are made exclusively by anthropogenic activity.
Lecturer: Dr. Aleksandar Joksimović, Principal Research Fellow and Head of the Laboratory for Ichthyology and Marine Fisheries at the Institute of Marine Biology in Kotor, University of Montenegro
Time: Monday, 18th May 2026, 13.00
Venue: IBISS Library
Aquatic ecology studies the ecosystems in aquatic environments including seas, rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands. It examines the interaction between the physical, chemical, and biological components of aquatic ecosystems. Aquatic ecologists are also interested in human interactions with the environment, and the impact of human activity on aquatic ecosystems.
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.
Invasion biology studies introduced invasive species and their impact on the diversity, structure, dynamics, and functioning of the ecosystems they inhabit. Invasive species are considered one of the most significant factors that lead to a reduction in biodiversity.
Eco-Evo-Devo combines ecology, evolutionary theory and developmental biology. Within the Eco-Evo-Devo, the influence of environmental signals (biotic and abiotic) on the structure and dynamics of populations, the formation of new phenotypes during the developmental process, and their evolution is studied on different taxa of plants, animals and fungi.
Conservation biology aims to conserve biodiversity on Earth and is concerned with the long-term sustainability of ecosystems. With an interdisciplinary approach, conservation biology addresses conservation problems at the level of species, communities, and ecosystems that are directly or indirectly disturbed by human activities or other impacts.
Urban ecology focuses on studying fundamental ecological concepts within urban areas. It examines how ecological patterns, relations and processes differ in urban environments compared to non-urban environments, and investigates the impact of urbanisation on the ecology of organisms. Additionally, urban ecology examines the relationships and interactions between ecological and social systems within urban ecosystems that are made exclusively by anthropogenic activity.
A presentation for new associates was held at the Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, with the aim of introducing them to the Institute’s working procedures and key aspects of its operations.
Aquatic ecology studies the ecosystems in aquatic environments including seas, rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands. It examines the interaction between the physical, chemical, and biological components of aquatic ecosystems. Aquatic ecologists are also interested in human interactions with the environment, and the impact of human activity on aquatic ecosystems.
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.
Invasion biology studies introduced invasive species and their impact on the diversity, structure, dynamics, and functioning of the ecosystems they inhabit. Invasive species are considered one of the most significant factors that lead to a reduction in biodiversity.
Eco-Evo-Devo combines ecology, evolutionary theory and developmental biology. Within the Eco-Evo-Devo, the influence of environmental signals (biotic and abiotic) on the structure and dynamics of populations, the formation of new phenotypes during the developmental process, and their evolution is studied on different taxa of plants, animals and fungi.
Conservation biology aims to conserve biodiversity on Earth and is concerned with the long-term sustainability of ecosystems. With an interdisciplinary approach, conservation biology addresses conservation problems at the level of species, communities, and ecosystems that are directly or indirectly disturbed by human activities or other impacts.
Urban ecology focuses on studying fundamental ecological concepts within urban areas. It examines how ecological patterns, relations and processes differ in urban environments compared to non-urban environments, and investigates the impact of urbanisation on the ecology of organisms. Additionally, urban ecology examines the relationships and interactions between ecological and social systems within urban ecosystems that are made exclusively by anthropogenic activity.
A two-day workshop, “Drug Screening Method Development”, was successfully held on April 22–23, 2026, bringing together researchers, experts, and participants interested in modern approaches to drug discovery and screening.
Aquatic ecology studies the ecosystems in aquatic environments including seas, rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands. It examines the interaction between the physical, chemical, and biological components of aquatic ecosystems. Aquatic ecologists are also interested in human interactions with the environment, and the impact of human activity on aquatic ecosystems.
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.
Invasion biology studies introduced invasive species and their impact on the diversity, structure, dynamics, and functioning of the ecosystems they inhabit. Invasive species are considered one of the most significant factors that lead to a reduction in biodiversity.
Eco-Evo-Devo combines ecology, evolutionary theory and developmental biology. Within the Eco-Evo-Devo, the influence of environmental signals (biotic and abiotic) on the structure and dynamics of populations, the formation of new phenotypes during the developmental process, and their evolution is studied on different taxa of plants, animals and fungi.
Conservation biology aims to conserve biodiversity on Earth and is concerned with the long-term sustainability of ecosystems. With an interdisciplinary approach, conservation biology addresses conservation problems at the level of species, communities, and ecosystems that are directly or indirectly disturbed by human activities or other impacts.
Urban ecology focuses on studying fundamental ecological concepts within urban areas. It examines how ecological patterns, relations and processes differ in urban environments compared to non-urban environments, and investigates the impact of urbanisation on the ecology of organisms. Additionally, urban ecology examines the relationships and interactions between ecological and social systems within urban ecosystems that are made exclusively by anthropogenic activity.
Last week, the online workshop "Introduction to Machine Learning", organized by the STRIMHealth project and Bioinformatics Team at the Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, in collaboration with the School of Medical Sciences at Örebro University, was successfully completed.
Aquatic ecology studies the ecosystems in aquatic environments including seas, rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands. It examines the interaction between the physical, chemical, and biological components of aquatic ecosystems. Aquatic ecologists are also interested in human interactions with the environment, and the impact of human activity on aquatic ecosystems.
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.
Invasion biology studies introduced invasive species and their impact on the diversity, structure, dynamics, and functioning of the ecosystems they inhabit. Invasive species are considered one of the most significant factors that lead to a reduction in biodiversity.
Eco-Evo-Devo combines ecology, evolutionary theory and developmental biology. Within the Eco-Evo-Devo, the influence of environmental signals (biotic and abiotic) on the structure and dynamics of populations, the formation of new phenotypes during the developmental process, and their evolution is studied on different taxa of plants, animals and fungi.
Conservation biology aims to conserve biodiversity on Earth and is concerned with the long-term sustainability of ecosystems. With an interdisciplinary approach, conservation biology addresses conservation problems at the level of species, communities, and ecosystems that are directly or indirectly disturbed by human activities or other impacts.
Urban ecology focuses on studying fundamental ecological concepts within urban areas. It examines how ecological patterns, relations and processes differ in urban environments compared to non-urban environments, and investigates the impact of urbanisation on the ecology of organisms. Additionally, urban ecology examines the relationships and interactions between ecological and social systems within urban ecosystems that are made exclusively by anthropogenic activity.
I completed my undergraduate studies in Molecular Biology and Physiology in 2016 at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, and my master’s studies in Biophysics in 2017. After that, I enrolled in PhD studies of Molecular Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, and defended my PhD dissertation titled “Effects of metformin on energy status and mitochondrial function of muscle cells in vitro” in 2024. In the same year, I also completed specialist academic studies at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade (specialist thesis: “Evaluation of hsa-miR-146a levels and the rs2910164 gene variant in subjects with gestational diabetes”). From 2018 to 2026, I was employed at the Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Clinical Center of Serbia. In my scientific work so far, I have mainly focused on mitochondrial physiology and energy metabolism in the context of metabolic diseases (type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes) and mitochondrial diseases (Leber hereditary optic neuropathy). I have investigated mitochondrial respiratory function, signaling pathways regulating energy metabolism, and oxidative stress using cell lines and patient samples. I participated in the COST Action “Mitochondrial mapping: Evolution – Age – Gender – Lifestyle – Environment (MitoEAGLE)” (2016–2020), and in the bilateral scientific cooperation project with Slovenia “Blood biomarkers for evaluation of mitochondrial function in hereditary and acquired mitochondrial diseases affecting visual function” (2023–2025). I also participated in the Biology Seminar of the Petnica Research Station as a scientific associate, and have been involved in science communication through participation in and organization of events such as Brain Awareness Week, Science Festival, European Researchers’ Night, etc. I am a member of the Serbian Biochemical Society.
The biology of ageing is focused on better understanding the molecular, cellular and physiological processes underlying the ageing process and the diseases associated with this process.
Animal physiology studies how biological processes work, how they operate under different environmental conditions, and how these processes are regulated and integrated. They can be studied at different levels of organisation, from organelles and cell membranes to cells, tissues, organ systems, and the whole animal, both during development and in adulthood.
Metabolism is the totality of all chemical reactions that provide energy to cells and maintain the vital state of cells and organisms. Metabolism is a tightly regulated process, and control of metabolic pathways allows organisms to successfully interact with their environment. Metabolic regulation is key to understanding and treating a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and cancer.
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.
The biology of ageing is focused on better understanding the molecular, cellular and physiological processes underlying the ageing process and the diseases associated with this process.
Animal physiology studies how biological processes work, how they operate under different environmental conditions, and how these processes are regulated and integrated. They can be studied at different levels of organisation, from organelles and cell membranes to cells, tissues, organ systems, and the whole animal, both during development and in adulthood.
Metabolism is the totality of all chemical reactions that provide energy to cells and maintain the vital state of cells and organisms. Metabolism is a tightly regulated process, and control of metabolic pathways allows organisms to successfully interact with their environment. Metabolic regulation is key to understanding and treating a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and cancer.
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.
As part of the STRIMHealth project activities, in collaboration with the University of Lisbon, we invite you to participate in the Workshop on Drug Screening Method Development, which will take place on 22 and 23 April 2026 at the IBISS library from 10 to 16h.
The biology of ageing is focused on better understanding the molecular, cellular and physiological processes underlying the ageing process and the diseases associated with this process.
Animal physiology studies how biological processes work, how they operate under different environmental conditions, and how these processes are regulated and integrated. They can be studied at different levels of organisation, from organelles and cell membranes to cells, tissues, organ systems, and the whole animal, both during development and in adulthood.
Metabolism is the totality of all chemical reactions that provide energy to cells and maintain the vital state of cells and organisms. Metabolism is a tightly regulated process, and control of metabolic pathways allows organisms to successfully interact with their environment. Metabolic regulation is key to understanding and treating a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and cancer.
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.
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