EDUCATION:
2024 – PhD studies, Faculty of Biology, Molecular Biology program, Animal and Human Physiology module
2023 – 2024 – Master of Biology, Biology program, Experimental Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
Master's thesis: "Effects of Glyphosate-Based Herbicides and Elevated Temperature on Oxidative Stress Parameters in Larvae of the Tailed Amphibian Triturus ivanbureschi"
2019 – 2023 – Bachelor of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade
Bachelor's thesis: "Biodegradation of Dibenzothiophene by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain SAN AI"
WORK EXPERIENCE:
2024 – Research Trainee at the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Immunology
2022 – 2023 – Internship at the Institute of Chemistry, Technology, and Metallurgy
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH FIELD:
Neuroimmunology, autoimmune diseases, with a focus on multiple sclerosis and the animal model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. The role of the lung and gut immune system in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
Inflammation is a response to damage and danger in organisms and is an integral part of research in immunology, but also in other scientific disciplines, since inflammation occurs in numerous pathological conditions like diabetes or cancer. Immunology studies body’s defence mechanisms at cellular and molecular level in infective diseases, as well as immune system malfunctions in autoimmune diseases and allergies Modification of body’s immune system is useful in treatment of these diseases, and can be performed through pharmacological modulation or immunotherapy, where immune cells or their parts are used. Acute-phase proteins and potential biological markers of inflammation involved in the modification and integration of signalling pathways are being investigated in order to predict and intervene in diseases.
Neurobiology studies the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system. From the molecular and biochemical basis of this system, to the study of behavioral plasticity, to understanding the driving forces of neurodegenerative diseases and how they can be treated. Electrophysiology studies biophysical properties in vertebrate neurons and links morphofunctional features of the brain to observed animal behavior. The ultimate goal is to identify active substances that may have a protective effect in neurological and psychiatric diseases.
EDUCATION:
2024 -
PhD in Cellular and Molecular Oncology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
2023-2024
Master of Science in Cell and Tissue Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
Master’s Thesis: “Structural and redox reprogramming of brown adipose tissue in mice with functionally silenced Nrf2 in an orthotopic breast cancer model”
grade: 10.00
2019-2023
Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
grade: 9.86
WORK EXPERIENCE:
2025 - Junior Research Assistant, Department of Physiology, IBISS, University of Belgrade
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
Molecular mechanisms of redox regulation of vital cellular processes in physiological and pathophysiological conditions such as tumors. The central interest is the investigation of redox-sensitive transcription factors and molecular processes, especially in terms of the potential modulation of cellular redox status for therapeutic purposes.
AWARDS:
2025. “Ivan Đaja” Award for the best master’s thesis in the field of physiology.
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.
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.
Lecturer: Dr. Slobodan Davidović, Department of Population Genetics and Ecogenotoxicology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade
Time: Wednesday, 26th February 2025, 13.00
Venue: IBISS Library
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.
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.
It is a pleasure for the STRIMHealth team from the University of Belgrade – Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” (IBISS) to announce the 2nd Training on Targeted and Non-targeted MS-data Analysis in Lipidomics that will be hosted at IBISS (Belgrade, Serbia) from March 11 – 12, 2025.
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.
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.
Education:
PhD studies: University of Belgrade - Faculty of Biology (Belgrade, Serbia), Study program Molecular biology, module Physiology, submodule Animal and Human Physiology, 2024 -
MSc studies in Ecology: University of Belgrade - Faculty of Biology, 2020-2022.
BSc studies in Biology: University of Belgrade - Faculty of Biology, 2015-2020.
Research interests:
Scientific research includes molecular physiological biomonitoring based on the parameters of the antioxidant defense system; general and biomedical ecophysiology.
Employment:
2025 - : Junior Research Assistant, Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” – National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade.
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.
Ecotoxicology studeies the toxic effects of chemicals on the environment. The effects are studied at the level of molecules, cells, tissues, organs, individual organisms, populations or ecosystems.
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.
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 to improve the research management skills of IBISS researchers and staff, we are pleased to announce the Training on EU-based research funding and project management, which will take place on March 10, 2025, at the Library of the Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” (Belgrade, Serbia).
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.
Ecotoxicology studeies the toxic effects of chemicals on the environment. The effects are studied at the level of molecules, cells, tissues, organs, individual organisms, populations or ecosystems.
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.
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.
Luka Grbović was born on October 9, 1996, in Belgrade, where in 2015 he enrolled in graduate academic studies at the Faculty of Biology - University of Belgrade. He graduated in 2020 with an average grade of 8.65 in the Biology module.
In 2020, at the same faculty, he enrolled in the master's academic studies in the Zoology module, which he completed in 2021 with an average grade of 10, defending the master's thesis "Zoological component of periphyton from artificial substrates in the Baračka pond (SRP "Upper Podunavlje") - diversity and monthly dynamics".
He enrolled in doctoral studies in 2024 at the Faculty of Biology - University of Belgrade, study program Biology, module Algology. The preparation of the doctoral dissertation will be conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Jelena Krizmanić from the Faculty of Biology and Dr. Božica Vasiljević from the "Siniša Stanković" Institute for Biological Research, an institute of national importance for the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade.
Since February 3, 2025, he has been employed as a junior research assistant at the “Siniša Stanković” Institute for Biological Research, in the Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection.
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.
Biomonitoring is the process of systematically observing, measuring, and analysing the physiological, biochemical, molecular, and genetic responses of living organisms to environmental changes, thus providing qualitative or quantitative information on the state of the environment. It includes the use of various bioindicators, biomonitors, bioaccumulators, and biomarkers.
Functional ecology focuses on the understanding of various biological phenomena (functions) at different levels of organization from organisms to ecosystems, thus enabling the understanding of the existence of certain patterns in nature. It identifies and studies the processes and/or activities that keep an organism or entire ecosystem functioning.
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.
Environmental protection comprises reduction or prevention of pollution, negative impacts on the environment, damage caused to ecosystems or natural resources caused by human activities.
On 04th February 2025, Dr. Milica Pešić, a representative of the IBISS KTT team in the BIO4 delegation, visited Pfizer's Center for Digital Innovation in Thessaloniki, where she learned how the centre works. During the visit, she gave a short presentation. She presented IBISS as an institution with broad biodiversity, biotechnology, and biomedicine expertise that is open to collaboration and has great innovation potential.
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.
Biomonitoring is the process of systematically observing, measuring, and analysing the physiological, biochemical, molecular, and genetic responses of living organisms to environmental changes, thus providing qualitative or quantitative information on the state of the environment. It includes the use of various bioindicators, biomonitors, bioaccumulators, and biomarkers.
Functional ecology focuses on the understanding of various biological phenomena (functions) at different levels of organization from organisms to ecosystems, thus enabling the understanding of the existence of certain patterns in nature. It identifies and studies the processes and/or activities that keep an organism or entire ecosystem functioning.
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.
Environmental protection comprises reduction or prevention of pollution, negative impacts on the environment, damage caused to ecosystems or natural resources caused by human activities.
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.
Biomonitoring is the process of systematically observing, measuring, and analysing the physiological, biochemical, molecular, and genetic responses of living organisms to environmental changes, thus providing qualitative or quantitative information on the state of the environment. It includes the use of various bioindicators, biomonitors, bioaccumulators, and biomarkers.
Functional ecology focuses on the understanding of various biological phenomena (functions) at different levels of organization from organisms to ecosystems, thus enabling the understanding of the existence of certain patterns in nature. It identifies and studies the processes and/or activities that keep an organism or entire ecosystem functioning.
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.
Environmental protection comprises reduction or prevention of pollution, negative impacts on the environment, damage caused to ecosystems or natural resources caused by human activities.
My name is Maša Marković, and I was born on November 27, 2000, in Belgrade. I graduated from the First Belgrade Gymnasium, specializing in the natural sciences and mathematics track, in 2019. That same year, I enrolled in the first year of undergraduate academic studies at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, in the Biology study program. I completed my undergraduate studies in 2023 with a GPA of 9.14 and earned the title of Bachelor of Biology. In 2023, I enrolled in a master's academic program at the Faculty of Biology, specializing in Immunology. I conducted the experimental part of my master's thesis at the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković," focusing on "The effect of phenethyl ester of rosmarinic acid on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in immune lung cells." I successfully defended my thesis in 2024, completing my master's studies with a GPA of 10.00 and earning the title of Master of Biology. Additionally, I had the opportunity to participate in the 13th Conference of the Serbian Biochemical Society as a contributor with an abstract and a poster on the topic "Phenethyl ester of rosmarinic acid ameliorates acute respiratory distress syndrome."
I have enrolled in the first year of doctoral academic studies at the Faculty of Biology in the Molecular Biology and Physiology program, under the submodule Animal and Human Physiology. I have continued my research collaboration and scientific work at the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković."
My dissertation research focuses on examining the effects of NRF2 activators on various experimental models of autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, and experimental myocarditis. Additionally, my research encompasses inflammatory diseases, with a particular emphasis on acute respiratory distress syndrome. The goal of my work is to assess the potential of NRF2 activators in modulating immune response processes.
Inflammation is a response to damage and danger in organisms and is an integral part of research in immunology, but also in other scientific disciplines, since inflammation occurs in numerous pathological conditions like diabetes or cancer. Immunology studies body’s defence mechanisms at cellular and molecular level in infective diseases, as well as immune system malfunctions in autoimmune diseases and allergies Modification of body’s immune system is useful in treatment of these diseases, and can be performed through pharmacological modulation or immunotherapy, where immune cells or their parts are used. Acute-phase proteins and potential biological markers of inflammation involved in the modification and integration of signalling pathways are being investigated in order to predict and intervene in diseases.
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