Dr. Jelena Blagojević

Jelena Blagojević graduated in Biology from the Faculty of Science at the University of Belgrade in 1988, and next year started her research career at the Institute for Biological Research. In 1991, she completed a Master's degree in genetics and, in 1997, she obtained a Doctor of Science degree in the same field. Since 2019, she has been the Head of the Department for Genetic Research.

Her research interests are mainly focused on the areas of population and evolutionary genetics. Throughout her research work, she has been studying the phenomenon of B chromosomes (Bs) and various aspects of their biology. This is the oldest known chromosomal polymorphism studied in mammals. Her most significant achievements have been in the studies conducted in natural populations of Apodemus flavicollis. Her work in this area has not only made significant progress in understanding the widespread distribution of Bs in this species but has also opened up new research directions and defined new concepts and approaches for studying Bs in mammals. Her research on the B chromosome includes its origin, maintenance mechanisms, and phenotype-level effects ranging from morphology to gene expression.

In addition to the B chromosome, her scientific interests are also focused on cytogenetics, population genetics, and evolutionary ecological issues. Part of the interest concerns the host-parasite co-evolution, speciation dynamics, and the anthropogenic impact on the genetic diversity of small rodents and insectivores, alongside their parasites, particularly in urban environments. Furthermore, she displays a keen interest in ecogenotoxicology and explores the effects of environmental factors on DNA integrity.

Dr. Blagojević is dedicated to mentoring work and is a teacher of doctoral studies at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade. She is active in the dissemination of scientific results and is a member of relevant professional associations, including the Society of Geneticists of Serbia, where she is a member of the Presidency.