She graduated in 2008 from the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Belgrade with a degree in Biochemistry. She obtained her Master's Degree at the same faculty in 2010. In 2018, she defended her PhD thesis entitled "The chemical properties of potentially toxic elements in soil and their impact on the functioning of the species Betula pendula Roth., Acer pseudoplatanus L. and Acer platanoides L. in urban areas of several industrial centers in Serbia". She has been working as a research trainee in the Department of Ecology of the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade since 2011. In 2012, she was appointed as a research assistant and in 2019, and as a research associate in the field of Natural Sciences - Biology.
The scientific research focus is in the field of ecology and environmental protection, primarily in the chemical degradation of soils, i.e. the determination of the degree of pollution, the origin and bioavailability of potentially toxic elements (PTE) in the soils of riparian, urban and industrial ecosystems, as well as the study of the ecophysiological response of plants to the effects of multiple stress factors in the aforementioned habitat types.
In her scientific and research activities to date, she has been involved in the implementation of 8 national and 3 international projects. She has published a total of 61 bibliographic units. According to the Scopus database, she has 460 heterocites and an h-index of 12.
She is a member of the administrative and organizing committee of the international conference YUCORR entitled "Meeting Point of the Science and Practice in the Fields of Corrosion, Materials and Environmental Protection", and a member of the Serbian Biological Society. She is committed to the realization of the goals and tasks of the Union of Engineers and Technicians of Serbia, for which she was awarded the honorary member award in 2022.
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.
Bioremediation is the process in which living organisms (mainly plants, microorganisms, or plant and microbial enzymes) are used to reduce, degrade or detoxify contaminants, pollutants, and toxins in soil, water, and other elements of the environment.
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.
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.
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.
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 Dragan Čakmak enrolled in the Faculty of Agriculture - Department of Water Reclamation 1984/85. and completed his studies on 12 July 1989. He completed his postgraduate studies at the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Belgrade on 6 July 1995. He took up his first employment on 1 June 1990 at the Institute of Agricultural Economics of PKB - Belgrade, and then from 01.07.1995 at the Institute for Soil science in Belgrade. From 1 January 2017, he was employed at the Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" of the University of Belgrade.
On 21.10.2019 he received the title of Principal Research Fellow. He has published 123 scientific publications, 45 of which are included in the SCI list. The published works are mainly in the field of ecology and soil degradation, with special emphasis on receptor modeling to determine the source of potentially toxic elements.
Participation in the projects was characterized by the three most important ones in which he was the leader: (2006-2007) "Soil Survey of the Crni Vrh (Bor) region", Dundee Plemeniti Metali d.o.o., study on impact assessment of the opening of new mines, (2014) "Soil investigation and sediments in flood-threatened areas". The results of the project, in addition to the usual form of presentation of the project results, were presented in the public announcement of the Government of the Republic of Serbia in the form of recommendations for agricultural production on areas from which flood waters have receded, (2018) "Determination of the natural background of certain harmful and hazardous substances in the soil", in order to determine the background of PTEs in the lands of the RS.
Dr Dragan Čakmak is a member of the Serbian Society for the Study of Soils and was its Secretary General from 2015 to 2019.
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. Dina Tucović enrolled in the Faculty of Biology at the University of Belgrade in the academic year 2008/2009. year, at the Molecular Biology and Physiology study group. After completing basic studies, he completed his master's studies in the Immunobiology module in 2014. She enrolled in her doctoral studies in the same year in the Immunobiology module of the Faculty of Biology at the University of Belgrade, and she defended her doctoral dissertation in 2020. She has been employed at the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia since 2017.
Her scientific research work mostly includes examination of the immunomodulatory effects of xenobiotics, primarily cadmium, and mechanisms of contact hypersensitivity reactions, as well as local and systemic reactions after infection with Aspergillus species.
Dina Tucović participated in projects: „Immunomodulatory effects of xenobiotics and biotic factors from the environment on populations of mouse-like rodents“; which was financed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia, the project „Alleviation of pulmonary inflammation with probiotics“; which was financed by the Innovation Fund of the Republic of Serbia and the project “Examination of the biological efficiency of Protector M-25”.
She is a member of the Immunological Society of Serbia.
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. Aleksandra Popov Aleksandrov was born in Zrenjanin, where she completed primary and secondary school. She pursued her undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, the study group Molecular Biology and Physiology, in the academic year 2000/2001., graduating in 2008. She enrolled in doctoral studies in Immunobiology at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, in the academic year 2009/2010, and defended her doctoral dissertation in 2013. She has been employed at the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia since 2008.
Dr. Popov Aleksandrov's scientific research focuses on investigating the effects of xenobiotics, such as cadmium, warfarin, benzo[a]pyrene, on immune homeostasis in specialized barrier tissues (skin, lungs and intestine) as well as on the systemic immune response in laboratory rodents. Additionally, Dr. Popov Aleksandrov studies the mechanisms underlying both physiological (wound healing) and pathological (contact hypersensitivity reactions) processes in the skin.
Participation on projects:
2006-2010 "Investigations of the ecotoxicological aspects of xenobiotics and biotic agents action on populations of mouse-like rodents" which were financed by the Ministry of Science of the Republic of Serbia
2011-2020 "Immunomodulatory effects of xenobiotics and biotic factors from the environment on populations of mouse-like rodents" which were financed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia
2022-“Examination of the biological efficiency of Protector M-25”
Аwards and scholarships:
2016. Research visit at the Department of Clinical Immunodermatology and Infectious Diseases (Prof. Dr. Georg Stingl Laboratory), University of Vienna, Austria, for one month, thanks to the award of the European Federation of Immunological Societies (EFIS)
Scientific society membership:
Immunological Society of Serbia, member of Steering Committee
Serbian Biological Society
Representative of Club of Serbian Young Immunologists (2020-2022)
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.
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.
He was born in 1993 in Kruševac, where he completed primary and secondary school. In 2016, he graduated from the Faculty of Biology at the University of Belgrade in the Ecology module. In the same year, he enrolled in a master's programme in the Environmental Protection module at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade. In 2017, he defended his master's thesis entitled "Modelling the spatial distribution of beech-fir forests (suballiance Abieti-Fagenion moesiacae) in Serbia". In the same year, he enrolled in an academic doctoral programme at the Plant Ecology and Phytogeography module of the Faculty of Biology at the University of Belgrade. From 2017 to 2019 he worked as a teaching assistant at the Department of Plant Ecology and Geography. Since December 2019, he has been employed at the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" – National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, in the Department of Ecology. In November 2022 he was appointed research assistant. During his research activity, he was involved in the implementation of 8 scientific projects, of which two basic research projects were funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development and 6 applied research projects. He conducts research in the field of vegetation ecology, phytocenology and biodiversity conservation. He actively speaks English and Italian. He is a member of the Serbian Biological Society.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Anastasija Malešević was born in Užice. She finished primary and secondary school in Srebrenica. In 2016, she enrolled in the Faculty of Biology at the University of Belgrade in the Biology study program, where she earned the Bachelor’s degree in Biology in 2020. She continued her further education in 2020 at the same parent institution on the Biology study program, module Biology of Microorganisms and obtained the Master’s degree in Biology in 2021. After completing her Master studies, she enrolled in doctoral studies in the Molecular Biology and Physiology study program, Immunobiology module at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, in the same year. She has been employed at the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia since 2021.
Anastasija Malešević's scientific research work includes the examination of the immunotoxic effects of xenobiotics on laboratory animals and cell lines. The research includes the examination of local and systemic immune reactions after the action of xenobiotics, as well as contact hypersensitivity reactions. Part of the research includes the examination of the bacterial microbiota of the skin after exposure to environmental pollutants in order to understand their effect on the homeostasis of the bacterial community in this organ.
She is a member of the Serbian Biological Society and the Club of Serbian Young Immunologists.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ph.D. in biological sciences (average grade 10/10), Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 2009.
Ph.D. studies (course Animal and human physiology, module Experimental endocrinology) enrolled at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, in school year 2006. /2007.
School of Reserve Officers (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense, CBRN), Military Academy Belgrade - Kruševac, 2004.
M.Sc. Molecular biology and physiology (course Experimental biomedicine) (average grade 9.34/10), Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 2003.
Investigations of dr Vladimir Ajdžanović, Principal Research Fellow, are positioned within three coordinates: the phenomenology of aging, the exploitation of experimental rat models of both sexes, and the applied synthetic steroids or natural polyphenols as potential therapeutics of various aging symptoms. The extent from cell morphophysiology to the level of the endocrine system defines the context of elaboration of treatment-induced effects. Specifically, the pituitary-adrenocortical axis and the prostate of aging male, upon application of bioactives of plant origin, are the focus of his scientific interest. Dr Ajdžanović dominantly implements a structural approach, which implies the use of modern analytical and quantitative histological, as well as microscopic anatomical methods in the work. Additionaly, innovative, sound and argumented viewpoints characterize his theoretical contributions to the field of biomedical sciences. Finally, the creative mission of dr Vladimir Ajdžanović includes efforts to bring science and philosophy closer together, while he pays special attention to cultivating the language of philosophy in scientific writing.
In the Kantian manner, dr Ajdžanović spent his entire research career at the Department of Cytology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” – National Institute of Republic of Serbia (IBISS), University of Belgrade. He is the author or co-author of over 80 scientific papers published in international peer-reviewed journals. Dr Vladimir Ajdžanović is a member of Serbian Society for Mitochondrial and Free Radical Physiology, Serbian Physiological Society and Serbian Medical Society.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Svetlana Trifunović is the Principal Research Fellow in the Department of Cytology of the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" (IBISS), National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, where she has been working since 2003. She was Senior Research Associate from 2017 to 2022; Research Associate from 2013 to 2017; Research Associate from 2009 to 2013. She completed her doctoral dissertation under the title "Reaction of the hypothalamic-pituitary system of rats to soy isoflavones: a morphofunctional study" in July 2012. During her scientific career she was involved in three projects financed by the Ministry of Science of the Republic of Serbia. Svetlana Trifunović is currently engaged in the IBISS Work Program funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia, contract number 451-03-66/2024-143200007.
He has been engaged in neuroendocrine research for 20 years. Her research has focused on investigating the effects of various substances (natural or synthetic, hormones or hormone-like substances) on the endocrine glands and the brain. Her most recent research has been focused on the link between physical exercise, aging and endocrine health. He is the author or co-author of more than 90 research papers.
She is also active as a participant and/or coordinator in various projects that promote science.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
SCOPUS ID: 18134822400
Education: Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Ph.D. in Biology (2012)
M.Sc. in Biology (2004)
B.Sc. in Biology (2001)
History of Employment with Positions - Department of Citology, IBISS, Belgrade, Serbia
2022-to present: Principal Research Fellow
2017-2022: Senior Research Associate
2013-2017: Research Associate
Research interests:
The field of experimental and theoretical endocrinology with a focus on developmental programming using modern experimental approaches in microscopy and stereology. The analysis of the pituitary gland, ovaries and testes of rats from fetal to adult period using stereological and morphometrical methods represents a unique approach and the gold standard in the study of morphologic changes that occur during development and/or as a result of prenatal treatment.
Publications:
At present 141 publications: 70 as international and national scientific papers and 71 communications at international and national scientific meetings.
Citations (excluding selfcitations): SCOPUS (453, h index 13)
List of relevant previous projects:
• Grant No. 1710 (IBISS) “Morphofunctional studies of the effects of hormones on the neuroendocrine system during the life cycle”
• Grant No. 143007B (IBISS) “The effects of select plant extracts, phytoestrogens, steroid and peptide hormones on the rat neuroendocrine system”.
• Grant No. 143009 (IBISS) “Response of neuroendocrine system of rats to selected plant extracts, phytoestrogens, steroid and peptide hormones”.
• Currently engaged in the IBISS Work Program funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia, contract number 451-03-66/2024-143200007.
Members of Professional Societis:
• European Microscopy Society
• Serbian Society for Microscopy
• The European Society of Endocrinology
• Serbian biological 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.
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.
Scopus ID: 55889835100
Education:
Ph.D. in Biology (2006): Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
M.Sc. in Biology (2000): Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
B.Sc. in Biology (1996): Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
History of Employment with Positions:
2013 – to present: Principal Research Fellow, Department of Cytology, IBRSS
2007 – 2013: Senior Research Associate, Department of Cytology, IBRSS
2007 – 2008: Research Associate, Department of Cytology, IBRSS
2001 – 2007: Research Assistant, Department of Cytology, IBRSS
Societies:
- Serbian Society for Microscopy
- European Microscopy Society
Research interests:
Main research focus is the implementation of microscopical methods in life sciences, with a focus on quantitative histology, design-based unbiased stereology, image analysis, and signal quantification, particularly in the context of developmental programming, toxicity and female reproduction.
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.
Phone: +381 11 20 78 300
Fax: +381 11 27 61 433
Email: ibiss@ibiss.bg.ac.rs
Bulevar despota Stefana 142
11108 Belgrade
Serbia
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