Dr Božica Vasiljević graduated in 2008 from the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, module Ecology and Environmental Protection. She enrolled in doctoral academic studies at the Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac and in 2017 defended doctoral thesis entitled "Benthic diatoms (Bacillariоphyta) in assessment of the ecological status of the Velika Morava and the Sava rivers". Since 2008 she has been employed at the Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, IBISS. The scientific research of dr Božica Vasiljević includes ecology of benthic organisms in aquatic ecosystems and water protection, with a narrower field of interest in ecology and biodiversity of benthic diatoms, as well as the development of diatom based methods for biological monitoring of freshwater ecosystems. She participated in the implementation of two national, three international and numerous applicable projects. Dr Božica Vasiljević contributed with professional help in trainings and consultations for the identification of benthic diatoms. During The European Researchers' Night in 2023 (HORIZON-MSCA-2022-CITIZENS-01 – ReFocuS Art – 101061356) she actively participated in promoting science. She is a member of the Serbian Biological Society and the Serbian Society for 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.
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 Bojana Tubić has received diplomas: M.Sc. Biology, University of Belgrade, Serbia (2002) and PhD in Biology: Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Serbia (Title of dissertation: Testing different methods for sampling macroinvertebrates in aquatic ecosystems and examination of the possibility for their standardization; (2016)). She has been working at IBISS since 2003; since 2017 as a Research associate. She has 20 years of experience in field sampling of aquatic macroinvertebrates, taxonomy of aquatic macroinvertebrates, especially aquatic insects, water quality assessment and investigation of ecological interactions within macroinvertebrate communities in different types of water bodies, including the development of ecological status indices as very important tools for the Water Management Plan for the territory of the Republic of Serbia. Since the beginning of her career, she has been involved in the implementation of 11 national and 6 international projects, including one bilateral cooperation project. She was the leader of the applied national project “Biodiversity Study of Rogozna Mountain – investigation field No. 2385” (Contract No. 01-448). During her career, she has published 104 bibliographic articles, which have been cited 161 times according to the Scopus database, and her citation h-index is 6. Dr Bojana Tubić is involved in the education and training of scientific staff as a member of the Committee and has participated in the preparation of two doctoral theses. She also actively participated in the promotion of science during the European Researchers' Night as part of the project "The Road to Friday of Science - ReFocuS 3.0", funded by the European Commission under "Horizon 2020" - Programme for Research and Innovation Activities, sub-programme "Maria Sklodovska Curie". She is a member of professional organizations: Serbian Biological Society and Serbian Society for 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.
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.
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.
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.
Environmental protection comprises reduction or prevention of pollution, negative impacts on the environment, damage caused to ecosystems or natural resources caused by human activities.
Ana Atanacković was born in Belgrade, where she completed primary and secondary school. In 2004, she graduated from the Faculty of Biology at the University of Belgrade. In 2015, she completed her doctoral academic studies at the same faculty, specializing in Ecology, biogeography and biodiversity conservation, module Hydroecology. Her dissertation was titled "Aquatic oligochaetes (Annelida, Clitellata, Oligochaeta) in different types of watercourses in Serbia".
Since June 2006, she has been employed at the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" at the University of Belgrade. She was appointed Associate Researcher in 2010, Research Associate in 2016 and Senior Research Associate in 2022.
Ana Atanacković is continuously working on issues related to the ecology of aquatic ecosystems. Her research in the field of aquatic ecology is based on monitoring changes in the habitats of aquatic ecosystems under the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors and the role of macroinvertebrates in biological monitoring.
In her work, she has particularly focused on the distribution and structure of communities of small aquatic worms (Annelida: Oligochaeta), which often dominate the bottom fauna and represent an important bioindicator component in aquatic ecosystems. Monitoring the distribution of another related group of aquatic worms from the Annelida group (Polychaeta) is also a topic that Atanacković deals with in her research. With her experience in the identification, knowledge of taxonomy and morphology of oligochaetes, she contributes to international cooperation, both in the study of their communities in the country and in the region, as well as in the monitoring of non-native and invasive species of this group of organisms and in the assessment of their risk to native communities and aquatic ecosystems.
Ana Atanacković is a member of the Serbian Biological Society and the Serbian Society for 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.
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.
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.
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.
Environmental protection comprises reduction or prevention of pollution, negative impacts on the environment, damage caused to ecosystems or natural resources caused by human activities.
● Basic information:
Date and place of birth: 23.02.1992. Valjevo, Serbia
● Field of research: population and conservation genetics, experimental evolution, genomics
● Education:
o 2016 – 2024: Doctoral academic studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
- Program: Biology; Module: Genetics
o 2015 – 2016: Master of Academic Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
- Program: Biology; Module: Applied Genetics
o 2011 – 2015: Basic academic studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
- Program: Biology
● Employment history:
o 2017-present: Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia
● Selected projects:
o "Dynamics of the gene pool, genetic and phenotypic variability of populations, determined by environmental changes", OI173012, funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, 2017-2079.
o "The influence of increased concentration of heavy metals in the environment on the genetic structure and adaptive processes of natural populations of organisms (TEMEGENS)", contract number 03-2019, financed by the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 2019-2020.
o "Honey bees of Serbia, wild vs. managed colonies through the eyes of population geneticists (SERBHIWE)", invitation PROMIS contract number 6066205, financed by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, 2020-2022.
● International scientific collaboration and mobility
o DrosEU (http://droseu.net/genetic-of-populations-and-ecogenotoxicology-belgrade-drosophila-group/)
● Membership in scientific societies:
o Serbian Genetic Society, Entomological Society of Serbia, European Society for Evolutionary Biology (ESEB)
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.
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.
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.
The evolution of life history traits explains how evolutionary mechanisms (primarily natural selection) optimize the survival and reproduction of organisms under specific environmental conditions. Life history traits form the basis of an organism's adaptive value and include: developmental time, size, number, size and sex of offspring, survival rate at different life stages, longevity; etc. At the Institute, the evolution of life histories is studied in natural and laboratory populations.
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.
Population genetics studies genetic composition - distribution and change in frequency of alleles over time, within and between populations. It uses mathematical models of allele frequency dynamics, makes predictions about the likely patterns of genetic variation in actual populations, and tests the predictions against empirical data.
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.
BASIC INFO
Date and place of birth: 02.09.1988. Loznica, Serbia
OBRAZOVANJE
2015 – to date: Doctoral academic studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
- Module: Genetics
2013 – 2014: Master's studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
- Module: Entomology
2007 – 2013: Basic academic studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
- Program: General Biology
AREAS OF RESEARCH
Population genetics, Ecogenotoxicology, Entomology, Conservation genetics
WORK EXPERIENCE
• from 2020 - until today: Associate researcher at the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade
• 2017 – 2020: Trainee researcher at the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade
• During the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 school years, by invitation, participation in practical classes at the Genetics course at the OAS at the Faculty of Biology as a doctoral student – demonstrator
PROJECTS
• "Dynamics of the gene pool, genetic and phenotypic variability of populations in changing environmental conditions" (no. pr. 173012)
• Projects of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development under registration numbers r 451-03-9/2021-14/200178 and 451-03-9/2021-14/200007.
• TEMEGENS
• “Honey bees of Serbia, wild vs. managed colonies through the eyes of population geneticists (SERBHIWE)”, call PROMIS contract number 6066205, funded by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, 2020-2022
MEMBERSHIP IN SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES AND INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION
• 2017 - member of the international project funded by STN ESEB (Drosophila population genomic research network) DrosEU (http://droseu.net/genetic-of-populations-and-ecogenotoxicology-belgrade-drosophila-group/)
• Member of the Society of Geneticists of Serbia, the Entomological Society of Serbia, the European Society for Evolutionary Biology (ESEB), the Slovenian Odonatological Society (SOD) and the Serbian Society for Molecular Biology
LINKS TO DATABASE OF RESEARCHERS AND THEIR WORK
• ResearchGate
Epigenetics studies changes in gene expression that are not accompanied by changes in the sequence of DNA molecules, as well as their transmission and transgenerational maintenance. Researchers at the Institute study the mechanisms of stable maintenance of expression of certain genes (mechanisms of changes in the DNA methylation pattern), as well as the possibility of changing epigenetic marks for therapeutic purposes using CRISPR/Cas9 fused constructs. The target diseases researchers are focused on are diabetes and triple negative breast cancer.
The evolution of life history traits explains how evolutionary mechanisms (primarily natural selection) optimize the survival and reproduction of organisms under specific environmental conditions. Life history traits form the basis of an organism's adaptive value and include: developmental time, size, number, size and sex of offspring, survival rate at different life stages, longevity; etc. At the Institute, the evolution of life histories is studied in natural and laboratory populations.
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.
Population genetics studies genetic composition - distribution and change in frequency of alleles over time, within and between populations. It uses mathematical models of allele frequency dynamics, makes predictions about the likely patterns of genetic variation in actual populations, and tests the predictions against empirical data.
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.
Education
2004 PhD, Biology, University of Belgrade, Serbia
1994 MSc, Biology, University of Belgrade, Serbia
1989 BSc, Biology, University of Belgrade,Serbia
Research Interests
The field of scientific research work and interests includes the area of population and ecological genetics. The research includes analysis of the effects of various environmental influences on the biology, genetics and neurobiology of invertebrate behaviour. The applied field of research focuses on medicinal plants' genetic toxicology.
Work Experience
2017 Principal Research Fellow, Department of genetics of populations and ecogenotoxicology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic" - National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade
2012 Senior Research Associate, Department of genetics of populations and ecogenotoxicology, Institute for Biological Research, Belgrade, Serbia
2010 - 2016 Head of the Department of genetics of populations and ecogenotoxicology, Institute for Biological Research, Belgrade, Serbia
2005 Research Associate, Department of Genetics, Institute for Biological Research, Belgrade, Serbia
1994 Research Assistant, Department of Genetics, Institute for Biological Research, Belgrade, Serbia
1989 Research Trainee, Department of Genetics, Institute for Biological Research, Belgrade, Serbia
Activities
Active participant in projects and bilateral cooperation agreements of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia since 1989. Author and co-author of numerous publications in prestigious international journals. The mentor of graduate and PhD theses and a lecturer on doctoral studies. Achieved significant activities in committees for the scientific and teaching positions. Participated in several national and international conferences. Member of several scientific societies. Award of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environmental Protection, Republic of Serbia for successful research (2004). Contributed to the research of efficient processing of organic waste and studies of the biological activity of royal jelly (firm "Altamed" Ltd). Participated in the Ministry of Science and Environmental Protection competition of Serbia for the best technological innovation (2007).
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.
Behavioural biology studies animal behaviour at a systemic level by integrating behavioural, ecological, physiological, and molecular approaches to describe how different behavioral elements have been shaped through evolution.
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.
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.
Population genetics studies genetic composition - distribution and change in frequency of alleles over time, within and between populations. It uses mathematical models of allele frequency dynamics, makes predictions about the likely patterns of genetic variation in actual populations, and tests the predictions against empirical data.
● Research field: population and conservation genetics
● Education:
Ph.D. biological sciences (2010-2018), Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade studies. Defended
Master of Science degree equivalent in biology (2005-2010), Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade.
● Employment history:
o 2011-2019: Institute of molecular genetics and genetic engineering, University of Belgrade
o 2019-present: Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, University of Belgrade
● Selected projects:
o “Dynamics of gene pool, genetic and phenotypic variability of populations, determined by the environmental changes”, OI173012, funded by the Ministry of education, science and technological development, 2019.
o “Ethnogenesis of the Serbs during the Middle Ages: a comparative analysis of the historic-cultural heritage, genetic material and artefacts of material culture from the aspect of analytical chemistry”, III47025, funded by the Ministry of education, science and technological development, 2011-2019.
o Science in Motion for Friday Night Commotion 2018-2019 (SCIMFONICOM 2018-2019), H2020-818747, funded by European Commission.
o “The influence of increased concentration of heavy metals in the environment on the genetic structure and adaptive processes of natural populations of organisms (TEMEGENS)”, strategic project contract number 03-2019, funded by Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 2019-2020.
o “Honey bees of Serbia, wild vs. managed colonies through the eyes of population geneticists (SERBHIWE)”, call PROMIS contract number 6066205, funded by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, 2020-2022, Principal investigator.
● Awards, prizes, etc.:
o 2010. “Goran Ljubijankić” foundation award for the best graduation work in the field of molecular biology defended
o 2018. “Goran Ljubijankić” foundation award for the best Ph.D. thesis in the field of molecular biology defended
o 2019. “Stanka Romac” foundation award for the best Ph.D. thesis in the field of human molecular biology or biomedicine
o 2023. „Golden Bee Award“ of the Republic of Slovenia for the research into bees and other pollinators
● International scientific collaboration and mobility
o DrosEU (http://droseu.net/genetic-of-populations-and-ecogenotoxicology-belgrade-drosophila-group/)
● Scientific membership: Serbian Genetic Society, Serbian Society for Molecular Biology, 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.
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.
Population genetics studies genetic composition - distribution and change in frequency of alleles over time, within and between populations. It uses mathematical models of allele frequency dynamics, makes predictions about the likely patterns of genetic variation in actual populations, and tests the predictions against empirical data.
● Date and place of birth: April 28, 1982, Belgrade
● Research areas: population, conservation, and quantitative genetics
● Education:
o Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (2009-2016), Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
o Equivalent Master of Science in Biology (2001-2007), Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
● Employment history:
o 2011-2015: Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
o 2015-present: Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković," Institute of National Importance for the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade
● Selected projects:
o "Dynamics of gene pools, genetic and phenotypic variability of populations in changing environmental conditions," basic research OI173012, funded by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technological Development, 2019, Project Participant
o "TEMEGENS - The effect of increased concentration of heavy metals in the environment on genetic structure and adaptive processes in natural populations of organisms" (contract No. 03-2019), strategic project of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 2019–2020, Project Participant
o "Ecological and genetic research of Drosophila populations in the central Balkans," funded by the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 2018-2020, Project Participant
o "Honey bees of Serbia, wild vs. managed colonies through the eyes of population geneticists (SERBHIWE)," funded under the PROMIS call of the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia (No. 6066205), 2020-2022, Project Participant
o "EUROPEAN DROSOPHILA POPULATION GENOMICS," funded by the ESEB – Special Topics Network (STN), Project Participant
● International scientific collaboration and mobility:
o DrosEU (http://droseu.net/genetic-of-populations-and-ecogenotoxicology-belgrade-drosophila-group/)
● Skills:
o Experienced researcher in laboratory and field work, skilled scientific communicator
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.
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.
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.
The evolution of life history traits explains how evolutionary mechanisms (primarily natural selection) optimize the survival and reproduction of organisms under specific environmental conditions. Life history traits form the basis of an organism's adaptive value and include: developmental time, size, number, size and sex of offspring, survival rate at different life stages, longevity; etc. At the Institute, the evolution of life histories is studied in natural and laboratory populations.
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.
Population genetics studies genetic composition - distribution and change in frequency of alleles over time, within and between populations. It uses mathematical models of allele frequency dynamics, makes predictions about the likely patterns of genetic variation in actual populations, and tests the predictions against empirical data.
Research field: Ecology, ornithology, conservation biology, and conservation genetics
Education:
• PhD in ecological sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade. (2022).
• Master of Science degree equivalent in biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade. (2012).
Employment history:
• Natural History Museum Belgrade (2021-2023).
• Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, University of Belgrade (2023-present)
Selected projects:
• "Belgrade Ornithological Research and Ringing Center" the project of the Birds of Prey Protection Foundation, was co-funded by the Secretariat for Environmental Protection, City Administration of the City of Belgrade (V-01/4011-51). (2020).
• “Management of Griffon Vulture’s Population (Gyps fulvus) in Special Nature Reserves:” Trešnjica River Gorge” and “Uvac” through Marking and Monitoring Programs Using Satellite Technology and Video Surveillance” the project of the Birds of Prey Protection Foundation, was co-funded by the Ministry of Environment Protection (401-00-745/2019-05). (2019).
• “Management of the population of Griffon Vulture using satellite technology” the project of the Birds of Prey Protection Foundation, was co-funded by the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia (401-00-742/18-05). (2018).
• "Belgrade's Falcons" the project of the Foundation for the Protection of Birds of Prey, was co-funded by the Secretariat for Environmental Protection, City Administration of the City of Belgrade (401.127/2014-5-01).(2014).
Scientific membership: 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.
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.
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.
The evolution of life history traits explains how evolutionary mechanisms (primarily natural selection) optimize the survival and reproduction of organisms under specific environmental conditions. Life history traits form the basis of an organism's adaptive value and include: developmental time, size, number, size and sex of offspring, survival rate at different life stages, longevity; etc. At the Institute, the evolution of life histories is studied in natural and laboratory populations.
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.
Population genetics studies genetic composition - distribution and change in frequency of alleles over time, within and between populations. It uses mathematical models of allele frequency dynamics, makes predictions about the likely patterns of genetic variation in actual populations, and tests the predictions against empirical data.
● Date and place of birth: 02.10.1976. Belgrade, Serbia
● Research field: Population and Ecological Genetics, Eco/Geno/toxicology
● Education:
2016: PhD in Biology, Faculty of Biology UB (average grade 9.90/10); module: Population genetics and environmental protection
2004: Master of Science degree equivalent in Biology, Faculty of Biology UB (average grade 9.22/10)
● Employment history:
2005 - present: Department of Genetics of Populations and Ecogenotoxicology, IBISS
● Selected projects:
2011-2019: Dynamics of gene pool, genetic and phenotypic variability of populations, determined by the environmental changes, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development
2013: Molecular analysis of black poplar (Populus nigra L.) populations’ variability using molecular markers, the South East Europe Transnational Cooperation Programme DANUBEPARKS Step 2.0
2018-2019: Researchers’ Night ReFocuS 2.0, H2020-MSCA-NIGHT-2018, European commission
2019-2020: The influence of increased concentration of heavy metals in the environment on the genetic structure and adaptive processes of natural populations of organisms -TEMEGENS, Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts
2020-2022: Honey bees of Serbia, wild vs. managed colonies through the eyes of population geneticists -SERBHIWE, call PROMIS, the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia
● International scientific collaboration and mobility:
European Drosophila Population Genomics Consortium
● Skills:
Experienced researcher in both laboratory and fieldwork, experienced science communicator
● Other:
2006 - present: engaged in education, both in formal and informal forms (Petnica Research Station, Regional Center for Talented Youth), as well as in the promotion and dissemination of scientific results
2015-2017: program coordinator for the Science Festival Belgrade
2012-2020 (except 2018): participant and member of the project team of six European Researchers’ Night (FP7 and H2020) projects
2019-2023: member of the program board of the Center for the Promotion of Science for the selection of projects that promote and popularize science and technology
Member of Organization Committee of three international congresses (2014, 2019, 2024), and one international symposium (2012) of the Serbian Genetic Society; Member of Organization team of 2022 DrosEU meeting in Belgrade
● Memberships:
Serbian Genetics Society, Serbian Biological Society, European Society for Evolutionary Biology, European Environmental Mutagen 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.
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.
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.
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.
The evolution of life history traits explains how evolutionary mechanisms (primarily natural selection) optimize the survival and reproduction of organisms under specific environmental conditions. Life history traits form the basis of an organism's adaptive value and include: developmental time, size, number, size and sex of offspring, survival rate at different life stages, longevity; etc. At the Institute, the evolution of life histories is studied in natural and laboratory populations.
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.
Population genetics studies genetic composition - distribution and change in frequency of alleles over time, within and between populations. It uses mathematical models of allele frequency dynamics, makes predictions about the likely patterns of genetic variation in actual populations, and tests the predictions against empirical data.
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.
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