Dr. Jasmina Grbović-Novaković
Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Contributions with a Direct Impact on the Development and Promotion of the Institute or the Country
Dr. Jasmina Grbović-Novaković has made outstanding scientific contributions to the advancement of hydrogen energy technologies, particularly in the synthesis and characterization of advanced materials for solid-state hydrogen storage, thereby significantly contributing to the development of sustainable energy technologies. As the founder of the CONVINCE Centre of Excellence and the initiator of the first joint Chinese–Serbian laboratory, XJTU–SXQN–VINČA, she has substantially strengthened the research capacities of the Vinča Institute and enhanced its international recognition. Her scientific and professional influence extends beyond the Institute through her contributions to the development of strategic documents in the field of hydrogen energy in Serbia and the wider region, including her leadership in drafting Montenegro's Green Hydrogen Strategy. She has authored and co-authored more than 240 scientific publications, while her internationally recognized research also encompasses advanced superconductors and high-entropy alloys, alongside significant contributions to the education and mentoring of young researchers and the advancement of international scientific cooperation. Through her longstanding dedication to scientific research, organizational development and professional activities, Dr. Grbović-Novaković has made an exceptional contribution to the development of the Vinča Institute, its positioning within the European Research Area and the recognition of Serbia in the field of modern energy technologies.
Dr. Srđan Stavrić
Award for Achievements in Fundamental Research Representing a Significant Scientific Contribution
Dr. Srđan Stavrić has achieved outstanding results in theoretical condensed matter physics, particularly in the study of magnetic multiferroic and two-dimensional materials, whose properties offer new opportunities for the development of spintronics and energy-efficient electronic devices. His research has contributed to a deeper understanding of fundamental quantum phenomena and the prediction of novel effects in the electronic band structure of materials, including the nonreciprocal electronic band effect in multiferroics. Of particular significance is his contribution to research on a new class of magnetic materials, with findings published in the prestigious journal Nature, as well as research papers published in Nature Communications and Physical Review Letters. During 2024 and 2025, he published seven scientific papers in international journals, four of which appeared in journals of exceptional international standing, demonstrating the high quality and originality of his research.Through international collaboration, leadership of bilateral research projects and the development of theoretical models of advanced functional materials, Dr. Stavrić has made a substantial contribution to the international visibility and scientific reputation of the Vinča Institute.
Dr. Danica Zmejkoski
Award for Achievements in Applied Research Representing a Significant Scientific Contribution
Dr. Danica Zmejkoski has achieved significant results in the development of innovative biocompatible materials intended for the treatment of chronic wounds and the prevention of infections, with a particular focus on composite hydrogels based on bacterial cellulose. Her research encompasses the development of photoactive biomaterials that combine bacterial cellulose with graphene quantum dots and other nanomaterials, enabling antibacterial and antibiofilm activity under visible-light irradiation. Experimental studies have demonstrated that the developed materials can reduce pathogenic biofilm formation by more than 50%, while simultaneously promoting cell migration and processes essential for tissue regeneration. Particularly noteworthy is her development of innovative wound-healing formulations, whose effectiveness has also been confirmed in preclinical studies using animal models, as well as her involvement in two national patent applications filed in 2024. During 2024 and 2025, Dr. Zmejkoski published six scientific papers in international journals, including two in journals of exceptional scientific standing (M21a) and four in leading international journals (M21), demonstrating the quality of her research and its importance for the development of modern biomaterials. By linking scientific research with practical opportunities for medical and veterinary applications, she has made a significant contribution to the development of functional biomaterials and the strengthening of the Vinča Institute's innovation potential.
Dr. Mila Milenković
Award for Achievements in Fundamental Research by Early-Career Researchers
Dr. Mila Milenković has achieved notable scientific results in the synthesis, functionalization and characterization of carbon-based nanomaterials, particularly graphene quantum dots and graphene oxide, with the aim of developing materials with enhanced optical and functional properties. Her research has contributed to a better understanding of the photoactivity of graphene quantum dots and their potential applications in combating pathogenic microorganisms, including the development of nanomaterials capable of generating reactive oxygen species upon exposure to light. Particularly significant are the results obtained through the functionalization of graphene quantum dots with gold nanoparticles and curcumin, leading to the development of novel photoactive systems with potential antibacterial applications. A substantial part of her research has also focused on developing graphene oxide–silver nanowire composites and biomass-derived carbon materials intended for electromagnetic radiation shielding. Between 2024 and 2025, she published eight scientific papers in international journals, including three in journals of exceptional scientific standing (M21a), four in leading international journals (M21) and one in a distinguished international journal (M22), demonstrating notable scientific productivity in the field of advanced carbon nanomaterials. Her high degree of independence in experimental research, extensive scientific output and active participation in international collaboration confirm her contribution to advancing research on advanced nanomaterials at the Vinča Institute.
Dr. Nataša Knežević
Award for Achievements in Applied Research by Early-Career Researchers
Dr. Nataša Knežević has achieved notable results in the development of sustainable functional materials and innovative environmental protection technologies, with a particular focus on wastewater treatment and waste valorization. Her research focuses on developing adsorbents and membrane materials based on natural fibres, biosilica and layered double hydroxides, designed for the efficient removal of various pollutants from aqueous systems. She has made a significant scientific contribution through the development of multifunctional materials that combine adsorption, photocatalytic degradation and enzymatic degradation of pollutants, while incorporating the principles of green chemistry and the circular economy. During 2024 and 2025, she published six scientific papers in international journals, participated in the development of two technical solutions and contributed to the advancement of patent-protected technologies, including innovative processes for polymer waste valorization. Through her research and innovation activities, as well as collaboration with domestic and international scientific institutions and industry partners, Dr. Knežević has made a substantial contribution to the development of environmentally friendly technologies, the strengthening of applied research and the advancement of international scientific cooperation at the Vinča Institute.