University of Kragujevac celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science

For the fourth time, the University of Kragujevac recognized outstanding female researchers from its 12 faculties and the Institute of Information Technologies. The awards were presented to distinguished researchers from various academic fields, including natural sciences, engineering, medical sciences, social sciences, humanities, and the arts, further demonstrating the University’s strong commitment to gender equality and excellence in research.

Addressing the audience, prof. dr Vladimir Ranković, Rector of the University of Kragujevac, and prof. dr Biljana Petrović, Vice-Rector for Scientific Research, emphasized the vital role of women in advancing science and innovation. They highlighted the importance of sustained institutional support to enhance the visibility of women’s scientific work and to foster their continued professional development.

As part of the program, a scientific lecture entitled “Fungi and Lichens – Potential Resources of Biologically Active Substances” was delivered by dr Marijana Kosanić, associate professor at the Faculty of Science. Her research has been internationally recognized and featured for several years on the prestigious Stanford University list of the world’s most-cited scientists.

On behalf of the award recipients, assoc. prof. dr Sonja Veljović from the Faculty of Hotel Management and Tourism in Vrnjačka Banja addressed the audience, encouraging young women to pursue careers in research and emphasizing that perseverance and dedication are key to success despite professional challenges.

A musical segment, performed by Sofija Jovanović and Marina Stevanović—flute students from the class of full professor Karolj Maročik—along with piano accompaniment by Nevena Gligorić, independent artistic associate, added a cultural dimension to the ceremony.

Award Recipients – Best Female Scientists of the University of Kragujevac for 2025:

• Dr Radmila Ilić, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Agronomy in Čačak
• Dr Marijana Bugarčić, Assistant Professor with a PhD, Faculty of Economics
• Dr Danijela Tadić, Full Professor, Faculty of Engineering Sciences
• Dr Snežana Ćirić Kostić, Associate Professor, Faculty of Mechanical and Civil Engineering in Kraljevo
• Dr Nataša Zdravković, Full Professor, Faculty of Medical Sciences
• Dr Verica Milutinović, Associate Professor, Faculty of Educational Sciences in Jagodina
• Dr Anika Kovačević, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law
• Dr Milena Milutinović, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Science
• Dr Jelena Baralić, Full Professor, Faculty of Technical Sciences in Čačak
• Dr Sanja Maričić, Full Professor, Faculty of Education in Užice
• Dr Tijana Ašić, Full Professor, Faculty of Philology and Arts
• Dr Sonja Veljović, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Hotel Management and Tourism in Vrnjačka Banja
• Dr Edina Avdović, Senior Research Associate, Institute of Information Technologies, Kragujevac