ICTM proudly announces its involvement in two newly approved projects under the HORIZON-MSCA-2024-SE-01 call.  

The REFBAR project ("Reinforcing network for enriched freshwater phytoplankton barcode library"), coordinated by ICTM, aims to revolutionize biomonitoring of aquatic ecosystems in Serbia, Europe, and beyond. Dr. Miloš Ćirić serves as the project's Principal Investigator. With a consortium of eight partners - including three academic institutions, three non-academic beneficiaries, and two third-country academic partners - the project is set to develop a curated genetic reference library for freshwater microalgae. Researchers from ICTM will spend several months in European companies and institutes across several continents to develop a rapid, innovative eDNA workflow.  

ICTM is a partner in the NET4FLOW project ("Next-generation Enzymes and Technology for Flow Advanced Processes"), coordinated by the Universidad de Sevilla. This ambitious collaboration unites 11 international partners - six European and five South American - comprising nine research institutions and two companies. Dr. Nataša Božić coordinates ICTM's contributions to this initiative. The project focuses on developing and applying optimized enzymatic and catalytic technologies for efficient and sustainable chemical production using continuous-flow reactors. Researchers from ICTM will have the opportunity to spend several months working in leading companies and research institutions across both continents, gaining valuable experience and fostering international collaboration. 

These projects reaffirm ICTM's commitment to international collaboration and the drive for cutting-edge scientific progress.

Researchers from the Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy (ICTM) participated in the Mini Innovation Fair – Science in Action. The mini-fair was organized as part of the "Empower Innovation" project in collaboration with the leading international tobacco company Philip Morris International, implemented by the National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED) and supported by BIO4 Campus. The fair was held at the Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy (INEP) in Belgrade, Zemun Municipality, on May 9, 2025.

Seventeen innovations in biotechnology and biomedicine were presented by researchers from the scientific institutes ICTM, INEP, and IMI (Institute for Medical Research).

The innovation potentials of ICTM were presented by Bojan Bondžić, Principal Research Fellow, representative of ICTM's technology transfer body.

ICTM researchers presented five innovations

1. Immediate protection against enveloped viruses (Flu, SARS, HIV, Herpes)

This innovation is represented by a new antiviral protein, a candidate for biological antiviral medicine, developed in a consortium of academic institutions. This is the first patent for a biological drug candidate created in Serbia and licensed to the innovative startup company SavAntiVir. The broad-spectrum antiviral protein is ideal for immediate protection of people when new strains of dangerous enveloped viruses appear. It is an excellent solution for the first 270 days from the moment new virus strains emerge. This innovation enhances society's preparedness to respond to pandemics. The preclinical phase innovation was presented by Uroš Anđelković, Principal Research Fellow, and Ivana Vukašinović, Research Associate.

2. Tobacco – the natural factory of future biopharmaceuticals

This innovation involves the transformation of tobacco plants to cultivate a new antiviral drug. Tobacco allows for sustainable green production of biopharmaceuticals. The production of biopharmaceuticals in plants follows the principles of a circular economy, reduces CO2 emissions, minimizes the use of hazardous chemicals, and does not generate large amounts of waste. The innovation was presented by Uroš Anđelković, Principal Research Fellow.

3. Breathing Sensors for Use in Sports and Medicine

This innovation is represented by a new breathing sensor that tracks breathing rhythm and depth. Athletes use the breathing sensor to achieve peak performance and by medical institutions to provide exceptional patient care and maximize the efficiency of medical staff. The innovation was presented by Marko Spasenović, Principal Research Fellow, and Teodora Vićentić, Research Associate.

4. Self-Powered Humidity Sensor for Monitoring Breathing

This innovation is represented by a device for monitoring breathing based on a self-powered humidity sensor with Bluetooth reading and a smartphone application. The innovation was presented by Milija Sarajlić, Principal Research Fellow, and Milena Rašljić Rafailović, Research Associate.

5. Biocidal fabric softener 

This innovation is represented by a new market-ready, eco-friendly, and health-safe biocidal fabric softener that combines green surfactants (biosurfactants) with natural active substances. It stands out for its efficiency and sustainability when used at lower temperatures. The innovation was presented by Marko Jonović, Principal Research Fellow.

We are pleased to inform you that the final list of projects approved for funding under the Serbian Scientific Cooperation Program with the Diaspora: Support for Visits of Diaspora Scientists, Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, includes two projects led by our Institute.

The project leaders of the approved projects are our colleagues, Dr. Nataša Petrović and Dr. Katarina Cvetanović.

We congratulate our colleagues on their success!

Based on the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia initiative, the project "Urban Forest Soil Indicators as a tool for Climate-Smart Forestry – UrbanFoS" was presented in the Biznis.rs magazine. In this author text, project leader Dr. Milica Kašanin-Grubin, besides the general contribution of the project to the international scientific community and citizens, highlighted the importance and issues of urban forests, as well as the newly established climate simulation laboratory, which should serve as a basis for establishing a network of researchers with similar interests such as biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, etc., even after the project's duration.