On November 27, the Institute for Medical Research hosted the Forum “Knowledge → Innovation → Application: From Lab to Fab” at the Science and Technology Park Belgrade, marking 78 years of the Institute’s work. The event convened leaders from academia, industry, the public sector, and organizations actively shaping the development of biomedicine and biotechnology in Serbia.
The Forum opened with remarks by the Institute’s Director, Dr. Saša Radovanović, who emphasized that the Institute stands at the intersection of long-standing scientific tradition and new research platforms, with a responsibility to translate knowledge into solutions that matter for both public health and the economy.
In the opening session, Dr. Marija Gnjatović, State Secretary at the Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation, underscored the importance of institutional stability and long-term science policy. She highlighted that true institutional transformation and the translation of research into practice require adaptation to contemporary challenges without losing what makes an institute strong: knowledge, integrity, and people. She noted that the Institute for Medical Research has both the potential and the capacity to lead in biomedical and biotechnological sciences and is already moving decisively in that direction.
The audience was then addressed by Prof. Dr. Vladimir Cvetković, Vice-Rector for Science at the University of Belgrade, and Academician Nebojša Lalić, Secretary General of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts. Both speakers stressed the need for stronger connections among research institutions, sustained investment in infrastructure, and support for evidence-based innovation, with a particular focus on the role of interdisciplinarity in modern science.
The program continued with panel discussions focused on institutional transformation, resource integration, and new collaboration models linking academia, industry, and public administration. Panelists examined the role of the SAIGE project in strengthening research processes, the development of the BIO4 ecosystem, and pathways for aligning scientific research with the needs of the economy. Special attention was given to the challenges facing early-career researchers, as well as to building critical research assets such as data infrastructures, biobanks, and advanced laboratory models.
Running alongside the main program, a poster exhibition showcased the work of the Institute’s research groups, offering participants a clear view of its scientific portfolio. Presentations covered cardiovascular biology, infectious diseases, oncology, metabolic and behavioral disorders, and other key areas of biomedical research. Innovation initiatives developed through Proof of Concept projects and programs supported by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia were also presented.
The Forum concluded with a call to strengthen long-term collaboration among research institutions, government, and industry. Speakers agreed that stable resources, organizational support, and an interdisciplinary approach will be essential to accelerating scientific and technological progress in the years ahead.
The organization of the Forum was supported by Novartis as the event’s partner. This year’s gathering also included a humanitarian component aimed at raising awareness about the importance of supporting children and families facing malignant diseases, in cooperation with the National Association of Parents of Children with Cancer (NURDOR).
