Projects

Project leader: Dr. Tamara Kukolj

Project collaborators: Dr. Jasmina Lazarević, Dr. Uroš Ralević, Dr. Nenad Lazarević (Institute of Physics, University of Belgrade)

Project number: “Start up for science” 2019/2020 funded by Philip Morris Company

Duration of the project: 2019-2020.

Leading institution: Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade

Description of the project:

Analysis of the characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) at the level of individual cells using Raman spectroscopy with the aim of developing Raman spectroscopy as a fast, simple, and non-destructive Single Cell method for evaluating the regenerative potential of MSCs. Most biochemical changes, caused by physiological or pathological changes, are observed in the Raman spectrum under appropriate conditions, as a change in the intensity and/or position of the Raman mode. Therefore, the characteristics of MSCs originating from different tissues and donors will be investigated, as well as changes in age-related characteristics in MSCs populations. Changes in the Raman spectrum resulting from replicative age, i.e. prolonged cultivation in vitro, will be monitored, as well as changes in the spectrum caused by certain pharmacological substances used in the therapy of various diseases, which accelerate the aging process. Based on the obtained results, the correlation between the vibrational spectrum and the regenerative potential of primary MSCs will be determined, which will enable the establishment of Raman spectroscopy as a fast, simple, and non-invasive method for the qualitative analysis of the regenerative potential of a certain population of MSCs. This project will contribute to the detailed characterization of MSCs, to significantly speed up and facilitate their further application in cell therapy and tissue engineering.

Project leader: Dr. Aniello Cerrato

Project collaborators: Dr. Drenka Trivanović, Dr. Aleksandra Jauković, Dragana Aleksandrović, Milica Karahasan

Project number: CA23119

Duration of the project: October 2024-October 2028.

Leading institution: Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “G. Salvatore”, National Research Council of Italy

Description of the project:

SENESCENCE2030 is established to address the urgent need to translate cellular senescence research into preventive and therapeutic strategies for aging-related diseases. The Action brings together European and international experts in geroscience, senescence biology and senotherapy to harmonize experimental and clinical approaches, develop standardized protocols and foster joint training in emerging technologies. By creating an interdisciplinary network, SENESCENCE2030 aims to advance senescence-based diagnostics, optimize clinical trial design and define effective lifestyle interventions. Our extensive expertise in adult stem cell
biology, cellular senescence and regenerative medicine enables us to contribute meaningfully to the consortium while benefiting from its interdisciplinary collaborative framework. This partnership will strengthen our capacity to develop novel senotherapeutic strategies and position our institute as a key contributor to European research on healthy aging.

Project leader: Dr. Joaquim Vives

Project collaborators: Dr. Aleksandra Jauković, Dr. Drenka Trivanović, Dr. Hristina Obradović, Dragana Aleksandrović, Anđela Savić

Project number: CA24114

Duration of the project: October 2025-October 2029.

Leading institution: Banc de Sang i Teixits, Spain

Description of the project:

BTCs4ATMP is established to address the critical need for harmonized, cost-effective manufacturing and quality control of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) across Europe. The Action brings together European and international experts from blood, tissue and cell processing centres, GMP-compliant laboratories, biobanks, regulatory bodies and ethics committees to standardize procedures and share protocols and reagents. By creating an interdisciplinary network of all relevant stakeholders, BTCs4ATMP aims to advance cell-based immunotherapy and regenerative medicine, optimize quality management standards and define effective educational programmes for researchers, technicians and clinicians. Our institute brings deep expertise in stem cell biology and cellular therapy development, offering valuable insights into bioprocess optimization and quality assurance within this pan-European network. Through active participation, we will help shape standardized manufacturing frameworks that accelerate patient access to next-generation ATMPs while advancing our own research capabilities in regenerative medicine.

Project leader: Dr. Inga Griskova Bulanova, Dr. Milica Zeković

Project collaborators: Dr. Jovana Bjekić, Dr. Uroš Konstantinović, Bojana Đukić, Marija Stanković, Milena Spoa, Dragana Stojić, Konstantin Tomić

Duration of the project: 2027-2031.

Leading institution: Vilnius University (Lithuania), Institute of Pharmacology of the Polish Academy of Sciences (Poland), Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon (Portugal), Barcelona Clinical Research Foundation – August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (Spain), Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade (Serbia), Karolinska Institutet (Sweden), SKEIN (Ukraine), UAB Orientos (Lithuania), Masaryk University (Czech Republic)

Description of the project:

BRAINFRAME aims to modernise and strengthen the research and innovation (R&I) dimension of the Institute for Medical Research (IMR) by establishing a sustainable, interconnected framework for excellence in translational neuroscience. The project bridges the entire translational continuum—from molecular and cellular discoveries through organoid and systems-level models to human validation and clinical practice. Within this integrated research environment, IMR leads specialized efforts in mechanistically oriented TES-EEG research, utilizing advanced neuromodulation and electrophysiological techniques to investigate the fundamental dynamics of brain health. BRAINFRAME promotes a culture of collaboration, focusing on the development of shared, FAIR-compliant protocols and AI-driven analytical pipelines to enhance research reproducibility and global competitiveness. BRAINFRAME acts as a coordination and support framework to bring translational neuroscience at IMR to a new level by partnering with leading European research institutions. The project will implement a comprehensive set of cooperation activities to strengthen scientific and administrative capacities, including structured researcher mobility schemes, cross-border expert training, and AI-governance workshops. By integrating molecular data with human-level neurophysiology, the consortium fosters an environment where researchers can develop advanced digital skills and implement responsible AI solutions. BRAINFRAME will generate substantial scientific and societal impact, reinforcing research careers and ensuring long-term institutional sustainability through open science practices and diverse knowledge-valorisation pathways.

Project leader: Dr. Jonathan Repple, Dr. Jovana Bjekić

Project collaborators: Dr. Uroš Konstantinović, Bojana Đukić, Marija Stanković, Milena Spoa, Dragana Stojić, Konstantin Tomić

Duration of the project: 2026-2031.

Leading institution: University of Frankfurt, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Charité Berlin, UMC & VUMC Amsterdam, University Paris City, University Heidelberg, University of Melbourne, University of Hanoi

Description of the project:

Project leader: Dr. Jovana Bjekić

Project collaborators: Dr. Ljiljana Lazarević, Dr. Marko Živanović, Dr. Goran Knežević

Duration of the project: 2011-2012.

Leading institution: Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade

Description of the project:

Project leader: Dr. Saša Filipović

Project collaborators: Dr. Jovana Bjekić, Dr. Milan Jelić, Dr. Katarina Vulić, Dr. Uroš Konstantinović, Dr. Jasmina Vuksanović, Dunja Paunović

Project number: ON175012

Duration of the project: 2011-2019.

Leading institution: Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade

Description of the project:

Project leader: Dr. Ivana Drvenica

Project collaborators: Dr. Vesna Ilić, Dr. Drenka Trivanović, Dr. Biljana Ristić, Dr. Marijana Kovačić

Duration of the project: 1.10.2025-31.5.2026.

Leading institution: Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade

Description of the project:

Iron deficiency remains the most prevalent nutritional disorder worldwide, highlighting the need for innovative, effective, and sustainable iron supplementation strategies. This project aimed to transform the meat-industry byproduct, slaughterhouse blood, into a high-value, sustainable, and consumer-friendly ingredient by revalorizing hemoglobin into an innovative, heme-iron-based formulation for dietary supplements and functional foods. The developed technology delivers a long-term stable, bioavailable heme-iron protein complex with superior nutritional value and enhanced taste and color, improving consumer appeal and facilitating its incorporation into a wide range of food matrices.

The technology is based on a dual natural origin (bovine and porcine), globally adaptable to dietary and cultural preferences, enabling broader market applicability. Furthermore, it turns by-products into sustainable bioactive ingredients, supporting circular bioeconomy principles and reducing waste from the meat industry.

During the project, the technology was successfully advanced from TRL 4 to TRL 6, including formulation optimization, safety and functionality validation, consumer acceptance studies, market assessment, and commercialization planning. The project established a strong foundation for intellectual property protection, industrial partnerships, and market entry, demonstrating the potential to bridge the gap between scientific research and industry while delivering innovative solutions for improved nutrition and sustainable resource utilization.