Jelena Lozo

Jelena Lozo serves as Full Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, where she has progressed through academic ranks since 2000. Her career includes significant international research stays at INRA, Nantes (France) and the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia), focusing on molecular mechanisms in lactic acid bacteria and bacteriocin systems.

Her research spans biochemical characterization of antimicrobial compounds, CRISPR-Cas systems in food-grade bacteria, and metabolic engineering of starter cultures. Recent work demonstrates expertise in genome editing applications for dairy biotechnology, with strong emphasis on translating molecular discoveries into food safety and fermentation technology improvements. Her laboratory employs integrated approaches combining proteomics, structural biology, and genetic engineering.

Lozo's editorial contributions include reviewing for top microbiology journals and serving on the editorial boards of BMC Microbiology and Archives of Biological Sciences. She has secured participation in multiple international research projects, particularly those addressing antimicrobial resistance and functional food development. Her work shows consistent focus on Balkan traditional fermented foods as reservoirs of novel microbial strains with biotechnological potential.

• Goran Ljubijankić Foundation Award for best molecular biology doctoral dissertation (2008)
• Member: Association of Microbiologists of Serbia, Serbian Biological Society, Serbian Society for Molecular Biology
• Editorial roles: BMC Microbiology, Archives of Biological Sciences

Professor Lozo actively supervises graduate students and collaborates with European research networks on food microbiology projects. Her laboratory maintains strong industry partnerships with Serbian dairy producers for applied fermentation research. Current initiatives include developing CRISPR-based pathogen detection systems for food safety applications and engineering probiotic strains with enhanced health benefits.