Marija Rajičić

Marija Rajičić is a Senior Research Associate at the Department of Genetic Research within the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", which is part of the University of Belgrade. She has been employed at the institute since September 2012 and completed her PhD in Genetics at the University of Belgrade in June 2019. Prior to that, she completed her studies in Molecular Biology and Physiology at the University of Belgrade in July 2012.

Marija's research spans both laboratory and field work with a focus on genetics and cytogenetics. Her main research interests include:

• Genetics research and karyotype analysis
• Study of B chromosomes in small mammals and bats
• Zoonotic diseases transmitted by small mammals and bats
• Primary tissue cultures and karyotype analysis of yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis), Leisler's bat (Nyctalus leisleri), and common shrew (Sorex araneus)
• Investigation of Borrelia burgdorferri sensu lato infections in rodents

Marija is actively involved in science popularization and promotion of the Institute. Since 2016, she has participated in organizing the European Researcher's Night as part of the Institute's team. She has been involved in multiple Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe projects related to science communication and public engagement, including the ReFocuS series of projects. Additionally, since September 2017, she has worked as a Teaching Associate at the Petnica Science Centre, where she trains young people in scientific methods and approaches.

Marija's work contributes to several research topics including Biodiversity, Microbiology, Population genetics, and Urban ecology. Her research combines laboratory techniques such as cytogenetics and qPCR with field studies of small mammals and bats in urban environments.