Ivana Zivojinovic

Dr. Ivana Zivojinovic is a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Forest, Environmental and Natural Resource Policy and the Center for Bioeconomy at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). She holds a doctorate from BOKU and has been actively involved in EU-funded forest policy and innovation research since 2012, including roles at the European Forest Institute’s regional office. Her work bridges academic research and policy development in sustainable forestry, urban green spaces, and rural innovation.

• PhD, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (2016–2021)
• Master of Science in European Forestry, BOKU (2010–2013)
• Master of Science in Agriculture and Forestry, University of Eastern Finland (2010–2013)
• Dipl.ing in Landscape Architecture and Horticulture, University of Belgrade (2002–2008)

Her research centers on forest policy and governance, with a focus on social and institutional innovations, urban forestry, and nature-based solutions. She investigates how private forest ownership, landscape governance, and public perceptions shape sustainable forest management. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates environmental policy, socio-cultural analysis, and climate adaptation strategies. She is particularly interested in consciousness and perception studies in environmental decision-making.

Her recent publications reveal a strong trend toward analyzing governance frameworks, stakeholder dynamics, and innovation ecosystems in forestry across Europe and the Arctic. Her work spans from local case studies in Serbia and Sweden to pan-European comparative analyses, often funded by the European Commission. Key thematic areas include forest restitution, non-wood forest products, gender equality in forestry, and post-conflict forest governance.

Scientific Awards

• IUFRO Student Award for Excellence in Forest Science (2014)
• BOKU Talent Award (2013)
• European Young Urban Forester of the Year (2012)
• Belgrade Chamber of Commerce Annual Award for Best Graduation Thesis (2009)

Dr. Zivojinovic actively mentors students and has supervised multiple Master’s theses on forest innovation and policy. She leads several EU-funded research projects, including initiatives on forest-based innovation ecosystems, urban forestry governance, and Arctic socio-ecological systems. She is an Associate Editor for Urban Forestry & Urban Greening and has guest-edited special issues on forest policy and Arctic land use. Her community service includes organizing policy dialogues, contributing to public science communication, and engaging with media on forest and climate issues.

She is involved in multiple research teams and networks, including the European Forest Institute (EFI), IUFRO, and the SIMRA and ArcticHubs projects. Her work emphasizes co-creation with stakeholders, participatory governance, and the integration of scientific knowledge into policy and practice.