Katarina T. Smiljanic

Katarina T. Smiljanic is a Scientific Councilor at the University of Belgrade's Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry. She holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Belgrade (2012) and has extensive international experience across academia and industry, including roles at Kuwait University, the American University in Dubai, and GlaxoSmithKline. Her expertise spans immunoproteomics, allergen characterization, and bioinformatics. She actively contributes to research projects such as the EU-funded Horizon 2020 initiative IMPTOX, investigating microplastic toxicity and allergic disease.

Education:

• B.Sc. Chemistry (1994) – Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade
• M.Sc. Chemistry (1999) – Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade
• Ph.D. Biology (2012) – Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade

Research Interests:

Her work focuses on immunoproteomic analysis of allergens (e.g., peanut, linden pollen), bioinformatics-driven drug development, and environmental impacts on allergy pathways. She explores post-translational modifications of proteins, food allergen stability, and the role of signal pathways in diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Key Projects:

• Lead researcher in IMPTOX (2021–2025): Analytical platform for microplastic toxicity assessment
• Co-developed assays for SARS-CoV-2 detection during the pandemic
• Contributed to FoodEnTwin (2018) and ImpARAS (2014) projects

Awards & Mentorship:

• Recipient of FEBS Young Research Scientist (2002) and best oral presentation award (2015)
• Co-mentor for doctoral theses on peanut allergens and digestomics
• Chaired thesis defense committees for master’s and doctoral candidates

Labs & Collaborations:

Active in the Innovative Centre of FC and collaborates with institutions like the Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences and the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.