Nevenka Meštrović

Dr. Nevenka Meštrović is a senior research scientist and Head of the Laboratory of non-coding DNA at the Ruđer Bošković Institute, Division of Molecular Biology, in Zagreb, Croatia. She is also a mentor and supervisor for doctoral students at the University of Zagreb and other Croatian universities.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Genetics and Evolution, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb (1999)
• Mr.Sc. in Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb (1994)
• B.Sc. in Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb (1989)

Research Interests:
Dr. Meštrović's research focuses on the evolution and function of non-coding DNA, particularly satellite DNA sequences and their role in centromere biology, genome evolution, and chromosomal organization. Her work spans in silico analyses, molecular cytogenetics, and comparative genomics across nematodes, beetles, and other model organisms. She also explores the epigenetic regulation of repetitive DNA and its implications in development and speciation.

Recent publications highlight her expertise in Tribolium castaneum genomics, holocentric chromosomes, and satellite DNA dynamics across taxa. Her research integrates long-read sequencing, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics to uncover the mechanisms behind repetitive DNA proliferation and its evolutionary significance.

Scientific Awards:

• Annual Award of the Ruđer Bošković Institute for best scientific papers (2020)
• Award J. J. Strossmayer (Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 2008)

Supervision & Grants:
Dr. Meštrović has supervised multiple PhD students, including Evelin Despot-Slade and Martina Pavlek. She has led or collaborated on numerous nationally and internationally funded projects, including:

• Principal Investigator: "(Epi)genomics and transcriptomics of euchromatic satellite DNAs" (Croatian Science Foundation, 2020–2024)
• Principal Investigator: "Development of genomic markers for parasitic nematodes" (Adris Foundation, 2019–2022)
• Collaborator: COST Action 872, FP7-REGPOT, Croatian-French bilateral projects, and more.

Laboratory & Team:
As Head of the Laboratory of non-coding DNA at the Ruđer Bošković Institute, Dr. Meštrović leads a dynamic team focused on satellite DNA evolution, centromere genomics, and epigenetic regulation. The lab utilizes cutting-edge genomic and cytogenetic tools to study model organisms such as Tribolium castaneum and root-knot nematodes.