معرفی
Predrag Simonović is a Full Professor at the Department of Comparative Morphology and Systematics of Animals, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade. He has held significant leadership positions including Director of the Institute of Zoology (2005-2010), Vice-Dean for Education (2001-2002), and Head of the Department of Morphology, Systematics and Phylogeny of Animals (2011-2014). He is also the Founder and Head of the Center for Genotyping of Fisheries Resources (2012-2025) and serves as a Scientific Advisor at the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković".
Dr. Simonović earned his Bachelor's degree in Biology (1987), Master's in Biological Sciences (1992), and Doctorate in Biological Sciences (1996), all from the University of Belgrade. His academic career progressed from Student-Demonstrator in 1984 to Full Professor in 2011, with steady advancement through the academic ranks.
Simonović's research focuses on Ichthyology, Fisheries Biology, Fish Morphology and Systematics, and Biology of Allochthonous and Invasive Fish Species. His work addresses critical issues in biodiversity conservation, evolutionary biology, and sustainable fisheries management, with particular emphasis on brown trout diversity in the Western Balkans. His research integrates molecular genetics, morphometric analysis, and ecological studies to understand fish population dynamics and the impacts of human activities on aquatic ecosystems. A significant portion of his work examines the threats posed by non-native species introductions and climate change to native fish biodiversity.
Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on brown trout diversity conservation, invasive species management, and climate change impacts on aquatic ecosystems. His work spans from detailed morphological studies of fish species to broad assessments of ecosystem risks. A notable trend is his increasing engagement with international collaborative research addressing transboundary conservation challenges in the Balkan Peninsula and Adriatic region.
Dr. Simonović has led numerous significant research projects including:
- Conservation of brown trout diversity in Serbia (2001-2005, 2004-2005)
- Effects of cyanide spill from the Baia Mare gold mine on fish (2000)
- Evolution in heterogeneous environments (2011-2020)
- Risk assessment of the River Jadar ecosystem related to mining activities
As a visiting professor, he has contributed to academic programs at universities in Banja Luka, Montenegro, and Kragujevac, sharing his expertise in evolution, zoological systematics, and vertebrate morphology. His laboratory work primarily focuses on fish genetics, morphology, and biodiversity assessment, with special attention to the conservation of native fish species in the Balkan region.
