Vesna Perić-Mataruga

Dr. Vesna Perić-Mataruga serves as Principal Research Fellow and Head of the Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry at the Institute for Biological Research 'Siniša Stanković' (IBISS), University of Belgrade, where she has advanced through academic ranks since 1987 from Research Trainee to her current leadership position.

Her educational qualifications include:

• Doctor of Biological Sciences (1996), Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
• Master of Biological Sciences (1990), Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
• Degree in Biology (1987), Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade

Her research centers on insect physiological responses to environmental stressors including PAHs, toxic metals, heat, magnetic fields, and mycotoxins, with emphasis on identifying rapid biomarkers for ecotoxicological monitoring. She pioneers applications of edible insects for sustainable nutrition and functional foods, and investigates insect-mediated biotransformation of organic/plastic wastes into high-value fertilizers. This work integrates physiological, biochemical, and molecular methodologies to assess adaptation mechanisms in economically important insect species.

Dr. Perić-Mataruga actively participates in national research initiatives funded by Serbia's Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, including biodiversity conservation projects and industry-focused technology transfer. She serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Entomological Society of Serbia, the Scientific Field Board for Natural Sciences at the Ministry of Science, and IBISS's Scientific Council.

At the University of Belgrade's Faculty of Biology, she teaches PhD-level entomology courses on insect physiology and has supervised numerous doctoral dissertations and master's theses. Her laboratory team focuses on ecophysiological stress responses and sustainable insect applications within IBISS's multidisciplinary research environment.