Zivota J. Selakovic

Zivota J. Selakovic serves as Assistant Professor at the Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, having advanced through academic ranks since joining in 2012. His institutional affiliation spans teaching, research, and administrative roles within Serbia's premier chemistry faculty.

Education:

• Basic Academic Studies in Chemical Sciences (2007-2011), University of Belgrade
• Master of Academic Studies in Chemical Sciences (2011-2012), University of Belgrade
• Doctorate in Chemical Sciences (2012-2019), University of Belgrade

Dr. Selakovic's research integrates bioorganic and medicinal chemistry with synthetic methodology development. His primary focus includes designing photoreactive anticancer agents from natural products (sclareol/artemisinin), developing dual-target inhibitors for botulinum neurotoxin and malaria, and creating fluorescent zinc sensors using ESIPT mechanisms. His work bridges organic synthesis with biological applications, emphasizing structure-activity relationships in antiviral and anticancer compound development.

Publication trends reveal an evolution from early filovirus inhibitor research (2012-2015) toward broader therapeutic applications. Current work demonstrates increased specialization in photoreactive theranostic agents and zinc-sensing technologies, with growing international collaboration evident in recent COST and PRIZMA projects. The consistent focus on transition metal-catalyzed reactions and natural product derivatization underpins his methodological approach across diverse biological targets.

Scientific Awards:

• DAAD scholarship for Max Planck Institute research (2010)
• Serbian Chemical Society Annual Award (2012)
• Nenad M. Kostić Fund Best Master's Thesis award (2013)

Dr. Selakovic actively leads the PRIZMA project PhotoSCLART (2023-2026) developing photoreactive anticancer agents, and participates in the European COST project OneHealthdrugs (2022-2026). His completed projects include Serbian Ministry-funded antimalarial research (2011) and international antiviral inhibitor development (2015). Teaching responsibilities in Bioorganic Chemistry and Nomenclature indicate graduate student mentorship, though specific advisees aren't documented.

As a core member of the Department of Organic Chemistry research teams, he contributes to the Faculty's Quality Assurance Commission (2021-present) and collaborates through the Serbian Chemical Society. His laboratory work focuses on synthetic organic chemistry with direct applications in drug discovery and analytical sensing, operating within Belgrade's central chemistry research infrastructure.