Dr. Milan Kojic | Mechanism of Action of Antimicrobial Peptides | Best Researcher Award
Head of Scientific Department | Institute of Virology | Vaccines and Sera Torlak | Serbia
Professor Milan Kojić is a Full Research Professor and Project Leader at the Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera “Torlak,” where he also serves as Head of the Scientific Research Department. With over three decades of experience in molecular microbiology and genetic engineering, he has significantly contributed to the understanding of beneficial microbes and their antagonistic roles against pathogens. He earned all his academic degrees—B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D.—from the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade. Kojić has been pivotal in molecular genetics research in Serbia, previously serving as Full Professor at the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering (IMGGE). He has led numerous national and international research projects, collaborated with institutions across Europe and South America, and taught Ph.D. courses abroad. A long-standing member of various microbiological and genetic societies, he also holds editorial roles in reputable journals like . His research spans antimicrobial resistance, bacteriophages, quorum sensing inhibitors, and mRNA vaccine development. Kojić’s innovative work in microbial genetics and antimicrobial discovery has made him a leading figure in Southeast European microbiological research.
Professional Profile
Education
Milan Kojić completed his entire higher education at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Serbia. He earned his laying the groundwork for a strong foundation in the biological sciences. He then pursued graduate studies focusing on the rapidly evolving field of molecular genetics and genetic engineering. M.Sc. in Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, where he deepened his expertise in microbial genetics and molecular biology techniques. His growing research interests led him to doctoral studies, culminating in a. Throughout his academic progression, Kojić gained specialized skills in microbial gene regulation, genetic manipulation, and the development of vectors for gene expression. In addition to formal academic credentials, he enhanced his education through extensive international training in molecular genetics across institutions in the UK, Italy, and Argentina. These included advanced workshops on gene expression regulation and microbial genetics at the ICGEB and AFRC, as well as a semester of Ph.D.-level teaching in Argentina. This solid educational trajectory has enabled him to become a prominent educator and research leader in microbial molecular genetics and biotechnology.
Experience
Professor Kojić’s research journey began in as a trainee in the Laboratory for Molecular Genetics of Industrial Microorganisms (LMGIM) at the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering (IMGGE). He rose through academic and research ranks from Research Assistant Research Associate Senior Research Associate before becoming a Full Research Professor at IMGGE. Inhe transitioned to the Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera “Torlak, where he now holds the dual roles of Full Research Professor and Project Leader, as well as Head of the Scientific Research Department. Over the decades, he has directed multiple national and international projects focused on probiotics, bacteriocins, gene regulation, and antimicrobial resistance. His work has bridged academic, industrial, and translational research, and he has collaborated with international partners such as ICGEB (Italy), CSK Food Enrichment BV (Netherlands), and academic institutions in Argentina. Kojić also has a robust teaching portfolio, including Ph.D.-level courses on bacterial molecular genetics. His sustained contributions have positioned him as a leading expert in microbial genetics and biotechnology in the Balkans and beyond.
Research Focus
Beneficial Microbes: studying the properties and applications of beneficial microorganisms – Antimicrobial Substances: searching for new antimicrobial substances and understanding their mechanisms of action – Vaccine Development: developing mRNA vaccines and epitope expression systems – Molecular Genetics: studying the genetics and genomics of microorganisms
Awards and Honors
Associate Editor: Frontiers in Microbiology, Board of Food Microbiology – Academic Editor: PloS One Editor: Protein & Peptide Letters Editor: Journal of Applied Microbiology
Publication Top Notes
1. “Molecular genetics of lactic acid bacteria”
2. “Regulation of gene expression in stationary phase in pseudomonads”
3. “Gene expression analysis of selected industrial microorganisms”
Conclusion
Given the typical criteria for the Young Researcher Award, which often emphasizes early career stage and potential for impact, Milan Kojic’s current position as a Full Research Professor might not align perfectly with the award’s focus on early career researchers. However, his achievements, innovative research, and leadership potential make him a strong candidate for recognition in the scientific community. If the award focuses on cumulative achievements and impact rather than strictly on early career stage, Kojic’s profile would be highly competitive.