Jovana Grahovac, a renowned biotechnologist and full professor at the Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad, held an inspiring lecture at the 25th International Biotechnology Conference 25 May in Belgrade.
As the winner of numerous awards for her scientific contribution in the field of bioprocess solutions applicable in industry, and as the vice president of the Association of Women Scientists of Serbia SRNA, Jovana is committed to improving the position of women in science and education. Her mission includes the promotion of STEM science in schools, especially among girls, the economic empowerment of women scientists, and mentoring support for the development of student entrepreneurship.
One of the key topics of her lecture was the alarming degradation of land. Over the past four decades, about a third of fertile land has been lost, and if this trend continues, surface fertility could disappear in as little as 60 years. This would have serious consequences for the global economy and lead to a dramatic rise in food prices.
Soil is the “stomach of our planet” and that microorganisms play a key role in preserving its fertility. They promote plant growth, break down toxins, and reduce the need for fertilizers, thereby reducing the negative impact on the environment. Biotechnology not only improves food health safety, but also offers solutions to growing nutritional problems through probiotics and functional foods.
Jovana especially emphasized the importance of innovations such as self-healing concrete, which is being developed by experts at the Faculty of Technology in cooperation with materials engineers. Microorganisms play a key role in this process, demonstrating how biotechnology can irreversibly affect not only the food industry, but also the construction industry.
The goal of science, as Jovana states, is for its solutions to come out of the laboratory and come to life in the economy, to become part of our everyday life. Such an approach fosters a circular economy, where waste is used as a raw material, lowering production costs and promoting social responsibility.
You can watch Jovana Grahovac’s lecture in its entirety on our YouTube channel.
