Milena Ugrin, Senior Research Associate at the IMGGE, works in the field of molecular basis of rare diseases and malignancies, with a particular emphasis on hemoglobinopathies. She is an experienced researcher in the field of human molecular genetics and is well-versed in a wide range of molecular techniques. Among these, she holds a special attachment for classical methods used for gene regulation analysis, such as electrophoretic mobility shift assays, vector-based assays, and even the long-outdated use of radioactivity — as the sound of a Geiger counter in the early morning is an experience in itself.

To this day, her enthusiasm for experimental work and the results it yields remains unwavering. She is currently involved in numerous national and international projects addressing rare diseases, both in Serbia and globally, with a specific focus on the study of metabolic rare diseases and the development of potential new therapeutics for these conditions.

She actively participates in science promotion and outreach programs and contributes to the development of young researchers through mentorship and teaching. She is a lecturer and demonstrator in courses within the doctoral program in Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade. She has taken part in all projects organized by IMGGE as part of the European Commission’s Researchers' Night program, where she has served in several as assistant coordinator or coordinator on behalf of IMGGE.