Nikola Popović, PhD, is a molecular biologist who primarily focuses his research on the molecular biology of prokaryotes. He defended his PhD in 2019 at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, with a dissertation that explored the probiotic potential of Enterococcus strains isolated from traditional dairy products in the Western Balkans. His research investigated the molecular mechanisms of their probiotic action using both in vitro and in vivo models.

Since completing his doctoral studies, Dr. Nikola Popović has continued his scientific work within a research group dedicated to studying host-probiotic interactions. He dedicates a significant portion of his research to applying probiotic starter cultures in the production of functional fermented foods, primarily based on milk and flour.

In recent years, his work has expanded to include investigations of the molecular mechanisms of in vitro digested food using human cell line models. He is also actively engaged in the isolation and characterisation of lactic acid bacteria from various food sources and environmental bacteria, focusing on strains with beneficial biotechnological properties.

Dr Popović has completed professional training at the Dairy Products Institute of Asturias (IPLA) in Spain and at the Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Ireland. He is a member of several scientific societies and serves as both project leader and participant in numerous national and international research projects.