Tatjana Ilić-Tomić, PhD, is a molecular biologist and full research professor in the Eco-biotechnology and Drug Development Group. Her research focuses on the discovery and application of bioactive compounds, microbial biotechnology, and the ecological dynamics of microorganisms.

She earned her PhD in biological sciences from the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade. Her doctoral work investigated methyltransferase enzymes derived from actinomycete bacteria, with an emphasis on their expression in heterologous hosts and the regulatory mechanisms that protect the host organism from its own toxic metabolites.

Currently, Dr. Ilić-Tomić is involved in characterizing Streptomyces strains from a laboratory collection of natural isolates, with particular attention to the production of secondary metabolites, primarily pigments. Her research also examines the potential use of these pigments in textile dyeing and the coloration of various other materials. In parallel, she contributes to the development of novel functional materials with prospective applications in medicine.

Dr. Ilić-Tomić is an active member of several scientific societies and participates in both international and national research projects, including BIOICEP, BioECOLogics, and Twinn4MicroUp. She also served as Principal Investigator on a project funded through the Proof of Concept program of the Innovation Fund of the Republic of Serbia.

For many years, Dr. Ilić-Tomić has been deeply committed to mentoring, consistently contributing to student education and training.

Together with her laboratory colleagues, she has taken part in numerous science fairs and artistic exhibitions in Serbia and abroad, including the Biennale Architettura held in Venice in 2025.