This update is sourced from the Institute of Physics Belgrade (IPB) website.
Most domestic media have reported the great triumph of the researchers of the Institute of Physics Belgrade who have won funding within the European ERA Chairs Programme for the research of 2D structures.
The Radio-Television of Serbia stated that this is one of the most substantial individual projects ever awarded to Serbia and that the researchers have secured funding in the amount of €2.5 million.
The daily Politika’s website reported that the project will be realized by a group of researchers of the Centre for Solid State and New Materials of the Institute of Physics Belgrade and that it envisages the return of Dr Emil Božin, one of the world’s leading experts in solid state physics, who is returning from America.
The success of the team of researchers consisting of Dr Nenad Lazarević, Dr Bojana Višić, Dr Jelena Pešić and Dr Zorica Konstantinović was reported by Nova ekonomija magazine. The Institute of Physics Belgrade has been actively working on the return of our researchers from abroad,’ notes this magazine’s website.
The Radio-Television of Vojvodina reported that Dr Nenad Lazarević project leader, believes that the project and Dr Božin’s return will bring about the establishment of ’a leading regional centre for experimental solid state physics.’
Forbes cited Dr Aleksandar Bogojević, Director of the Institute of Physics, who stated ’At the Institute, we have been aware for over a decade that our future as a quality-based scientific institution depends on our intensive efforts to attract researchers from our diaspora.’
Euronews highlighted that the project postulates that the Institute will be using measurement from major facilities in its research of condensed matter and new materials and that it will establish a new methodologies training centre for researchers from Serbia, the Western Balkans region and Southeast Europe.
The Novosti reminded readers that the Centre for Solid State and New Materials was founded 30 years ago and managed successfully by Academician Zoran V. Popović, while at the present moment, the Centre is overseen by Dr Nenad Lazarević.
Tanjug reported that the ERA Chairs programme is an initiative within the Horizon Europe framework, designed to enhance the research capacities of universities and institutes.
The Kurir noted that the project funding will facilitate the establishment of a new unit that is to be integrated into the Centre for Solid State and New Materials and connected with the existing Laboratories at the Centre which include the Laboratory for Solid State Physics, the Laboratory for Nanostructures, the Laboratory for 2D Materials and the Laboratory for Electronic Materials.
According to the N1 Television website, the project was motivated by the challenge of characterizing hidden phases in kagome crystals, which are materials currently a focal point in global research.
As reported by Nedeljnik, the project team aims to address these challenges that are currently at the forefront of global research.
’The project will strengthen the Institute’s position as the centre of excellence in the European Research Area and advance cooperation with the industry partners,’ noted the Biznis.rs site.
On this occasion, Dr Jelena Begović, Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovations hosted a reception on Wednesday, 17 July, which was covered by media as well.
Tanjug reported that this is the first ERA Chairs project awarded within the European Commission calls.
Una quoted Minister Dr Begović’s statement that science is our best brand and that ’these people are Serbia’s best ambassadors.’
Fonet noted that the Minister considers the project a considerable success particularly because it will attract world-class experts to Serbia.
A video of the reception hosted by the Minister is available courtesy of KTV Television.
On January 16, 2025, several members of team members from Center for Solid State Physics and New Materials attended the Proposal Writing Workshop focused on preparing successful user proposals for experiments at ORNL facilities. The workshop offered practical insights into defining research objectives, selecting appropriate instruments, and structuring strong research statements. Participants also gained a deeper understanding of the submission and review process, with valuable advice on common pitfalls and best practices. The knowledge gained will support future proposal development and strengthen our engagement with large-scale research infrastructures.
From November 12 to 17, 2024, Dr. Emil Bozin participated in an international experiment at the European XFEL facility in Hamburg, Germany. His involvement supports several key goals of the HIP-2D-QM project—enhancing visibility, fostering collaboration, and laying the groundwork for future engagement of IPB and CSSPNM researchers in advanced method development at large-scale user facilities. This activity contributes to long-term plans for a synergistic funding proposal focused on ultrafast studies of hidden states in 2D quantum materials.
