Dr. Svetlana Ilić is a dedicated and accomplished researcher with impactful contributions to ceramic materials science. Her focus on sustainable and functional ceramics derived from natural or waste sources demonstrates her commitment to practical solutions in energy and environmental applications. She also exemplifies academic responsibility through reviewer and editorial roles and active collaboration in European research networks.

🎓 Education

Dr. Svetlana Ilić completed both her Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees at the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia 🇷🇸. Her academic training laid a strong foundation in materials science, particularly in ceramic processing, powder metallurgy, and advanced characterization techniques. This comprehensive education has been instrumental in shaping her successful research career in functional ceramics and nanomaterials.

🧪 Experience

Since February 1, 2011, Dr. Ilić has been serving as a Senior Research Associate at the Department of Materials, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade 🔬. Her work focuses on the synthesis and consolidation of pure and doped mullite powders, development of dense and porous ceramics, and the utilization of natural raw materials for ceramic production. She is highly skilled in structural, microstructural, and mechanical characterization techniques including XRD, SEM, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and nanoindentation. Over the years, she has participated in multiple national and international projects related to refractory materials, LTCC materials, thermal insulators, and porous ceramic structures.

🛠️ Skills

Dr. Ilić possesses a versatile set of technical and soft skills. Technically, she is proficient in advanced materials synthesis and characterization methods. She demonstrates high competency in using tools like XRD, SEM, nanoindentation, and spectroscopy. In addition to her experimental expertise, she is highly organized, responsible, and an effective communicator. She is fluent in Serbian and proficient in English, and adept in Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and various digital research platforms. Her collaborative spirit, adaptability, and willingness to learn make her a valuable member of interdisciplinary research teams.

🏅 Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Ilić’s scientific excellence is reflected through her active involvement in editorial and peer review activities. She served as a Guest Editor for Metallurgical and Materials Data between April and July 2024 and has reviewed articles for prestigious journals including the Journal of the American Ceramic Society, Journal of the European Ceramic Society, and Ceramics International. Her contributions as a reviewer and editor underscore her expertise and respected position in the ceramic science community, even though specific awards are not listed.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Ilić’s research is primarily centered on the synthesis, processing, and characterization of nanostructured and ceramic materials for applications in energy, environmental protection, and mechanical systems. She specializes in mullite-based ceramics—both dense and porous—as well as in the development of refractory and insulating materials from natural and waste sources. Her recent work includes modifying porous ceramics with nano-additives for improved catalytic performance, studying the magnetic properties of self-assembled graphene films, and developing materials for wastewater treatment and diesel particulate filtration. Her involvement in European COST Actions and multidisciplinary projects highlights her commitment to sustainable materials science and applied research.

Publications & Citations 📚

• Ilić, S., Maletaškić, J., Skoko, Ž., Vuksanović, M. M., Radovanović, Ž., Ristović, I., & Šaponjić, A. (2025). Utilization of waste clay–diatomite in the production of durable mullite-based insulating materials. Applied Sciences, 15(13), 7512. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15137512

• Savić, A., Vuksanović, M. M., Savić, M., Knežević, N., Šaponjić, A., Ilić, S., & Egelja, A. (2025). Modified silica particles coated with Cu–Al layered double hydroxide for phosphate and arsenate removal in water treatment. Molecules, 30(10), 2138. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30102138

• Ilic, S., Šaponjić, A., Ivanovski, N. V., Posarac-Marković, M., Kokunesoski, M., Janacković, D., & Devecerski, A. (2024). Influence of iron on the mullite formation. Science of Sintering, 56(4), 425–438. https://doi.org/10.2298/SOS240425017I

• Posarac-Marković, M., Jovic Orsini, N., Ilic, S., Kuzmanovic, M., Šaponjić, A., Radovanović, Z., & Matović, B. (2024). Structural and morphological studies on yttrium-doped magnesium aluminate spinel powders synthesized by mixed-fuel solution combustion synthesis approach. Science of Sintering, 56(8), 821–836. https://doi.org/10.2298/SOS240821036P

• Ružić, J., Maletaškić, J., Radovanović, Ž., & Ilić, S. (2024). Mechanical properties of mullite investigated by nanoindentation. Metallurgical and Materials Data, 29, Article 29. https://doi.org/10.30544/MMD29

• Kokunesoski, M., Janacković, D., Kićević, D., Ilic, S., & Šaponjić, A. (2023). The effect of acrylate on the properties and machinability of alumina ceramics. Science of Sintering, 55(1), 103–115. https://doi.org/10.2298/SOS2301103K

🔍 Conclusion:

Highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. Dr. Ilić combines scientific excellence, sustained productivity, community service, and innovation. She stands out as a role model in applied materials research and is poised to make further significant contributions on a global scale with continued support and recognition.