Dr Nevena Ilić, PhD in Biotechnology, is Research Associate at the Innovation Centre of Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy. She obtained her BSc in Biology (Ecology) and MSc in Environmental Engineering with high academic performance, and completed her PhD in 2025. Her doctoral research focused on the production of fungal laccase on agroindustrial waste and its application in biodegradation of xenobiotics and treatment of industrial wastewater. Her research interests include biochemical engineering, industrial biotechnology, molecular identification of microorganisms, enzyme production and immobilization, and valorization of aroindustrial waste into value-added bioproducts. She has participated in international training, including a reserach stay at the University of Maribor. Dr Ilić has authored or coauthored two book chapters, nine papers in international journals, and multiple conference contributions. She is also actively involved in mentoring students and has received awards for scientific presentation.She has also served as a reviewer for several international journals in the fields of biotechnology and environmental science.