Microbiology Research Webinar| Unveiling the Hidden World: Diversity and Ecology of Cyanobacteria and Algae
Microbiology Research Webinar| Unveiling the Hidden World: Diversity and Ecology of Cyanobacteria and Algae
20 May 2026
Cyanobacteria, Algae, Phototrophic Biofilms, Aquatic Habitats, Terrestrial and Extreme Habitats, Diversity, Ecology, Taxonomy
Welcome from the Chairs
It is our great pleasure to introduce the webinar “Unveiling the Hidden World: Diversity and Ecology of Cyanobacteria and Algae.”
Cyanobacteria and algae are essential microorganisms that play a pivotal role in primary production, global nutrient cycling, and maintaining ecological balance. These remarkable organisms inhabit an extraordinary range of environments across the Earth, demonstrating exceptional adaptability and thriving under extreme conditions through specialised survival strategies.
Research into the diversity and ecology of these phototrophs is vital for scientific, environmental, and practical advancement. It deepens our understanding of biodiversity, evolution, and fundamental ecosystem processes. Additionally, cyanobacteria and algae are invaluable in environmental monitoring, climate change research, and a wide array of biotechnological applications.
Despite their significance, cyanobacteria and algae remain relatively understudied, particularly in extreme and unique habitats where undiscovered diversity is likely to be substantial.
This webinar will bring together academic experts to present insights into the diversity and ecology of algae and cyanobacteria across a broad spectrum of habitats and perspectives. We hope this event will stimulate further research into these phototrophs and foster meaningful interdisciplinary collaboration.
You are cordially invited to participate in this event.
Dr Slađana Popović and Dr Olga Jakovljević
Date: 20 May 2026
Time: 2:00 pm CEST | 8:00 pm CST Asia
Webinar ID: 842 6133 0585
Webinar Secretariat: journal.webinar@mdpi.com
Registration
This is a FREE webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar.
Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.
Certificates of attendance will be delivered to those who attend the live webinar.
Can't attend? Register anyway and we'll let you know when the recording is available to watch.
Event Chairs
Department of Algology and Mycology, Institute of Botany and Botanical garden “Jevremovac”, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Dr. Slađana Popović is affiliated with the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Department of Algology and Mycology. Her research focuses on both fundamental and applied aspects of algology. She explores aerophytic cyanobacteria and algae that form biofilms on various air-exposed substrates, including hypogean environments, urban areas, and cultural heritage sites, but also studies phototrophic biofilms in other extreme habitats (e.g. thermomineral springs). She places particular emphasis on cave ecosystems as extreme habitats, especially entrance zones and areas affected by lampenflora, as well as issues related to the protection of these sensitive environments. Her research also includes the isolation, cultivation, and application of cyanobacterial and algal cultures. Alongside her research, she actively mentors master’s and doctoral students and participates in national and international research projects.
Department of Algology and Mycology, Institute of Botany and Botanical garden “Jevremovac”, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Dr. Olga Jakovljević is a Senior Research Associate at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade. Her research covers the biogeography, taxonomy, and ecology of diatoms, with a particular focus on biomonitoring aquatic ecosystems using diatoms. She also studies diatoms in extreme habitats, such as thermomineral springs and cave water bodies. She has participated in international and national projects related to diatoms and the monitoring of rivers and reservoirs. Dr Jakovljević supervises master’s and doctoral students. She is the author of a university textbook for practical teaching.
Invited Speakers
Department of Algology and Mycology, Institute of Botany and Botanical garden “Jevremovac”, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Nataša Jovanović is a PhD student in algology, holding a master’s degree in the same field. Her earlier research focused on phytoplankton diversity and freshwater ecology. Her current work examines the composition and ecological dynamics of phytoplankton communities, with particular emphasis on urban aquatic ecosystems such as Sava Lake. In addition to her research, she is actively engaged in science communication through teaching and educational activities.
Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the University of Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
Dr. Luka Grbović graduated from the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, in 2020, in the Biology module. In 2020, at the same faculty, he enrolled in the master's academic studies in the Zoology module, which he completed in 2021 by defending the master's thesis "Zoological component of periphyton from artificial substrates in the Baračka pond (SRP 'Upper Podunavlje') – diversity and monthly dynamics". He enrolled in doctoral studies in 2024 at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, in the Biology study programme, Algology module. Since 3 February 2025, he has been employed as a junior research assistant at the “Siniša Stanković” Institute for Biological Research, in the Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection.
Department of Algology and Mycology, Institute of Botany and Botanical garden “Jevremovac”, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Dr. Marija Pećić is an aquatic ecologist specialising in the study of primary producers in freshwater ecosystems, focusing on phytoplankton and periphyton. She has experience in ecological restoration and bioremediation of shallow freshwater ecosystems. Dr Pećić is actively involved in monitoring and assessing aquatic environments, with particular expertise in bioindicator-based approaches for evaluating water quality using key biological elements.
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Vegetal, Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
Researcher in bryophyte biology, focusing on the taxonomy and ecology of mosses in biological soil crusts, as well as their functional adaptations and potential applications in ecological restoration. He also studies interactions between mosses and associated organisms, including algae and cyanobacteria, exploring their roles in community structure and ecosystem functioning.
Department of Algology and Mycology, Institute of Botany and Botanical garden “Jevremovac”, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Ana Milićević is a PhD student at the Department of Algology and Mycology, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, and a scholarship holder from the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia since 2023. She has been a member of the Biological Research Society “Josif Pančić” since 2020, coordinating its Algology section since 2021, and is also an active member of the “Young Diatomist” association. Ana contributes to teaching algology courses for undergraduate students and has participated in organising international student congresses
Department of Algology and Mycology, Institute of Botany and Botanical garden “Jevremovac”, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Dr. Vanja Milovanović is a researcher at the Department of Algology and Mycology, University of Belgrade. She completed her PhD in October 2025, focusing on charophyte reproductive structures in recent sediments of small water bodies as taxonomic characters and indicators of revitalisation potential. She is currently involved in the AQUAPHONIA citizen science project (supported and funded by the Center for the Promotion of Science of the Republic of Serbia) aiming to promote the citizen science approach in Serbia as a powerful tool to enhance biodiversity biomonitoring and contribute to the sustainable management and conservation of freshwater ecosystems.
Relevant Special issue
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026
Program
|
Speaker/Presentation |
Time in CEST |
Time in CST Asia |
|
Journal Introduction |
2:00 pm – 2:10 pm |
8:00 pm – 8:10 pm |
|
Dr. Slađana Popović Dr. Olga Jakovljević Chair Introduction |
2:10 pm – 2:25 pm |
8:10 pm – 8:25 pm |
|
Nataša Jovanović Phytoplankton Diversity of the Sava Lake – A Shallow, Urban Water Ecosystem |
2:25 pm – 2:40 pm |
8:25 pm – 8:40 pm |
|
Luka Grbović Application of Benthic Diatoms in Large River Bioassessments |
2:40pm – 2:55 pm |
8:40pm – 8:55 pm |
|
Marija Pećić Range Expansion of Skeletonema potamos (C.I.Weber) Hasle in Serbian Lowland Rivers: Evidence of Invasion or Widespread Distribution? |
2:55 pm – 3:10 pm |
8:55 pm – 8:10 pm |
|
Mateus Oliveira Hidden Partnerships: Interactions Between Mosses, Algae and Cyanobacteria in Brazilian Biocrusts |
3:10 pm – 3:25 pm |
8:10 pm – 8:25 pm |
|
Ana Milićević Exploring Extremophiles: Cyanobacteria and Diatoms in Thermomineral Environments |
3:25 pm – 3:40 pm |
8:25 pm – 8:40 pm |
|
Vanja Milovanović Charophyte Diversity in Serbia: From First Steps to Modern Scientific Studies |
3:40 pm – 3:55 pm |
8:40 pm – 8:55 pm |
|
Q&A |
3:55 pm – 4:15 pm |
8:55 pm – 8:15 pm |
|
Closing of Webinar Dr. Slađana Popović Dr. Olga Jakovljević |
4:15 pm – 4:20 pm |
8:15 pm – 8:20 pm |
Sponsors and Partners
Organizers
