Journal of Plant Pathology

Dr. Divna Simić, born on December 23, 1976, in Petrovac na Mlavi, Serbia, is a Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Science Application in Agriculture (IPN), Belgrade. She completed her undergraduate studies in Crop Production at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, in 1999 with exceptional academic performance. She earned her master’s degree in 2003 and later her Ph.D. in 2009 in the field of Biotechnical Sciences, focusing on seed quality, plant morphological traits, and production characteristics.

Dr. Simić has extensive experience in plant biotechnology, agrotechnics, seed production, and ecological agricultural systems. From 2008 to 2017, she held multiple leadership roles at the Institute of PKB Agroeconomics, including Research Associate, Head of the Corn Breeding Department, Deputy Director, and Acting Director. Since 2018, she has served as a Senior Research Associate at IPN, contributing significantly to national and international research initiatives.

She has been actively involved in national projects funded by the Ministry of Science, Ministry of Agriculture, FAO, EBRD, and EU-funded programs. Her contributions include advancements in crop breeding, sustainable agriculture, seed technology, soil fertility mapping, irrigation strategies, advisory service development, and CECRA training for agricultural advisors. She has also participated in major international collaborations, including the HORIZON LEGENDARY project focused on legume-based sustainable cropping systems.

Dr. Simić is recognized for her leadership in scientific research, advisory training, international cooperation, agricultural innovation, and knowledge transfer. She has published 93 scientific papers, co-authored commercialized corn hybrids, and served as a mentor, editor, educator, and committee member in various national scientific and professional bodies. She speaks English and Russian.

• Biotechnology in plant production
• Agrotechnics and sustainable agriculture
• Seed production and seed quality
• Maize and small grain breeding
• Ecological & regenerative agricultural systems

• Senior Research Associate at IPN (2018–present)
• Active contributor to national research projects (1999–present)
• Participant in HORIZON LEGENDARY project (2024–2028)
• Participant in FAO and EBRD agricultural capacity-building projects
• CECRA training organizer and educator for agricultural advisors
• Contributor to EUROSTAT data reporting for Serbia
• Coordinator of trainings, workshops, and educational programs for agricultural producers
• Member of:
• Scientific Council of IPN
• Society of Breeders and Seed Growers of Serbia
• EUFRAS, SEASN, and IALB networks
• International cooperation through Erasmus+, IPARD, FAO, and regional advisory networks
• Former Editor (2010–2019) of Collection of Scientific Papers of the PKB Agroeconomics Institute
• Mentor for a doctoral dissertation successfully defended under IPN

1. Divna Simic, Snezana Jankovic, Dragana B. Popović, Nataša Tolimir, et al. (2025). Economical Potato Production According to the ARIMA Modeling Approach for Climate Adaptation.
2. Divna Simic, Natasa Tolimir, Snezana Jankovic, Sladjan Stankovic, et al. (2025). The Importance of Standards and Their Role in Food Safety.
3. Saša Vujović, Vera M. Popovic, Aleksandar Filipović, Divna Simic, et al. (2025). Economic and Health Benefit of Millet Production.
4. Zvonko Pacanoski, Danijela Šikuljak, Ana A. Anđelković, Dusan Nikolic, Divna Simic, et al. (2025). Efficacy of Pre- and Post-Transplant Herbicides in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.).
5. Radmila Bojović, Vera M. Popovic, Nenad Djuric, Dusan Nikolic, Divna Simic, et al. (2025). Uticaj mineralnih hraniva na broj listova i težinu korenova šećerne repe.
6. Vera M. Popovic, Vladimir Filipovic, Divna Simic, Jela Ikanovic, et al. (2025). Organic Production – A Leading World Trend.
7. Vera M. Popovic, Vesna Gantner, Vera Rajicic, Milada Isakov, Divna Simic, et al. (2025). Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. NS Priora – Forage and Honey Plant.
8. Snezana Jankovic, Jela Ikanovic, Nikola Rakašćan, Sveto Rakić, Divna Simic, et al. (2025). Environmental Sustainability and Influence of Digestates on Rye Height in Biogas Production.
9. Snezana Jankovic, Ayiman Omar Alkhammas, Divna Simic, Sveto Rakić, et al. (2025). Application of the EPIC Model for Khorasan Wheat Under Climate Change in Serbia and Libya.
10. Nataša Tolimir, Marijana Maslovaric, Slavica D. Čolić, Sladjan Stankovic, Divna Simic, et al. (2025). The Importance of Knowledge Transfer in Agriculture for Rural Development of Serbia.