Jelena Begović

Assistant Director for Strategy and Business Development

Institute for Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering

Dr. Jelena Begović is a Serbian scientist with over 27 years of experience in molecular genetics, genetic engineering, and biotechnology. She has more than 25 years of experience in research, innovation policy, intellectual property protection, and technology transfer, and has made a significant contribution to building Serbia’s innovation ecosystem – from founding the first biotechnology spin-out from academia to leading national strategies for science and innovation. From 2013 to 2022 served as director of Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering. As Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation (2022–2025), she coordinated the transformation of 20 research institutes and launched major infrastructure projects such as the BIO4 Campus, which represents a new bioeconomy hub in Europe. Throughout her career, she has represented Serbia at the UN, UNESCO, ERC and the World Economic Forum. As Minister, she initiated the proposal to the United Nations that led to the adoption of the “International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development,” proclaimed by the UN General Assembly on August 25, 2023, for the period 2024–2033. Since 2023, she has been the President of the Board of Governors of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), the first woman in this position in the organization’s 42-year history. She is the author of 69 scientific papers, has led numerous industry collaboration projects in Europe and beyond, and has served as an expert for the European Commission (Joint Research Centre) and World Bank for Smart Specialization Strategy of Serbia. Her work combines cutting-edge science, public policy, and international cooperation to foster knowledge-based economic development.