Bojan Ilić is a Junior Researcher in the Molecular Biology Group, IMGGE. His research interests are the molecular basis, environmental, genetic and epigenetic risk factors for lung diseases, zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model system for human lung diseases and molecular functions of alpha-1 antitrypsin.

Currently, he is working on his PhD thesis, which is focused on examining the effects of protein from the serine protease inhibitor family, alpha-1 antitrypsin, on processes involved in wound healing (cell migration, apoptosis, response of the innate immune system) as well as on the regeneration process. In addition, he assesses the therapeutic potential of alpha-1 antitrypsin in the aforementioned processes. The experimental part of his thesis includes research on different model systems such as zebrafish (Danio rerio), 2D skin cell culture (fibroblasts and keratinocytes), as well as 3D (spheroid) culture of these cells. In order to reach his PhD aims he uses different methods: transcriptomics, proteomics, immunostaining, microscopy (stereo, confocal and fluorescent).

He earned his BSc in Biology at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade in 2021, followed by MSc in Applied Genetics on the same Faculty in 2022. In 2022, he enrolled in a PhD in Genetics at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade. In 2023, he began working at IMGGE as a Junior Researcher.