Vol. 3 No. 4 (2025): In Memoriam – Dr. Branko Djuric

Dr. Branko Djurić, Scientific Advisor (retired), passed away on April 8, 2025, in Belgrade. Born in 1933 in Novi Sad, he was educated in Belgrade and graduated from the First Belgrade Gymnasium (1952). He completed his studies at the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, and—supported by the Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences—earned his degree in 1958.

He obtained his Ph.D. in 1972 with the dissertation “Mechanisms and Kinetics of Phase Transformations in Uranium Alloys with Niobium,” which contributed significantly to the understanding of phase transformations, microstructural stability, and structure–property relationships in uranium–niobium alloys, with direct relevance to nuclear materials performance. His international training included the University of Birmingham (1961–1962) and, as a Fulbright scholar, MIT (1973–1974), where he worked on martensitic transformations and alloy development.

Dr. Djurić spent his entire career at the Vinča Institute, serving as Head of the Metals Department, Director of the Laboratory for Reactor Materials (1984–1991), and Deputy Director for Science until 1999. His scientific work focused on physical metallurgy of metals and alloys, with particular emphasis on phase transformations, microstructural evolution, and advanced structural characterization using X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy techniques. He played a key role in establishing modern experimental methodologies at the Institute, notably transmission electron microscopy and electron microanalysis, thereby significantly strengthening research capabilities in metallurgical and nuclear materials science.

He published widely, contributed to the translation of specialized literature, and actively participated in graduate education at the University of Belgrade. He was a co-founder and the first Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Metallurgy (1998) and a member of the Balkan Union of Metallurgists. Dr. Branko Djurić will be remembered for his scientific contributions, institutional leadership, and lasting influence on metallurgical research.

Guest Editor,
Dr. Vesna Maksimović