Jovan Zujovic

Born in 1856 in Brusnica and educated in Belgrade and Paris, he became one of the first fully trained geologists in Serbia. After returning home, he began the scientific study of Serbia’s geology and taught mineralogy, geology, and paleontology, helping establish these fields on a modern academic footing.

He did far more than teach. He produced a geological map of Serbia, wrote foundational textbooks, founded the Geological Institute of the Great School in 1889, launched the journal Geological Annals of the Balkan Peninsula, and became the first president of the Serbian Geological Society. He is also remembered as a pioneer in Serbian paleontology and anthropology.

His influence reached well beyond the laboratory. He served at Belgrade University, later became president of the Serbian Royal Academy, and took part in public and political life as well. For readers today, he stands out as one of those rare scholars who did not just study a field, but helped create it.