History

Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetology originated from the Institute of Galenic Pharmacy, founded in 1947. The founder of the Institute of Galenic Pharmacy was one of the founders of the Faculty of Pharmacy in Belgrade, professor Siniša Djaja, who was also the first teacher of Galenic Pharmacy with Practical Pharmacy elected at the Department of Pharmacy (founded in 1939) of the Faculty of Medicine in Belgrade.

After the separation of the Department of Pharmacy from the Faculty of Medicine in 1945 and its growth into an independent Faculty of Pharmacy, the necessary equipment for the Institute of Galenic Pharmacy was intensively collected, and the facilities were completely adapted in 1955. The Institute was functionally equipped for teaching and practical exercises of students and scientific research and postgraduate studies. During the following years, the Institute changed its name, first to the Department of Galenic Pharmacy and later to the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology.
With the development of galenic pharmacy, which over time has outgrown the scope of drug compounding in pharmacies, and especially after the inclusion of topics related to industrial pharmacy to program of studies, the course Galenic pharmacy was replaced in 1958 with the course Pharmaceutical technology. Professor Miloje Danilović, head of the Institute for Galenic Pharmacy, professor Nikola Tufegdžić and professor Miomirka Birmančević had made an outstanding contribution to the study and teaching of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy at the Faculty of Pharmacy in Belgrade.

Professor Miloje Danilović was the head of the Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology for many years, as well as the dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy (1971-1973). He had made a great contribution to the development of scientific research staff in the field of pharmaceutical technology and cosmetology, as a mentor of 14 master's and one doctoral thesis. He was the founder and president of the Federal Section for Pharmaceutical Technology and the Federal Section for Cosmetology of the Pharmaceutical Society of Yugoslavia.

An exceptional contribution to the development of the Institute/Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetology was made by professor Nikola Tufegdžić. The engagement of professor Nikola Tufegdžić was focused on young scientists’ development and their inclusion in teaching and research activites at the Faculty of Pharmacy. Professor Nikola Tufegdžić had developed cooperation with the pharmaceutical industry and introduced aspects of drug manufacturing in education. He had promoted the programme of specialist studies in Pharmaceutical technology, thus enhancing communication and cooperation with colleagues from practice.

Further advancement of the Institute/Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetology was led by professor Miomirka Birmančević. Her particular contribution was improvement of teaching in biopharmacy and solid dosage forms.

Professor Mirjana Stupar had made a considerable contribution to the affirmation of the Institute/Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetology and further progress related to both teaching and research activities. With great dedication and enthusiasm, she procured essential equipment and the necessary professional literature to improve scientific research activities at the Institute and established cooperation with relevant institutions and laboratories abroad. She advocated that the Institute maintains constant and direct contacts with colleagues in the profession supporting progression of professional work in the fields of pharmaceutical technology, cosmetology and pharmaceutical practice.

From 1939 until today, the Institute / Department, was managed by following heads of the Department: professor Siniša Đaja (1939-1957), professor Miloje Danilović (1957-1979), professor Nikola Tufegdžić (1979-1984), professor Mirjana Stupar (1984-2006), professor Zorica Đurić (2010-2013), professor Gordana Vuleta (2006-2010 and 2013-2016), professor Jelena Parojčić (2016-2019) and associate professor Dragana Vasiljević (2019-present).