Prof. Velimir Popsavin’s groundbreaking research, prolific publication record, and international recognition make him a highly deserving candidate for the “Best Researcher Awards.” His contributions not only demonstrate excellence in research but also underline his role as a mentor and thought leader in advancing chemistry and medicinal sciences globally. His work on the total synthesis of natural products and the development of innovative synthetic methods in carbohydrate chemistry has advanced medicinal chemistry. As a full member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts and a respected peer reviewer for leading journals, he has significantly influenced the field.
🎓Education:
Prof. Velimir Popsavin holds a Ph.D., M.Sc., and B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences. His doctoral research focused on advancements in organic synthesis. He pursued multiple prestigious fellowships, including a postdoctoral position at the University of Leeds, UK, where he contributed to groundbreaking studies in bioorganic chemistry. As a visiting scientist at the University of Leeds, he deepened his expertise in carbohydrate chemistry, and during his research stay at L. Kossuth University in Hungary, he collaborated on biochemical projects, expanding his knowledge of monosaccharide derivatives. His educational background, combined with international research exposure, established him as a pioneer in medicinal chemistry and synthetic chemistry.
🏢Work Experience:
Prof. Velimir Popsavin’s career at the University of Novi Sad spanned over four decades, beginning as a Teaching Assistant in 1975. He progressed to Assistant Professor in 1989, Associate Professor in 1994, and Full Professor in 1999. As a professor, he led courses and research in bioorganic and medicinal chemistry until his retirement in 2021. Beyond teaching, he actively mentored young chemists, guiding them through advanced research in natural product synthesis and carbohydrate chemistry. Prof. Popsavin also contributed significantly as a collaborator and advisor during his fellowships in the UK and Hungary. His unwavering dedication to teaching and research has left an indelible mark on chemical sciences.
🏅Awards:
Prof. Velimir Popsavin is a Full Member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, a recognition of his exceptional contributions to chemistry. He is a longstanding member of the Serbian Chemical Society and has been celebrated for his role as an ad hoc reviewer for prominent journals like Tetrahedron, Synlett, and Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. His dedication to fostering global scientific collaboration has earned him widespread respect. As a researcher and mentor, his awards and accolades reflect his influence in shaping medicinal chemistry and synthetic methodologies.
🔬Research Focus:
Prof. Velimir Popsavin’s research centers on the total synthesis of natural products, where he has developed innovative synthetic pathways to bioactive molecules. In medicinal chemistry, his work focuses on creating new compounds for therapeutic applications. His expertise in carbohydrate chemistry includes pioneering methods for modifying monosaccharides to design novel drug molecules. With over 100 peer-reviewed publications, his studies explore catalytic processes, green chemistry, and stereoselective synthesis. Prof. Velimir Popsavin’s research continues to inspire advancements in organic chemistry and biochemistry.
Publication Top Notes:
1. Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of (−)-cleistenolide, (6S)-cleistenolide and 4-substituted cleistenolide analogues
2. First total synthesis of asperilactone B. Revision of absolute stereochemistry of asperilactones B and C
3. Synthesis and biological activity of thiophene bioisosteres of natural styryl lactone goniofufurone and related compounds
4. New dephenylated analogues of (-)-goniofufurone: optimization of synthesis from L-xylose
5. Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of (5R)-cleistenolide and analogues