Professor Dr. Milena Đukanović, known for her multidisciplinary approach and integration of science, education, and art, recently received the annual University of Montenegro Prize. The award was presented to her by the Rector of the University of Montenegro, Professor Dr. Vladimir Božović, at the ceremonial session of the Senate of the University of Montenegro.
Professor Đukanović is heavily involved in 3D printing and its applications, as evidenced by her participation in numerous international and national projects on the subject. One such project, where she serves as the coordinator, is the three-year Erasmus plus SMART Innovation Centers project, aimed at establishing an Innovation Center for 3D Printing at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, which will collaborate intensively with the business community of Montenegro and beyond.
Gender equality and increasing female students exposure to STEM education are important topics for Professor Đukanović, who also serves as the coordinator in the three-year Erasmus plus GEAR Gender Equality in Academia and Research project. Additionally, she is involved in the management of committees for three four-year COST projects funded by the European Union, focusing on 3D printing of food, 3D printed cultural heritage-based games, and circular economy. Her dedication to sustainable development and research in innovative technologies has been recognized internationally, as she was invited to speak on green development and 3D printing in China in May 2023.
All scientific and artistic research through 3D printed objects was showcased at her first solo exhibition "3D Printed Dreams," opened by His Excellency Prince Nikola Petrović Njegoš on March 10, 2023, at Kuslevs House, with the support of the Museum and Galleries of Podgorica.
Through the project "Development of Inclusive Policy, Culture, and Practice in the Education System," 3D modeled and 3D printed toys for children with special needs made from recycled materials, with a focus on Montenegrin cultural heritage. This toy set, named Lets all play, was awarded the BIG SEE Award for 3D modeling and product design for the year 2023.
Additionally, this toy set was among the finalists of the Ro Plastic Prize 2023, in the category of Inspiring Learning Projects. The Ro Plastic Prize is an international award that recognizes outstanding potential for impact in the fields of green and circular technologies.
In February of this year, Professor Đukanović was invited to present this project at the United Nations headquarters in Vienna, as one of 28 selected projects worldwide focusing on inclusion in education.
The Queen collection, the result of the innovative project Fashion Collection QUEEN using recyclable and zero-waste materials, received the BIG SEE Award for the year 2023, this time in the field of fashion design.
All three international recognitions and awards (BIG SEE Awards 2023 and Ro Guiltless Plastic 2023) are actually the result of research in the field of 3D printing, recycled materials, as well as green and circular technologies.
As the coordinator of the educational project of the Innovation Fund - Green Transformation of Montenegro (ZeTraCG), she introduced University of Montenegro students to 3D food printing and 3D printing of kitchen furniture using biodegradable filaments, as well as 3D modeling techniques.
She is also the recipient of the Creative Montenegro projects for 2023 and 2024 awarded by the Ministry of Culture and Media of Montenegro, for 3D printed collars presented at the Munich Jewelry Week 2023 and 3D printed vases in collaboration with the Montenegrin company 3D soba to be presented at the Paris Design Week 2024 in April of this year.
Among the most important scientific research on a global level are studies contributing to solutions and new concepts in green and circular technologies, driven by the need for sustainable development and addressing environmental challenges. Two published scientific papers in the Q2 category in 2023, as well as a chapter published in Springers monograph, specifically address these concepts. Scientific areas covered in these papers include machine learning, carbon dioxide emissions, 3D printing, electric and autonomous vehicles, recyclable and biodegradable materials, etc.
All of these achievements make Professor Dr. Milena Đukanović a prominent figure in the field of knowledge, education, and innovation, whose work connects science, education, and art.
