Experts

Jelena Matic

Professor at Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade
Field of research: furniture design; sustainable design; interior architecture.

Professor Jelena Matic is a visionary figure in Serbia, known for her exceptional contributions to the promotion of students and the education in sustainability and circular design. Her passion for sustainable design has not only influenced her students’ lives but has also inspired new generations of designs to embed environmental concepts and practices.

Jelena’s Work Focuses on Circular Designs, Circular Economy Principles, and Design for Sustainability, Emphasizing Innovation, Creativity, and the Integration of Sustainable Practices Into Educational Curriculum. Through her teaching at the Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade and through initiatives like the “Young Balkan Designers” where she plays a pivotal role, Jelena has been instrumental in fostering education in the realm of sustainability and circular design, making her a driving force in shaping the future of design education in Serbia.

Over a decade, from 2005 to 2015, Matic led successful projects that gained well-known awards, including prestigious ones like the Awards of the Salon of Arts, Golden Key of the Furniture Fair in Belgrade, and awards from the Chamber of Commerce of Belgrade and Ulupuds. Notably, her collaboration with the Serbian furniture factory “Simpo” resulted in four student pieces of furniture being included in the company’s production in 2010, showing Jelena’s impact and recognition in the industry.

Quote:

The main guiding principle of the program is to motivate young persons to work, to encourage and to give them support to be creative, hardworking and proud. Everything young people should be. To assure them that there is a space for them. Although there are a million models of chairs in the world, this society is waiting for one more – yours.