Snežana: “Tackling water challenges through interdisciplinary approaches”

Professor Snežana Živković from Serbia is a participant of the European Junior Water Programme (EJWP). She is deeply involved in enhancing educational standards and contributing to environmental sustainability through academic and practical initiatives. Snežana is convinced of the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling modern water and environmental challenges.

What is your current work position?

“I am currently working as a full professor at the University of Niš, Faculty of Occupational Safety, Chair for social development and humanization.”

Can you describe one of your workdays?

“My average workdays consists of giving lectures, lesson preparation, consultations with students, cooperation with colleagues on new projects, work with doctoral students. Also, as a member of a large number of faculty and university working bodies, I spend a lot of time at work meetings mainly dedicated to the organization and improvement of teaching.”

What do you consider the most interesting part of your job?

“In addition to the achieved results and intensive work with students, cooperation with colleagues is very important for me. I especially enjoy working with motivated colleagues or motivating those colleagues who are occasionally in a state of ‘demotivation’.”

What is a topic that you see as increasingly important in the water sector?

“Improvement of efficiency in the provision of water services in order to improve the quality of the environment and the lives of citizens. On the other hand, the availability and economic affordability of water resources is necessary in the modern age.”

What do you expect from international cooperation?

“Improvement of environmental standards in the Republic of Serbia in accordance with the standards and best practices of European Union member states. Also, in the international environment, I expect a certain comparison of practices with which I am familiar with those used by other colleagues.”

Why are you joining EJWP?

“As someone who deals with the management of environmental protection, I believe that within the framework of this program I will have significant opportunities to become familiar with the challenges that appear in the field of water and the possibilities of solving them.”

What and where did you study?

“I graduated in psychology from the University of Belgrade and got my master and doctorate degree from the Faculty of Occupational Safety in Nis. I deal with human resources management, occupational safety, environmental protection, fire protection and emergency situations.”