It is with deep respect that we acknowledge the passing of Professor Branislav Djurdjev, an esteemed geographer, demographer, university professor, and the inaugural president of the Association of Demographers of Serbia, who passed away on Thursday, September 25.
Born in Bac (ancient town in Vojvodina, Serbia) in 1950, Professor Djurdjev dedicated his entire academic career to advancing the study of population, migration, and demographic processes. He completed his studies in geography at the Faculty of Science and Mathematics in Novi Sad, where he steadily progressed from assistant to full professor and director of the Department for Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management. His academic experience was further enriched through studies at internationally recognized institutions, including those in Moscow, Louvain, Florence, and Berkeley.
Professor Djurdjev authored numerous textbooks and monographs that have significantly influenced generations of students. He served as a mentor for over a hundred theses and dissertations, inspiring many to pursue the field of demography. His extensive contributions to historical demography, population projections, and migration research have left a lasting impact on both national and international academic communities.
Beyond his university responsibilities, Professor Djurdjev played an integral role as a participant and manager of various projects and strategic documents, served as an editor and editorial board member for scientific journals, and actively engaged in professional organizations domestically and internationally. Notably, he contributed to enhancing regional academic cooperation and elevating the reputation of the academic community in Novi Sad.
Professor Djurdjev will be remembered as a distinguished scholar, dedicated educator, and respected mentor whose expertise and commitment greatly enriched the colleagues and students with whom he worked. His legacy remains an enduring contribution to the discipline.
A commemoration in honour of Prof. Branislav Đurđev took place at the University of Novi Sad on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. in Hall 1 on the second floor of the central PMF building. During the event, family members, many colleagues, students, and associates heard remarks from several speakers: Prof. Anđelija Ivkov-Džigurski, chairman of the Chair of Social Geography at the Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad; Prof. Daniela Arsenović, a long-standing close associate of Professor Đurđev in the same Chair; Dr. Vladimir Nikitović, President of the Association of Demographers of Serbia; and Prof. Milka Bubalo-Živković, chairman of the Chair of Regional Geography, at the Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad.
May he rest in peace.
Association of Demographers of Serbia
