About Me
Hello and welcome to my world of science
Driven by childhood dreams of working with sharks, my journey transcends the limitations of my coastal-less post-war upbringing. Today, I am an internationally awarded scientist, author, advisor, visionary filmmaker, diver, skydiver, and entrepreneur. With advanced degrees in pathology, ecology, and conservation from the University of Sarajevo, I lead Sharklab ADRIA, pioneering groundbreaking research. As the head scientist and expert reviewer for National Geographic and Discovery Channel, I’ve led captivating expeditions, inspiring audiences worldwide. With over 70 publications, including two books, and 21 projects as principal investigator, my work has received global recognition. Honored with seven prestigious awards, my scientific achievements have been featured in 300+ media, such as NatGeo, Discovery, Warner Bros., FOX, BBC, Arte, DW, and CN affiliates.
Greeting, curios minds!
ABOUT ME
I am an internationally awarded scientist, experienced principal investigator, published author, academic advisor, and documentary filmmaker. My research focus on the diseases and ecology of sharks, skates and rays. As the head scientist for National Geographic, the Explorers Club, and the Discovery Channel, I led multiple research expeditions in the Mediterranean Sea. With over 70 published papers and two books, I served as Principal Investigator for 21 regional projects in the past seven years. My impact extends beyond scientific community, with about 300 media actively reporting on the results of my research, including National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Warner Bros., FOX, CNN, Arte, and many more.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. researcher in Veterinary Medicine, Pathology
M.Sc. in Marine Biology and Conservation
B.Eng. (Hons.) in Biology and Ecological Engineering
CURRENT RESEARCH
I'm currently engaged in research projects in the northern Mediterranean, particularly the Adriatic. My focus includes pathological and immunological studies, exploring pollution's impact on disease development. Additionally, I'm investigating the population dynamics of deep-sea elasmobranchs, as well as studying rare and critically endangered species in the Mediterranean.
Exploring the rarest
My research has been instrumental in broadening our understanding of the region’s rarest and most endangered species. Species that were once absent from records for decades are now integrated into our scientific knowledge, shedding light on their population dynamics and conservation needs.
Exploring the deepest
Specializing in extensive research, my work delves into the hidden realms of the deep-sea habitats in the Adriatic Sea. Through meticulous exploration, I provide precise insights into species that have long been enigmatic, shedding light on their existence beyond the limited scope of anecdotal reports that were available up today.
Studying diseases
At the heart of my laboratory pursuits is an unwavering commitment to unraveling the intricate impacts of pollution on disease development. Furthermore, I dedicate efforts to comprehensive studies aimed at improving post-release survival rates through magnetic resonance, immunology and pathology.
Field Research
I am actively engaged in underwater research, employing a combination of diving and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) surveys. Additionally, my work involves comprehensive fishery monitoring, which includes conducting trawl surveys on shelves and upper slopes. With over a decade of hands-on experience, recently I have dedicated more than 120 days annually to fieldwork. Over the past decade, my research has been concentrated in the northern Mediterranean, specifically the Adriatic Sea. Despite, I have ventured into some of the most remarkable locations in Asia and Africa. Excited about new horizons!
Working with Sharks
I possess extensive expertise in working with sharks, spanning both close interactions in the wild and captivity. My experience encompasses diverse aspects, including conducting laboratory research. I specialize in deep-sea species (such as rough sharks, gulper sharks, seven gill and sixgill sharks), oceanic mackerel sharks (primarily mako sharks and threshers), requiem sharks (smooth-hounds, catshark, blue sharks and sandbar sharks), stingrays (eagle rays, manta rays, butterfly rays, and common stingrays), torpedo rays and skates – bringing a comprehensive understanding to the complexities of these fascinating marine creatures.
Honors & Awards
Grateful for recognition in the realm of exceptional regional scientific achievements, extensive multinational community engagement, and unwavering dedication to conservation efforts, I am humbled to have received prestigious acclaim from renowned institutions, including National Geographic, and beyond. Notable acknowledgments include:
Honorary Ambassador of the Mediterranean
appointed by Barcelona Convention (PAP/RAC, UNEP)
2022
Special Governmental Recognition for Science
for extraordinary scientific achievements and promotion of science
2021
Man of the Year
prestigious award
awarded by LadiesIn community for distinguished scientific work
2019
An internationally recognized scientist
Honors & Awards
Honorary Ambassador of the Mediterranean
appointed by Barcelona Convention (PAP/RAC, UNEP)
2022
Special Governmental Recognition for Science
extraordinary scientific achievements and promotion of science
2021
Man of the Year
prestigious award
awarded by LadiesIn community for distinguished scientific work
2019
In the Media
My work and career were featured in more than 250 media appearances. You can easily search for all of them by simply googling my name, while the most important are given below:
- National Geographic Spot
- NatGeo WILD Sharkfest
- CNN affiliates apparencies
- Deutsche Welle Global 3000
- TED Talk: Masarikova
Internationally recognized and prominently featured in some of the world’s most renowned and prestigious media outlets
MEDIA
Featured at Sharkfest in 2018 and 2020, as well as in dozens of other engagements
I worked with FOX on filming ‘Explorers Spot’ about me in Malta and a few other features
After merging with Discovery, WB funded my deep-sea research and content creation
For four years, Discovery funded my research on deep-sea sharks and microplastics
As a member of the elite TEC, I led two expeditions in the Mediterranean Sea
BBC has published a report on giving sharks a second chance, a program in Sharklab Malta
I had dozens of interviews and guest appearances at CNN and its affiliates in Europe
It was a pleasure to be featured in and film several documentaries aired Arte
Featured on Global 3000 due to the regional importance of our research work
other appearances in TV, radio portals, newspapers, and magazines
Projects & Publications
Check out my recent projects & publications
Over the past seven years, I have served as the Principal Investigator for 21 regional projects funded by Rufford Foundation, National Geographic, Explorers Club, Discovery Channel, Foundation Ensemble, PADI Foundation, IDEA WILD, Federal Ministry of Education and Science, Environmental Protection Fund, and more, while also establishing myself as a dedicated author with over 70 original scientific publications and two books. My latest publication, “Sharks, Skates, and Rays of the Eastern Adriatic Sea,” is published under the auspicies of UNEP MAP and has garnered extensive governmental support from Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. I invite you to reach out to me for a free PDF copy!
Projects & Publications
Check out my recent projects & publications
Over the past seven years, I have served as the Principal Investigator for 21 regional projects funded by Rufford Foundation, National Geographic, Explorers Club, Discovery Channel, Foundation Ensemble, PADI Foundation, IDEA WILD, Federal Ministry of Education and Science, Environmental Protection Fund, and more, while also establishing myself as a dedicated author with over 70 original scientific publications and two books. My latest publication, “Sharks, Skates, and Rays of the Eastern Adriatic Sea,” is published under the auspicies of UNEP MAP and has garnered extensive governmental support from Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. I invite you to reach out to me for a free PDF copy!
Gajić et al., 2023
An interesting case of a single ocellus in a Brown ray, Raja miraletus (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Adriatic Sea
Marine Biodiversity, 53(29): 1-2.
Gajić et al., 2023
The first record of gravid Spiny butterfly ray in the northern Mediterranean Sea, with description of near-term fetuses.
Journal of Fish Biology, 102(6): 1506-1509.
Gajić et al., 2022
Contemporary records of the rare and critically endangered angular rough shark, Oxynotus centrina, from the eastern Adriatic Sea
Journal of Fish Biology, 100(1): 329-334.
Gajić et al., 2023
First record of neonatal sandbar shark Carcharhinus plumbeus (Nardo, 1827) (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae)
from the Southern Adriatic Sea
Acta Adriatica, 63(2), 241-250.
Gajić, 2022
New hope for the critically endangered common angel shark (Squatina squatina) in the Adriatic Sea, northern Mediterranean
Croatian Journal of Fisheries,
80(1): 1-6
Gajić et al., 2020
Melanomacrophage centeres and diseases occurring in lesser-spotted catsharks from the southern Adriatic Sea – importance for monitoring
Acta Adriatica, 61(2): 175-184
Gajić, A., Karalić, E., Beširović, H., & Sulikowski, J. (2023). The first record of gravid Spiny butterfly ray (Gymnura altavela) in the northern Mediterranean Sea, with description of near-term fetuses. Journal of Fish Biology, 102(6): 1506-1509.”
Gajić, A., Sulikowski, J., & Beširović, H. (2023). An interesting case of a single ocellus in a Brown ray from the Adriatic Sea. Marine Biodiversity, 53(29): 1-2.
Gajić, A., Lelo, S., Joksimović, A., Pešić, A., Tomanić, J., Beširović, H., & Dragičević, B. (2022). Contemporary records of the rare and critically endangered angular rough shark, Oxynotus centrina, from the eastern Adriatic Sea. Journal of Fish Biology, 100(1): 329-334.
Laboratory and Field studies
Andrej, what's your research all about?
As biology stands as a fundamental pillar of science, my research transcends specific categories. Instead, it integrates veterinary medicine and conservation to comprehensively explore vulnerabilities, such as diseases, and develop long-term in-situ conservation measures in the region. My primary focus lies in examining the impact of pollution on disease development, individual immunological responses to various pressures, and the neurobiology and embryology of sharks, skates, and rays. Concurrently, I conduct extensive field research, comprising underwater studies and fisheries surveys. It is important to note that I strictly adhere to ethical principles in my research. No animals are harmed or killed for the sake of my studies; all biological samples are obtained from by-catch and commercial fisheries that we monitor diligently.
Spending my nights in the company of giants
Imagining a late December night, feeling the icy sting on your face, the darkness intensifies as you eagerly await the presence of a shark.
Conducting medical examinations underwater
Sharks, known for their intelligence and playful nature, captivate us with their remarkable cognitive abilities and engaging behaviors.
Elasmobranch rescue, rehabilitation and release
Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and responsible release of sharks, ensuring their well-being and contributing to the conservation of these magnificent creatures.
Spending my nights in the company of giants
Imagining a late December night, feeling the icy sting on your face, the darkness intensifies as you eagerly await the presence of a shark.
Conducting medical examinations underwater
Sharks, known for their intelligence and playful nature, captivate us with their remarkable cognitive abilities and engaging behaviors.
Elasmobranch rescue, rehabilitation and release
Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and responsible release of sharks, ensuring their well-being and contributing to the conservation of these magnificent creatures.
In the Media
My work and career were featured in more than 300 media appearances. You can easily search for all of them by simply googling my name, while the most important are given below:
- National Geographic Spot
- NatGeo WILD Sharkfest
- CNN affiliates apparencies
- Deutsche Welle Global 3000
- TED Talk: Masarikova
- agajic@sharklab-adria.org
- 00387 (0)61 078 104 (BA)
- 00355 (0)69 533 6652 (AL)
- Vlorë (Albania), Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina), New York (US)
Let's get in touch
Visit also http://www.sharklab-adria.org
Design A. Gajić, 2023
Photos: M. Prelević, E. Karalić, A. Gajić, NatGeo