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.
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.
Giants of the depths
Capturing awe-inspiring footage of the majestic and rarely seen sixgill sharks, the giants of the deep ocean for TEC Discovery Channel.
What lurks in the depths?
Devoted to studying the elusive and lesser-known species thriving in the depths of upper slopes. Stay tuned for the results.
Understanding the threats
Delving into the interplay between pollution, disease development, immunological response, and fisheries for effective conservation.
Giants of the depths
Capturing awe-inspiring footage of the majestic and rarely seen sixgill sharks, the giants of the deep ocean for TEC Discovery Channel.
What lurks in the depths?
Devoted to studying the elusive and lesser-known species thriving in the depths of upper slopes. Stay tuned for the results.
Understanding the threats
Delving into the interplay between pollution, disease development, immunological response, and fisheries for effective conservation.
An internationally recognized scientist
Honors & Awards
Honored for exceptional regional scientific achievements, extensive multinational community engagement, and dedicated conservation efforts, I have received prestigious recognition from renowned institutions including National Geographic, the United Nations, and more. Notable acknowledgments include:
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
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
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 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
- 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