After decades of commitment, a contract has finally been signed to carry out the reconstruction and completion of the Institute of Botany building within the Jevremonac Botanical Garden. This historic step represents the realization of a long-standing vision of the Faculty of Biology of the University of Belgrade, which was the main initiator of this capital project.

The contract was signed directly at the Government of Serbia between the Minister of Public Investments, Mr. Darko Glisic, and the representative of the consortium of contractors, Damir Lunic, who was selected in the public procurement. The signing was also attended by the Assistant Minister of Education, Prof. Dr. Janko Samardzic, confirming the full support that the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Serbia has given to this initiative from the very beginning.

The Faculty of Biology, as the project leader, financed the preparation of complete project documentation from its own funds and at the end of 2020 legalized the facility, the construction of which began more than 30 years ago. This created the necessary preconditions for the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the relevant ministries to recognize the importance and support the completion of this project.

The investment value is over 300 million dinars, and the start of work is expected in the next 30 days, with a completion deadline of the end of 2026.

New center of knowledge and education – Natural History Center "Josif Pančić"

With the completion of the 2.800 m² gross area facility, which has been unfinished for almost three decades, the Botanical Garden "Jevremovac" and Belgrade will gain a unique scientific and educational center. The facility will be intended for:

• Education: Modern classrooms and laboratories will be available for ecological and biological education for more than 30.000 preschool and school children who visit the Botanical Garden annually, as well as for working with talented students.
  
  
• Preservation of cultural and scientific heritage: An exhibition space is planned where the priceless legacy of Josif Pančić, his complete herbarium, notes, and personal items will be available to the public for the first time. Valuables from one of the oldest botanical libraries in the region will also be on display, including editions from the 16th century.
  
  
• Science and research: The project envisages space for the first gene bank of our indigenous, rare and endangered plant species, as well as a laboratory for their propagation. This represents a strategic step in preserving Serbia's biodiversity.
  
  
• Culture and the academic community: A modern amphitheater with about 200 seats, equipped with soundproofing, will be used for holding lectures, scientific meetings, but also concerts and other cultural events.

There is an initiative to name the new facility Natural History Center "Josif Pančić", in honor of the giant of Serbian science, the founder of the Botanical Garden and the first president of the Serbian Academy of Sciences.

The Faculty of Biology expresses its gratitude to the Government of Serbia, the Ministry of Public Investments and the Ministry of Education for recognizing the importance of this project. With the completion of the facility, along with the already reconstructed Victorian greenhouse, Serbia will gain a representative space that will serve the education of future generations and the preservation of our natural and scientific heritage.