Serbia genetic laboratory shuts down following expert's dismissal

The closure of a specialized genetic laboratory at the Milovan Milovanović Institute of Forensic Medicine has caused significant concern regarding public health and judicial processes in Serbia. The shutdown follows a decision by the Ministry of Health to prohibit Professor Oliver Stojković from working at the facility, reportedly due to an administrative error in a seven-year-old employment contract.

Professor Stojković was the sole expert at the laboratory. The Rebel University group has stated that this decision jeopardizes critical services, including genetic analysis for oncology patients, bone marrow transplant recipients, and pregnant women. Furthermore, the lack of expertise threatens criminal investigations, court proceedings, and the identification of remains.

The Rebel University has called on the administration of the University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Medicine to intervene and resolve the legal status of Professor Stojković’s engagement. They have characterized the situation as an attack on academic autonomy and professional integrity, alleging that political conformity is being prioritized over public service quality.