Received Sylff fellowship in 2019
Academic supervisor: prof. Vesna Knezevic-Predic
Current affiliation: University of Belgrade, Faculty of Political Science
Janja Simentić Popović is an academic and practitioner specializing in International and European Union Law. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Political Science, University of Belgrade, where she lectures on a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses, including Public International Law, EU Law, International Humanitarian Law, and International Refugee Law.
Janja holds a PhD in International and European Studies from the University of Belgrade. Her doctoral research examined the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union in the field of asylum law, combining a theoretically grounded approach to the interpretation of (international) law with practical conclusions about the Court's reasoning and its implications for EU asylum policy.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Janja is the founder and program coordinator of the NGO Belgrade International Law Circle, which fosters dialogue and education on international legal issues. Her international teaching experience includes serving as a lecturer in the MA program on Humanitarian Assistance & Crisis Management at the Graduate Institute School for International Training.
Janja’s research has been widely published in esteemed journals; notable publications include articles in the Journal of Conflict and Security Law, German Law Journal, and contributions to edited volumes on international law.
Her professional contributions extend to policy-oriented work and consultancy, where she has collaborated with organizations like the United Nations Development Programme, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Civil Rights Defenders. Her policy papers and analyses have addressed rule of law in Serbia, self-determination in South Africa, and EU asylum law, among other topics.
Janja has also been actively involved in numerous international and regional research projects. These include managing initiatives on reconciliation and education in the Western Balkans. Her academic network includes membership in the European Society of International Law, the International Law Association of Serbia, and other professional bodies.
Her accomplishments have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship and scholarships from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technological Development of Serbia. A skilled multilingual communicator, Janja is fluent in Serbian, English, Italian, and has working knowledge of French and Spanish.
Academic Achievements, Social Engagement Initiatives
2021-2026 Assistant Professor of International and EU Law (University of Belgrade)
2021 PhD awarded (Topic: "Jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union in the field of asylum")
2014-2024 author and coauthor of more than 15 academic articles published in peer reviewed national and international academic journals
2022-ongoing founder and programme coordinator at NGO Belegrade International Law Circle
2024 Recepient of Sylf Research Grant
2019 Recipient of the Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund
Summary of Support Program Activities
The support program for the FY2024 Sylff Research Grant will focus on the preparation of a comprehensive book titled International Treaty Relations between the Republic of Serbia and Kosovo. The project aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the complex legal interactions between Serbia and Kosovo, particularly concerning international treaties formed despite Serbia's policy of non-recognition. This research is significant for understanding the nature and implications of these treaties within the broader context of international relations.
The activities supported by the grant include:
Data Collection (accessing and reviewing various online databases and archives; collecting relevant data from credible online and physical sources, including books, journal articles, policy briefs, and official documents);
Research Assistance (hiring a research assistant to perform key tasks such as data collection, structuring, and summarization; ensuring the credibility and currency of all gathered information to maintain the research's rigor and reliability);
Subscription to Comprehensive Databases (subscribing to the Peace Palace Library, enabling access to the latest research findings in international law and treaty relations).
By integrating findings from multiple disciplines, the project will produce a well-rounded and detailed examination of Serbia-Kosovo treaty relations, offering valuable insights into this underexplored area of international law. The findings will be utilized to enhance academic understanding and provide a significant contribution to the applicant’s scholarly career.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janja-simenti%C4%87-popovi%C4%87-b70976159/
ORCID: 0009-0007-6071-6595
