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.
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
I am actively engaged in underwater research, employing a combination of diving, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) surveys, and extensive fishery surveys. With over a decade of hands-on experience, I have ventured into some of the most unexplored locations in the world. While my favorite shark is the rough shark, I have extensive experience with many deep-sea species, including mackerel, requiem sharks, and stingrays, bringing a comprehensive understanding to the complexities of these fascinating marine creatures.
As biology stands as a fundamental pillar of science, my research transcends specific categories. It integrates veterinary medicine, biology, and conservation to comprehensively explore vulnerabilities such as post-capture survival and diseases, aiming to develop effective conservation measures. To achieve this, I employ techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging, pathohistology, and toxicology—pioneering such studies in my region. The importance of this approach is recognized by UNEP MAP Barcelona Convention.
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.
I have invited and keynote lectures at prominent summits and conferences worldwide. Renowned for their unique perspectives and engaging delivery, my presentations encompass not only sharks but also a diverse array of ecological topics. I’ve had the honor of speaking at events hosted by renowned organizations such as National Geographic, the United Nations, Save the Children, TED, and beyond.
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
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:
Internationally recognized and prominently featured in some of the world’s most renowned and prestigious media outlets
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
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!
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.
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.
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:
Visit also http://www.sharklab-adria.org
Design A. Gajić, 2023
Photos: M. Prelević, E. Karalić, A. Gajić, NatGeo