Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

 Dr. Ilija Bobić, scientific adviser in retirement (1953-2020)

Materials Department, "Vinča" Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Serbia.

In memory of our dear colleague and friend Dr. Bobić, who passed away in July 2020, the journal "Metallurgical and Materials Engineering" is dedicating this special issue "Composite materials - novelties in manufacturing and application" in celebration of his lifelong work and achievements in the field of metal matrix composite materials.

His professional career started in 1979 as a metallurgical engineer in the Factory of ingots (Belgrade, Serbia) and in 1985, he was recruited to the Materials Department, "Vinča" Institute of Nuclear Sciences (Belgrade, Serbia) where he stayed until his retirement (January 2020). Dr. Bobić incorporated his rich experience from industry into scientific research bringing up many accomplishments in material science, including, among others, design and manufacturing of hybrid metal matrix composites (A356/SiC_p/Gr_p) and nanocomposite materials (A356, Zn-Al/Ti, and ZA-27 matrix material); the development of improved processing routes in the casting of metallic materials reinforced with nanoceramic and graphite; synthesis of the alloys and metal matrix composites with enhanced mechanical and tribological properties, and corrosion behavior.

Dr. Ilija Bobić was born and grew up in Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He moved to Belgrade (Serbia) for his undergraduate studies and enrolled at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, where he received BSc, MSc and PhD degrees in metallurgical engineering. As a young metallurgical engineer, he developed a passion for casting processes and joined the Laboratory for nuclear materials ("Vinča" Institute of Nuclear Sciences). His research was primarily focused on the establishment of innovative processing routes of the thixocasting and compocasting techniques. Dr. Bobić was promoted to the scientific adviser position in 2014, at the Materials Department ("Vinča" Institute of Nuclear Sciences). During his career, Dr. Bobić has also been truly dedicated to the supervising and examination of master and doctoral theses of students not only from the Belgrade University but also from the University of Kragujevac.

Aside from the scientific research, Dr. Bobić had a wide range of interests, most of all profound love of fine arts and music. His office always had a musical background of mellow blues, promoting many fruitful scientific discussions. Dr. Bobić was full of support and encouragement to all of us, his colleagues, collaborators, and students, over the years. His many scientific contributions, his warm personality, great knowledge and experience which he unconditionally shared with everyone who asked for his advice, as well as his infectious passion for scientific research will be greatly missed by all of us who had the privilege to know and work with him. As his colleagues, we are grateful for having a chance to learn from Dr. Bobić not only how to be better scientists but also how to respect and cultivate the value of kindness and generosity in the working environment. Dr. Bobić will always have a special place in our minds and hearts.

Guest Editor,

Dr. Jovana Ružić