🎓 Education
Dr. Milošević’s academic journey began with a BA in Archaeology from the University of Belgrade (2004–2009), where he laid the groundwork in prehistoric field methods. He then pursued a one-year MA (2010) at the Faculty of Philosophy, where his thesis on taphonomic patterns at Hadži‑Prodanova Pećina analyzed accumulation factors in palaeolithic cave contexts. His doctoral research (2011–2016), under the mentorship of Dr. Vesna Dimitrijević at Belgrade University, culminated in a PhD earned in October 2016. His dissertation, Competition for prey and habitat: Interactions between humans and large carnivores during Late Middle and Upper Palaeolithic in Central Balkans, examined human–carnivore dynamics using zooarchaeological and paleoecological data. Alongside fieldwork and lab methods training, he acquired a robust theoretical foundation in archaeozoology, taphonomy, and Pleistocene subsistence. Throughout his studies, Stefan engaged in interdisciplinary collaboration—working with geoarchaeologists and isotopic specialists—establishing a strong scholarly foundation for his ongoing research into ancient human-animal relationships.
🏗 Experience
Dr. Milošević brings over a decade of research experience, having first contributed as an archaeozoologist on Serbia’s ON177023 project (2011–2017), investigating cultural transformations in Early Prehistory. Since 2021, he has been an integral part of the NEEMO project, funded by the Serbian Science Fund, collaborating with national and international experts. His field experience spans surveys—such as Lower and Middle Palaeolithic sites in the Morava River valley and Mesolithic contexts along the Iron Gates hinterlands—as well as methodical archaeological excavations across Serbia (e.g., Pešturina, Velika Balanica), Greece (Stelida Naxos), and France (Orgnac l’Aven). Stefan has overseen precise documentation, provenience control, GPS mapping, and systematic sampling. His sampling expertise covers C14/C/N isotope retrieval, sediment ESR/TL/OSL dating, dosimetry, and micromorphology, performed in collaboration with global specialists. In the lab, he is proficient in bone recovery methods and SEM microscopy. This blend of rigorous field methodology and multidisciplinary cooperation underpins his robust record of scientific contributions and academic leadership.
🏆 Awards & Honors
Dr. Milošević’s academic trajectory is backed by significant early recognition. In 2009, he was awarded a prestigious LexS excellence scholarship from Leiden University for MA studies, ranking in the top 25%—a testament to his scholarly excellence. Although external funding limitations led to its return, the award demonstrates early international affirmation. In 2011, he received a PhD stipend from the Serbian Ministry of Science and Technological Development to support his doctoral research on Palaeolithic cultural changes in the Central Balkans. He has since contributed to high-profile grants, notably as a research associate in the NEEMO project, funded by Serbia’s Science Fund through its competitive Ideas program. His work is featured in peer-reviewed publications—some co-authored with top-tier teams—and he has been invited to speak at international conferences (ICAQ, EAA, SAA). Curatorial recognition came through his participation in regional exhibitions, further illustrating his role in knowledge dissemination beyond academia. Stefan’s honors reflect both individual promise and collaborative excellence.
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Milošević’s research is anchored in archaeozoology, emphasizing Pleistocene human–faunal dynamics. He investigates how humans and large carnivores competed for prey and habitat during the Late Middle and Upper Palaeolithic in the Central Balkans. His work explores taphonomic signatures, marrow extraction patterns, and bone processing methods—offering insights into prehistoric dietary strategies, including neonatal consumption and bird exploitation. He applies interdisciplinary techniques: stable isotope analysis, ESR/TL/OSL dating, sediment micromorphology, and SEM microscopy—integrating zooarchaeological with geo-chronological data. Projects like Pešturina and Velika Balanica inform understanding of Neanderthal vs. Homo sapiens behavior and ecological shifts. His recent studies on Palaeolithic bone flutes highlight cognitive and technological engagement. Collaborating with international experts, his work spans Serbia to France and Greece. By linking paleoecology, subsistence behavior, and taphonomic patterns, Stefan addresses broader questions in human evolution, resource use, and adaptive strategies. His current NEEMO involvement expands this framework, focusing on Neanderthal–modern human interactions in the Central Balkans during MIS 5–7.
🛠 Skills
Dr. Milošević’s expert skillset spans field, lab, and analytical domains. In field research, he is proficient in survey design, GPS mapping, stratigraphic excavation, provenience documentation, and systematic sampling across cave and open‑air Palaeolithic sites. His excavation portfolio includes sites in Serbia, Greece, and France, involving multi-season campaigns. In the lab, he excels in osseous tissue recovery, SEM microscopy for taphonomic trace analysis, and executing isotope sampling (C14, C/N) alongside sediment dating techniques (ESR, TL, OSL). He is trained in sediment micromorphology and collaborates on precise dosimetry protocols. His analytical acumen includes zooarchaeological classification, taphonomic interpretation, GIS methods, and quantitative data analysis. He is versed in cross-disciplinary techniques—integrating palaeoecological, geoarchaeological, and archaeological datasets. Communication-wise, he is fluent in English, proficient in French, and adept in academic translation from Serbian to English. He has presented at international conferences and contributed to exhibitions. His collaborative experience with global labs and institutes underscores his competence in leading and contributing to multifaceted research environments.