About Us
The Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management (SPS-DRM)(Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama) is a dynamic, non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the field of disaster risk management. Established for an indefinite period, our mission is to elevate the theoretical knowledge base, conduct cutting-edge quantitative and qualitative research, organize impactful national and international conferences, launch and manage academic journals, deliver comprehensive training programs, and perform thorough risk assessments, along with other academic activities in this vital field. Recognizing the immeasurable importance and pivotal role of non-governmental organizations and civil society in disaster risk management, including their proactive contributions to public policy, risk reduction actions, advocacy for enhanced preparedness and resilience, aid to affected individuals, and collaboration with emergency response services, Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković founded NSDR-URVS on June 15, 2018. This organization unites scientists and practitioners from Serbia and the region to collectively advance theoretical and empirical principles and support local decision-makers and leaders in managing disaster situations effectively.
The Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management (NSDR-URVS) is led by President Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković, with Anja Beli serving as the Secretary. NSDR-URVS boasts a diverse membership of over 1,500 individuals, including professors from all state and private universities and faculties in Serbia, scientific researchers, practitioners (such as members of the police force, fire and rescue units, emergency medical services, military, and security-related NGOs), as well as students and young professionals directly or indirectly involved in research and practical activities related to emergency situations. Membership is open to all interested individuals and can be obtained by filling out the application form available on our website and submitting it via the Society’s email. Join us and be part of a vibrant community dedicated to advancing the field of disaster risk management.
To further enhance our scientific endeavors, on December 21, 2020, we adopted the Statute and established the International Institute for Disaster Research. This institute serves as a hub for basic, applied, and developmental scientific research in disaster risk management. Our research spans various crucial areas, including disaster and hazard phenomenology, preparedness and risk mitigation, protection and rescue operations, disaster recovery, international cooperation, and legal frameworks related to disasters. We are committed to exploring innovative solutions and sharing our findings to build a safer, more resilient world.
Goals of SPS-DRM
The Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management (SPS-DRM) is committed to achieving several key objectives. Firstly, it focuses on conducting research in the field of disaster studies. This includes undertaking comprehensive studies to understand the various facets of disasters and their management. Secondly, the Society aims to establish and manage an international journal, specifically the International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, to facilitate the dissemination of research findings and advancements in the field. Additionally, SPS-DRM is dedicated to preparing, applying for, and implementing national and international projects on various aspects of disaster risk management. This involves collaborating with various stakeholders to secure funding and support for impactful projects. The Society also prioritizes the promotion, design, implementation, and improvement of preventive measures against disasters, ensuring communities are better prepared and resilient.
Another crucial objective is raising public awareness. SPS-DRM develops and executes campaigns, programs, and plans to enhance public understanding of the necessity for improved disaster preparedness. This includes educating the public on best practices and safety measures. Furthermore, the Society organizes national and international scientific conferences on disaster risk management, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and networking among professionals. Conducting expert risk assessments and developing protection and rescue plans for emergency situations are also vital goals. These activities ensure that there are robust plans in place to mitigate the impact of disasters. Moreover, SPS-DRM is committed to organizing and conducting various forms of training, courses, seminars, and other educational activities for citizens, students, and employees in interested institutions. These programs are designed to enhance skills and knowledge in disaster risk management. Lastly, the Society performs other tasks in accordance with the law and its Statute, ensuring compliance and alignment with broader regulatory and organizational frameworks. Through these comprehensive efforts, SPS-DRM aims to significantly contribute to the field of disaster risk management and improve community resilience.
Secretary of Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management
Dalibor Milenković was born on December 11, 1982, in Prokuplje, Republic of Serbia. He completed general high school education and continued his academic journey at the University of Belgrade. In 2006, he graduated from the Faculty of Economics, earning the title of Bachelor of Economics. He further pursued his education at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade, where he completed his master’s studies in 2012, specializing in Financial Management and Financial Risk Management, and obtained the title of Master Manager.
In the academic year 2022/23, he enrolled in doctoral studies at the Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade. Following the University’s approval of his doctoral dissertation topic titled “Adaptation of BRIC Community Resilience Indicators to Disasters in Serbia: A Predictive Model Based on the DROP Theoretical Framework”, he has been actively engaged in research in the field of disaster community resilience. As part of his doctoral work, he has published two scientific papers related to the dissertation topic, contributing to the academic discourse in this field.
Dalibor Milenković has over 20 years of professional experience in project management, with a particular focus on managing economic and security aspects of emergencies and unforeseen circumstances across a wide range of business operations and the functioning of large economic and public systems. Throughout his career, he has successfully implemented numerous projects, gaining extensive practical knowledge and expertise in crisis management, financial risk management, and organizational resilience building.
In addition to his formal education, he has continuously enhanced his skills through various professional seminars, courses, and training programs, both domestically and internationally, keeping pace with the latest trends in risk management, emergency economics, and sustainable development.
Dalibor is devoted to his family, being a proud husband and father of three daughters. His professional dedication, academic ambition, and strong family values make him a distinguished example of balanced success in both personal and professional spheres.
Secretary of International Institute for Disaster Research
Coordinator for Organization and Promotion
Vanja D. Cvetković was born on March 11, 1999, in Užice, Serbia. From an early age, she demonstrated a strong passion for learning and academic excellence. She completed her primary education at “Dimitrije Tucović” School in Zlatibor, graduating as the top student and receiving the prestigious Vuk’s Diploma in 2014.
In 2018, Vanja graduated from the Medical School in Užice. She continued her academic journey at the Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, earning her Bachelor’s degree in 2022 with a thesis entitled “The Role of Schools in Disaster Risk Reduction,” within the Department of Emergency Management and Environmental Security.
In 2024, she obtained her Master’s degree from the Faculty of Law at the University of Novi Sad, successfully defending her thesis “The Impact of Socio-Economic Factors on Community Resilience to Natural Disasters,” under the mentorship of Professor Dr. Goran Milošević.
Vanja has completed several prestigious training programs, including three Basic Emergency Management Trainings held at Stara Planina and Ovčarsko-Kablarska Gorge; Basic Firearms Handling Training organized by the Scientific and Professional Society for Risk Management in Emergency Situations; and orientation training in protection and rescue in emergencies. Additionally, she successfully completed the First National Training in Emergency Risk Management, held in Guča in 2023. These programs significantly enhanced her skills in disaster response, protection techniques, and risk management.
In April 2021, Vanja played a pivotal role in organizing the seminar “Protection and Rescue Tactics in Emergency Situations: Field Experiences and Lessons Learned,” held at the Kolarac Endowment in Belgrade. This event gathered experts from various fields to discuss best practices in emergency response, with Vanja leading the event’s logistical coordination, ensuring its successful implementation.
She also actively participated in organizing the First National Training in Emergency Risk Management, held in Lučani in 2023, supported by the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia and the Sector for Emergency Management. The training targeted youth aged 19 to 30 and attracted over 100 participants, with a broad team of experts contributing to the program’s quality.
In 2019, Vanja participated in a complex command-simulation exercise focusing on landslide remediation and the operations of the City Emergency Headquarters, further honing her skills in coordination and decision-making under pressure in realistic disaster scenarios.
Vanja has demonstrated long-term commitment to volunteerism, engaging in numerous workshops and initiatives between 2016 and 2020, including projects supporting children with developmental disabilities. Her dedication to community activism is further evidenced by her decade-long involvement with the cultural and artistic ensemble “Zlatibor,” actively promoting Serbian national culture.
She has made significant editorial contributions as the editor of two key publications — “Disaster Resilience: A Guide for Prevention, Response, and Recovery” and “The Historical Development of the Scientific and Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management.” Additionally, she contributed to the development of numerous educational brochures covering a wide range of emergency scenarios (floods, fires, earthquakes, landslides, storms, epidemics, droughts, etc.), highlighting her skills in graphic design, content creation, and public education.
Since 2022, Vanja has served as Secretary of the International Journal of Disaster Risk Management (IJDRM). In this role, she oversees journal operations and facilitates the publication of high-quality research in the field of disaster risk management, demonstrating her organizational abilities and commitment to academic excellence.
In addition to her editorial and organizational work, Vanja has participated in numerous workshops and seminars focused on public advocacy, capacity building, and project writing, acquiring advanced skills in these critical areas.
Her academic contributions span key areas such as disaster resilience, risk management, and the socio-economic determinants of community preparedness. Her research incorporates both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, reflecting her versatility and analytical depth as a scholar.
Vanja’s Master’s thesis, titled “The Impact of Socio-Economic Factors on Community Resilience to Natural Disasters,” offers a comprehensive analysis of how demographic and economic conditions influence communities’ ability to withstand and recover from disasters. By analyzing variables such as gender, age, education, income levels, and employment status, her work identifies mechanisms that either enhance or hinder social resilience, providing actionable insights for effective risk management.
Her Bachelor’s thesis, “The Role of Schools in Disaster Risk Reduction,” emphasizes the crucial role educational institutions play in fostering disaster preparedness among youth. It provides a theoretical framework while offering a comparative analysis of educational approaches to disaster risk reduction worldwide, underlining the importance of integrating disaster education into formal curricula.
Vanja has collaborated on multiple research projects led by the Scientific and Professional Society for Risk Management in Emergency Situations, contributing to project documentation, logistical planning, and field research, thereby enhancing collective understanding of resilience strategies and disaster response mechanisms.
Coordinator for Promotional Material and Design
Milica Vlajković was born in Belgrade on March 15, 1996. She graduated from the Faculty of Security Studies at the University of Belgrade in 2021, specializing in Civil Protection and Environmental Protection. She completed her high school education at the Obrenovac Gymnasium, focusing on the social-linguistic track. Milica holds certifications in Occupational Health and Safety, Fire Protection, and Disaster Risk Assessment and Planning for Protection and Rescue. She is currently employed at EPS AD, TENT Branch, as a Specialist Associate for Emergency Situations. Before her position at EPS AD, she worked for two years in Occupational Health and Safety and Fire Protection at the company Tehpro. In 2018, she began her activities with the Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management, where she contributed to the organization and coordination of the First Security Training on Stara Planina, as well as other training programs conducted by the society.
Milica has completed all safety training programs organized by the Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management in the fields of risk management, disaster protection, and rescue operations. She also assisted in planning and designing graphic layouts, advertising materials, and promotional products for the society during the First National Seminar on Emergency Situations titled “Field Experiences and Lessons Learned: Protection and Rescue Strategies in Emergency Situations.” Additionally, she has attended and volunteered at various safety-related seminars. In 2018, she also completed firearms handling training. Her professional interests include safety, emergency management, protection and rescue systems, and scientific studies on disasters.
