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Faculty of Mining and Geology, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Prof. Ilija Krstanović graduated at Group of Mineralogy and Petrography, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Belgrade in 1951. He defended his doctoral thesis titled „X-ray examination of the structure of the minerals from zircon and monazite group” at the same University in 1961. He was on specialization in the United States at two universities (Pennsylvania State University from 1959 to 1961 and University of Chicago from 1965 to 1966).
Prof. Krstanovic spent full 42 years at the University of Belgrade - Faculty of Mining and Geology and the institutions from which this faculty was derived. In 1951, immediately after graduation, he began his teaching and academic career and passed all ranks from teaching assistant to full professor. He laid the foundations of X-ray crystallography at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at University of Belgrade. Krstanovic taught at several members of University of Belgrade: Faculty of Chemistry, Faculty of Physics, Faculty of Physical-chemistry and Faculty of Mining and Geology. It is his acknowledgment that the first modern X-ray crystallographic laboratory was established in Yugoslavia, equipped with the very first automatic single crystal diffractometer and modern computers. He diligently worked on improving the crystallography science through scientific research, education of young scientists and equipment in our Laboratory for X-ray crystallography. When retired, he left behind a modern laboratory, high rank teachers and researchers, and a number of associates who have continued work on the development of crystallography. He will be remembered as a person dedicated to his work, with a cheerful spirit, mild manner and tolerant attitude toward students and colleagues.
Professor Ilija Krstanovic published more than 40 articles in international scientific journals and over 50 papers and communications in national scientific journals. Numerous accomplishments, especially in the study of crystal structures and new materials (particularly minerals of the serpentine group) attracted significant attention from the international scientific community. He has collaborated with a number of colleagues in the country and abroad. Profesor Krstanovic was the longtime head of the Department of Crystallography, manager of research projects and sub-projects, the honorary president of the Serbian Crystallographic Society. He retired in 1993. He passed away in November 2011.