In Memoriam: Dr. Goran Malidža (1966–2026)
Dear colleagues and friends,
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the untimely passing of our colleague and fellow weed scientist, Dr. Goran Malidža, following a heart attack on October 10, 2026. At the time of his passing, he was President of the Weed Science Society of Serbia.
Goran was born on November 1, 1966, in Novi Kozarci, Serbia. He graduated from the University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Agriculture, where also completed his master's degree in phytopharmacy in 1995. In 2008, he earned his PhD from the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, focused on the selectivity of sulfonylurea herbicides in maize.
He built his research career at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad, becoming a Research Associate in 2009, Senior Research Associate in 2012 and Principal Research Fellow in 2017. He also served as a part-time lecturer at the University of Belgrade, Agriculture Faculty. His work contributed to eight nationally funded research projects involving weed management, crop improvement, and production technologies for maize, sunflower, sugar beet, sorghum, and vegetables.
In 2009, Goran spent six months as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, USA, expanding his experience in chemical and nonchemical weed management in conventional, organic and herbicide-tolerant crops.
Throughout his career, Goran was committed to mentoring young scientists and advancing weed science. He authored or coauthored more than 200 scientific papers and contributed to the development of herbicide-tolerant sunflower and maize lines and hybrids. He helped organize numerous national weed science and plant protection meetings, as well as the 2017 European Weed Research Society (EWRS) workshop on herbicide-tolerant crops in Novi Sad.
Goran served as President of the Weed Science Society of Serbia from December 2016 until his passing. He was a member of EWRS, the Weed Science Society of America, and the Serbian Plant Protection Society, and was served on the editorial board of national journal Acta herbologica. He also contributed to Serbian pesticide registration and plant protection policy. Widely respected for his extensive field experience, he took particular interest in evaluating new herbicides and translating research into practical weed management solutions.
Beyond these achievements, Goran was a wonderful colleague and a true friend. His enthusiasm, positive attitude, and sense of humor made him a pleasure to work with and spend time with, both professionally and socially. He had a special ability to combine serious scientific discussions with laughter and good times. Colleagues will remember not only his dedication to weed science but also the friendships and fond memories they shared with him.
Goran's untimely passing is a great loss to our weed science community. We will remember him with respect, gratitude, and affection. Thank you, Goran, for your contributions to our profession and for the wonderful memories you leave behind.