Hailing from the picturesque town of Zabljak, Montenegro, Mladjen Ćurić's meteorological journey has been one of academic excellence and impactful contributions. His quest for knowledge commenced at the hydrometeorological school in Belgrade, where his commitment was rewarded with top honors. Graduating with a degree in meteorology from the University of Belgrade was merely the first milestone in a remarkable trajectory that spanned decades. Continuing his academic odyssey, Ćurić pursued postgraduate studies and successfully defended his Ph.D. thesis at the University of Belgrade. His thirst for comprehensive knowledge prompted him to traverse the globe, engaging in enriching study visits from 1977 to 1980. He graced institutions like Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA, Imperial College in London, England, Manchester University, and The Meteorological Office in Bracknell, where he imbibed diverse perspectives that further shaped his meteorological insights. From 1972 to 1978,Ćurić's dedication led him to the role of Teaching Assistant at the esteemed Department of Physics and Meteorology, Belgrade University. The culmination of his efforts arrived in 1990 when he was accorded the esteemed title of full Professor at the Institute of Meteorology, Belgrade University, a position he continues to hold with honor.His leadership capabilities shone brightly during his tenure as the Director of the Institute of Meteorology, University of Belgrade, from 1979 to 1982. Further contributing to academia, he served as Vice Dean in the Faculty of Physics, University of Belgrade, from 1982 to 1984, leaving an indelible imprint on the academic landscape. A global perspective enriched his expertise, as evidenced by his role as a Member of the Executive Committee of the International Commission on Clouds and Precipitation-IAMAP from 1988 to 1996. His commitment to environmental stewardship was evident through his membership in the Executive Committee of the National Association of Environment Protection, which he joined in 1990. His dedication to the academic realm is reflected in his role as vice-dean at the Faculty of Physics during two pivotal periods: from 1996 to 1998 and later from 2004 to 2007. These administrative responsibilities were seamlessly balanced with his unwavering commitment to his professional and scientific interests. His expertise spans a spectrum of fundamental meteorological subjects, including Atmospheric Dynamics, Cloud Physics, Applied Meteorology, Hydrology, Weather Modification, and Environment Protection.Mladjen Ćurić's contributions extend beyond the confines of academia. He has authored several influential books and penned or co-authored more than two hundred papers. His scholarly endeavors have graced internationally renowned journals such as the Journal of the Atmospheric Science, Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society, Tellus, Journal of Applied Meteorology, and Atmosphere-Ocean, among others.The meteorological community continues to benefit from Mladjen Ćurić's indomitable spirit, profound insights, and enduring dedication. His journey embodies the pursuit of knowledge and the empowerment of future generations in the realm of meteorology.Dr. Vlado Spiridonov hails from Skopje and has left an indelible mark on the field of atmospheric science through his illustrious career. His educational journey commenced with primary schooling at "Grigor Prlichev" and high school at "R.J. Korchagin." His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue higher education at the "Institute of Physics," situated within the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at "St. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje" (UKIM). Dr. Spiridonov's academic prowess and dedication to meteorology were evident as he pursued his specialized, master’s, and doctoral studies at the esteemed Institute of Meteorology within the Faculty of Physics at the University of Belgrade. His quest for excellence was further recognized in 2004 when he was awarded a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship by the Government of Canada. Even as his international recognition grew, Dr. Spiridonov's commitment to his homeland remained unwavering. In a remarkable confluence of events, he was appointed as the Director of the Hydrometeorological Administration and concurrently as the Permanent Representative of Macedonia to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 2004. Dr. Spiridonov's academic stature continued to ascend. In April 2007, he was elected as the Assistant Professor of Meteorology. His scholarly eminence was acknowledged with successive appointments as Associate Professor of Meteorology in 2012 and 2017, further cementing his reputation as a leading authority in the field. His influence extended beyond the classroom. Dr. Spiridonov's appointment as a representative of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the National Council for Climate Change in Macedonia reflected his commitment to addressing global environmental challenges. He also became an esteemed member of the Commission on Atmospheric Sciences at the WMO, showcasing his international recognition and influence. The academic world was enriched by his presence as a Visiting Professor of Meteorology at the University of Vienna, Austria, from 2017 to 2019. This tenure not only underscored his expertise but also fostered international academic collaborations. In 2020, Dr. Spiridonov's legacy evolved once again as he was bestowed the honorable title of Visiting Professor at the Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering (FINKI). His meteoric rise culminated in his election as a Full Professor of Meteorology and Atmospheric Physics in 2021, a momentous honor bestowed by the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the Institute of Physics, "Ss. Cyril and Methodius University," Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia. Dr. Spiridonov's impact transcends borders, resonating globally. His dynamic contributions tothe advancement of atmospheric science have been exemplified through his participation in international scientific conferences, his organization of global events and symposia, and his pivotal role as a plenary session lecturer and seminar speaker worldwide. His scholarly legacy endures through numerous scientific papers published in esteemed international journals, as well as contemporary meteorological books that continue to enrich the field. This academic journey has been further adorned by awards and recognitions, including the prestigious "Patent of the Year-2000" in Macedonia, a gold medal with distinction at the EUREKA-2000 exhibition in Brussels, and a Genius award from the Hungarian Association of Innovations. His pinnacle achievement, the GRAND PRIX at the Fourth International Exhibition of Inventions in Budapest GENIOUS Prize2002, attests to his groundbreaking method related to fog scattering. Dr. Vlado Spiridonov's exceptional contributions have left an enduring legacy in atmospheric science, fostering global collaborations, innovation, and a commitment to understanding our past and current weather and climate and preserving our planet's climate system.
