The Department of Comparative Anatomy (Full Professor Milica Ristovska, PhD) directs its scientific and research activities toward ichthyology, with a particular focus on the early ontogenetic development of fishes and the morphological analysis of cranial and postcranial skeletal structures. The applied methodological approach enables detailed monitoring of morphological and functional changes during early development, providing valuable insights into the relationship between ontogeny, ecology, and adaptive processes. The Department’s research also contributes to the identification of stable morphological characters important for taxonomic distinction, thereby enabling a better understanding of the biodiversity of ichthyofauna in aquatic ecosystems in the Republic of North Macedonia.
In addition to fundamental research, the Department is actively involved in biodiversity monitoring, the preparation of management plans for protected areas, participation in Natura 2000 designation processes, and the valorization of natural resources. A significant segment of the research focuses on non-native and invasive species, their detection and risk assessment, using modern tools such as FISK and AS-ISK. In its work, the Department actively follows and implements European standards and directives in the field of nature conservation
and water management, thereby contributing to the harmonization of national practices with international criteria.
As a result of its continuous scientific and research activity, numerous studies and projects have been carried out, scientific papers have been published, and the results have been presented through active participation in national and international congresses and scientific meetings.
