IN MEMORIAM

Dr Vasko Sazdovski

We honor the memory of our colleague Vasko, an outstanding scientist from North Macedonia, who lost his life on November 1, 2024, in the collapse of the Novi Sad Railway Station canopy.

Dr. Vasko Sazdovski was a distinguished researcher and lecturer in the field of robotics and autonomous systems, an expert with extensive knowledge and experience, whose work combined the precision of an engineer with the curiosity of a scientist.

His contribution to the BioSense Institute was invaluable, and his passing represents a profound loss for the entire scientific community.

Biography

Dr. Vasko Sazdovski was born in 1979 in Veles, North Macedonia. He completed his undergraduate studies in Aeronautical Engineering at the Military Academy of North Macedonia, graduating at the top of his class, and already demonstrating exceptional discipline, analytical thinking, and academic excellence.

He earned his Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from St. Cyril and Methodius University in North Macedonia and later obtained his Ph.D. from Cranfield University in the United Kingdom.

During his international academic career, he held research and teaching positions at the Dresden University of Technology and the University of Zagreb. He continued his work in Serbia at the BioSense Institute in Novi Sad, at its Center for Sensing Technologies.

Scientific Work

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Dr. Sazdovski conducted pioneering research in robotics, focusing on approaches to modeling the spatial and temporal dynamics of biosystems, particularly in the areas of 4D mapping, digital twins, and the fusion of data-driven dynamic models.

He especially excelled in connecting theoretical models with their practical applications, building a bridge between abstract mathematical concepts and tangible technological solutions.

BioSense Institute and the ANTARES Project

At the BioSense Institute’s Center for Sensing Technologies, Dr. Sazdovski worked as a Senior Researcher on the ANTARES project. As one of the key team members, he greatly contributed to the development of advanced autonomous systems and their application in precision agriculture. His work focused on the development of digital and robotic systems for the precise monitoring and modeling of natural processes, thereby contributing to sustainability, efficiency, and the long-term preservation of resources.

Through the ANTARES project, Dr. Sazdovski bridged the worlds of technology and nature, demonstrating how advanced algorithms, sensors, and robots can expand human understanding of biosystems.

Colleague, Mentor, and Friend

In addition to his exceptional expertise, Dr. Sazdovski was highly respected as a colleague and collaborator. His approach to work reflected calmness, rigor, and an openness to cooperation.

To students and junior researchers, he was a mentor who encouraged critical thinking and independence. He had a remarkable ability to explain complex concepts clearly while preserving their full depth and significance, leaving a lasting professional and personal impact on everyone who had the privilege of working with him.

The publications of Dr. Vasko Sazdovski stand as a testament to his outstanding contributions to the fields of robotics and autonomous systems.

Selected Publications

Journal Publications

  1. Sikoparija, B., Birgermajer, S., Ivosevic, B., Sazdovski, V., Ørby, P. V., Kloster, M., & Gosewinkel, U. (2025). Airborne Hirst volumetric sampling gives an insight into atmospheric dispersion of pollen and fungal spores. Atmosphere, 16(9), 1060.  DOI
  2. Koceska, N., Koceski, S., Sazdovski, V., & Ciambrone, D. (2017). Robotic assistant for elderly care – Development and evaluation. International Journal of Automation Technology, 11(3), 425–432. DOI
  3. Sazdovski, V., Kitanov, A., & Petrovic, I. (2015). Implicit observation model for vision aided inertial navigation of aerial vehicles using single camera vector observations. Aerospace Science and Technology, 40, 33–46. DOI

Conference Publications

  1. Tanasković, N., Lazarević, M., Krklješ, D., Sazdovski, V., & Kitić, G. (2024). Kinematic modeling of a compliant and extensible robotic manipulator. In Proceedings of the 2024 11th International Conference on Electrical, Electronic and Computing Engineering (IcETRAN 2024). DOI
  2. Liu, B., Sazdovski, V., & Janschek, K. (2022). Relative flash LiDAR aided-inertial navigation using surfel grid maps. In IEEE Aerospace Conference Proceedings (2022 March). DOI
  3. Sazdovski, V., & Silson, P. M. G. (2011). Inertial navigation aided by vision-based simultaneous localization and mapping. IEEE Sensors Journal, 11(8), 1646–1656. DOI: DOI
  4. Sazdovski, V., Stankovski, M., Gugulovska, T. K., & Deskovski, S. (2011). One approach to the integration of low-cost inertial sensors and global positioning system for mobile robots. IFAC Proceedings Volumes (IFAC-PapersOnline), 44(1 Part 1), 10746–10751. DOI
  5. Silson, P. M. G., & Sazdovski, V. (2011). INS velocity aiding using bearing-only measurements of unknown landmarks. In AIAA Infotech at Aerospace Conference and Exhibit 2011. SCOPUS
  6. Sazdovski, V., Silson, P. M. G., & Tsourdos, A. (2010). Attitude determination from single camera vector observations. In Proceedings of the 2010 IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Systems (IS 2010) (pp. 49–54). DOI
  7. Sazdovski, V., Silson, P. M. G., & Tsourdos, A. (2010). Inertial navigation aided by simultaneous localization and mapping. In Proceedings of the 2010 IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Systems (IS 2010) (pp. 43–48). DOI
  8. Aouf, N., Sazdovski, V., Tsourdos, A., & White, B. A. (2007). Low altitude airborne SLAM with INS aided vision system. In Collection of Technical Papers – AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference 2007 (Vol. 5, pp. 4482–4492). SCOPUS
  9. Sazdovski, V., Kolemishevska-Gugulovska, T., & Stankovski, M. (2005). Kalman filter implementation for unmanned aerial vehicles navigation developed within a graduate course. IFAC Proceedings Volumes (IFAC-PapersOnline), 16, 12–17. DOI

Books

  1. Deskovski, S., Sazdovski, V., & Gacovski, Z. (2016). Guidance laws and navigation systems for quadrotor UAV: Theoretical and practical findings. In Studies in Systems, Decision and Control (Vol. 55, pp. 395–407). DOI

Doctoral Dissertation

Dr. Vasko Sazdovski Lecture Hall

A Place of Lasting Inspiration

As a lasting tribute to his work and legacy, the BioSense Institute has dedicated a lecture hall bearing the name of Dr. Vasko Sazdovski. This space stands as a symbol of his contributions and a place where future generations of researchers will develop new ideas and projects.

This hall is more than a venue for lectures and gatherings-it is a space where thought, dialogue, and exploration continue to thrive.

“I hope that everyone who spends time in this lecture hall will find the inspiration and vision to achieve great things, just as Vasko did.”

“Vasko was an extraordinary colleague. He was constantly searching for the essence of things and always viewed them from a long-term perspective, inspiring the rest of us to strive to be better. His energy was simply contagious.”

“This hall will not only bear his name-it will also be the home of his spirit. It will remind us of his curiosity, his faith in the power of knowledge, and his passion for discovery.”

Visual Concept of the Lecture Hall

The visual design of the lecture hall was conceived by artist Svetlana Milić, M.A.

The left side of the wall installation depicts the Milky Way, with the star Antares as a symbol of Dr. Sazdovski’s creative spirit and inner light. The geometric structure represents the map of a unique mind-a space shaped by his life and work that continues to radiate ideas.

The right side of the installation extends the cosmic symbolism with a flock of birds graphically rendered as robots, a reference to his work in robotics. One bird, colored in deep blue of the Milky Way, symbolizes the continuity and enduring presence of his thought.

Flying, the bird leaves the framed space, a metaphor for an idea that transcends the boundaries of time and matter.

This visual space becomes a map of a life-the flight of the thought of a scientist who expanded the boundaries of the possible.

Tributes from Colleagues and Friends

“Over the past year, I have wondered many things, most of all, perhaps, how it was that, in just over a year of his employment at the BioSense Institute, Vasko managed to become such an integral part of our lives-to find his way into our hearts and remain there as though he had always been with us.
The best answer I have come up with is that Vasko embodied everything we aspired to be and cultivate at our Institute. He was just the kind of colleague we wanted us all to be: people with just that kind of exceptional dedication to work and, most importantly, with just the same warm, genuine smile that seemed to say it understood, that together we would find a solution, and that, above all, we were doing what we love.”

Goran Kitićcolleague

“His approach combined engineering precision with courageous research.”

Vesna BenginANTARES Project Coordinator

“He brought a unique energy and sense of optimism to our office.
From the outside, it seemed as though Vasko could effortlessly accomplish anything he set his mind to.”

Mina Mirovićcolleague

“He was a man whose positive mindset, sincerity, perseverance, and extraordinary dedication left a profound impression on everyone who knew him. A future filled with great ideas, bold visions, and new scientific discoveries lay before him, and he spoke with particular affection and pride about Novi Sad and the BioSense Institute.
His dedication to science was an inspiration and an example to us all. May his legacy remind us to be courageous, to follow our dreams, and never to stop exploring, learning, and believing.”

Zoran NikolovVasko’s best man

“His contribution to the development of sensor and autonomous systems is a foundation for future research.”

Vladimir CrnojevićDirector of the BioSense Institute, 2015–2026

Legacy

“Some people never truly leave, but remain a light that guides us forward.”

Dr. Vasko Sazdovski’s contributions live on through the research, projects, and people whose lives he touched. His ideas continue to thrive in new scientific achievements, in the institution to which he dedicated his work, and in the generations of researchers who will follow.

The lecture hall with his name stands as a symbol of lasting inspiration-a place where science meets art, and where humanity reaches the stars.

With deep respect and gratitude, we honor the memory of Dr. Vasko Sazdovski-as a scientist, a colleague, and a friend.

Photo Gallery

Sincere gratitude to Professor Nataša Milićević and Dr. Nicole Burgund for their translation of the website content into English.