Dr Djekic Ivankovic is a pharmacist who completed her PhD in biochemistry and nutrition at the University of Belgrade in collaboration with McGill University. She applied her expertise in the field of nutrition to global health issues at the Institute of Medical Research in Serbia. Her PhD research on vitamin D in maternal and child health paved the way for a proposed national vitamin D food fortification program in Serbia. As a part of her postdoctoral experience in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, she joined the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force, provided support to pandemic research in Canada, and shed light on immune responses to SARS-CoV-2. Marija is currently working in the Office of the Director of the School of Population and Global Health (SPGH) at McGill University. In this capacity, she charted the strategic & operational plan for the SPGH and has led the development of key projects related to food security and nutrition in Ghana. Marija’s interests lie in maternal and child health, nutrition, the consequences of malnutrition, and interventions to improve in resource-limited settings, micronutrient deficiencies, stunting and other health outcomes. She is passionate about innovative educational approaches and knowledge mobilisation for health promotion and protection.