It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden and untimely passing of our beloved Danica Stanimirović. Danica passed on January, 17 2024 at the Ottawa General Hospital.
Danica’s life was nothing short of exceptional anyway you look at it.
Danica got the very first public acknowledgment of her talent for math and science in her native Serbia in 1977 when selected, after a grueling entrance exam, as one of only 120 freshmen students of the prestigious Belgrade Mathematical Grammar School. Danica very soon realized that the life has way more to offer besides the “core business” of math and science (in both of which she naturally excelled). During her teenage years, Danica developed love for art. Her literary work was awarded on numerous occasions during her high school and university years. Unknown to many, Danica was also part of a very vibrant Belgrade punk scene in the early 1980s as a keyboard player for a local band named “We want no compromises”. Indeed, throughout her life, she was never willing to make any compromise when it came to her professional or personal integrity.
Danica began her very successful studies of Medicine in 1981 followed immediately by her Ph.D. studies that she pursued in parallel with her clinical residency activities. In 1988 she became the youngest Ph.D. holder in former Yugoslavia, a country of some 23 million souls.
Danica began her North American scientific career in 1991 by successfully completing a two-year postdoctoral stunt at NIH in Bethesda, MD. Her work didn’t get unnoticed by the NRC management and, in the summer of 1993, Danica and her husband Dusan moved North to Ottawa where she would spend over 30 years with the NRC until her untimely departure this past Wednesday.
During her 31 year tenure with the National Research Council in Ottawa, she achieved everything that can be reasonably expected of a human being. At the time of her premature death she was the Director of the NRC’s Translational Bioscience Department where she has led strategic NRC Programs and served on Scientific Advisory Boards of many biopharma companies and numerous international R&D initiatives. Danica was also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Ottawa and a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. The Government of Canada recognized her achievements by awarding her the Public Service Award of Excellence in 2023. Danica has authored over 170 manuscripts and holds 22 patents in the field of integrative neuroscience.
While, without a shadow of a doubt, a top notch neuroscientist and a leader, Danica was foremost an exceptional human being. Shy and modest beyond reasonable, Danica would avoid bringing up any of her professional achievements as topics of conversation. It was art, gardening and travels that she enjoyed to chat about. Unconditionally devoted to her husband Dusan, Danica was respected for her intelligence and wisdom and truly loved, by anyone who knew her, for the largesse of her pristine soul.
She was predeceased by her parents Emilija and Branislav. Danica is survived by her husband of 32 years, Dušan Đurić, and her younger brother Dušan Stanimirović (Svjetlana). Danica was the proud aunt of Uroš and Luka.
Visitation will be held at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 2PM. A Memorial Service will follow in the Sacred Space at 3:00PM, followed by a reception. For those not able to attend the Service in person, the Service will be Live Streamed - you may register here.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Danica Stanimirović Memorial Fund.
Digital Guestbook
Anuska Andjelkovic
Gert Fricker
My sincere condolences to Danica´s family. She was an exceptional scientist, who has made outstanding contributions in the blood-brain barrier field. She had a great personality and it was always a pleasure to discuss with her. We will all miss her.
Mehmet Kaya
I am profoundly saddened by the untimely death of Danika. This is a significant loss for me and the scientific community.
My heartfelt condolences go out to all affected. May she rest in peace and find solace in the light. Wishing strength and patience to their loved ones during this challenging time.
Kind regards,
Mehmet Kaya
Julie Haukenfrers
I’m so saddened by this tragic loss. I still remember when Dana first arrived at NRC. She was such a multi-talented & brilliant person. My deepest condolences to Dusan & the rest of the family.
Per-Ola Freskgård
I met Danica numerus times at conferences and in other company related businesses and it was always inspiring and positive meetings.
My condolences to the family for their loss.
Stina Syvänen
My condolences to Dana’s family. Dana has always been a role model for me—intelligent, kind, and fun. I first got to know Dana when I began my graduate studies at Uppsala University almost 20 years ago. Over the years, she has been one of the most influential figures in the field of blood-brain barrier research, and simultaneously, a dear friend. Her absence will be deeply felt, and she will be greatly missed.
Sean Thompson
I met Danica on several occasions for various biopharma collaborations with NRC. She was always highly professional and intelligent. I will miss her valuable contributions in the future. She has left us far too soon.
Benjamin Smith
Dear friends and colleagues,
We were terribly saddened to learn of the passing of Danica Stanimirovic. She was a great leader, fantastic collaborator, inspirational scientist, and friend to many of us. Her passionate dedication and deep scientific insight propelled our quest to discover transformational biotherapeutic technologies to deliver effective medications to patients suffering from neurological disorders. For 15 years we enjoyed a close working relationship with Danica and her team, learning together as we navigated the challenges of the science, the technology, and the industry. Throughout, Danica brought unparalleled wisdom, passion and encouragement to our collaboration that elevated all involved. She placed great value on people, careers, and strengthening the interactions between our groups, organizing multiple joint retreats and gatherings with great kindness and hospitality, and always making time to meet with us when she was in the area. Her impact on us as scientists and our patients will be felt forever.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss.
The Biogen Team
David Wilson
I am so sad to hear that Dana has passed away. She was such an outstanding scientist, thought leader and mentor to her lab members. I will miss her! Condolences to her family, sincerely, Dr. David Wilson
Dao Ly
Dana, you are already missed. May you rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to Dusan and family.
My most heartfelt condolences to Dusan and Stanimirovic family. Danica was not only an exceptional scientist, but a role model and most of all: a dear friend. As a role model, she inspired me during my graduate studies. Later as a colleague, she never hesitated to share ideas, results, and advice for even the most tumultuous of experiments.
Most importantly, Danica was my very dear friend. I will hold dear our conversations about life, our families and friends, new travel adventures, painting, and even our Belgrade. Danica’s presence will forever be felt, I will treasure the great memories we had together.