The theory of machines and mechanisms covers various aspects related to mechanisms and machines, such as machine design theory and methodology, kinematics of mechanisms, rotor dynamics, computational kinematics, multibody dynamics, nonlinear vibrations, linkages and cams, gearing and transmissions, transportation machinery, control and reliability of mechanical systems, including hydraulic and pneumatic systems, experimental research, robots and robotic technologies, mechatronics, micro and nano-mechanisms, as well as prospective fields of interdisciplinary research of mechanism and machine science and other scientific areas such as bioengineering and material science. In this framework, the mechanics of machines and mechanisms is a wide research area with various topics in theory and applications.

The Seminar on the Mechanics of Machines and Mechanisms – Models and Mathematical Methods has its main focus on the presentation of new research results in the field of applied mathematics and mechanics in solving the problems within the mechanics of machines and mechanisms, as well as the development of mathematical models of the mechanics of real complex systems. The Seminar includes scientific lectures and presentations on scientific accomplishments in areas such as the dynamics and stability of models of machines and other real complex mechanical systems and structures, as well as kinematics, nonlinear oscillations and nonlinear phenomena in their mechanics. The elastodynamics of the models of machines and complex structures, their load capacity and dimensioning based on new scientific knowledge of mathematics and continuum mechanics are also subjects of the Seminar. Lectures dealing with multi-criteria optimisation of the shape of complex system structures and new descriptions of constitutive relations of materials, as well as fracture mechanics and damage mechanics, are also welcomed. The Seminar also includes presentations and discussions in the fields of developing mathematical methods and models, as well as the application of numerical methods and computer techniques, in all other scientific areas related to the mechanics of machines and mechanisms, such as coupled problems in science and engineering, biomimetics and mechanics of materials.

The principal tasks of the Seminar on the Mechanics of Machines and Mechanisms – Models and Mathematical Methods is to organise lectures and research reports in applied mathematics and mechanics within the mechanics of machines and mechanisms, public presentation and evaluation of scientific projects, visits of foreign researchers and scientists, workshops, mini conferences, presentations of books, video lectures, etc.

The Seminar on the Mechanics of Machines and Mechanisms – Models and Mathematical Methods was established in the Mathematical Institute of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts in June 2018. The foundation was initiated by Prof. Katica (Stevanović) Hedrih, and Dr Ivana Atanasovska. It was inspired by scientific activities and results of the ON 174001 Project Dynamics of hybrid systems with complex structures. Mechanics of materials (2011-2019) led by Prof. Katica (Stevanović) Hedrih. In the first period, Prof. Katica (Stevanović) Hedrih was Chair of the Seminar (June 2018- December 2019), with Dr Ivana Atanasovska as Co-chair and Dr Milan Cajic as Secretary.

The current Chair of the Seminar on the Mechanics of Machines and Mechanisms – Models and Mathematical Methods is Dr Ivana Atanasovska with Stepa Paunović as secretary.

The establisment of the Seminar on the Mechanics of Machines and Mechanisms – Models and Mathematical Methods has enabled strengthening of the existing and establishing new forms of cooperation with scientists and researchers from different scientific branches within engineering sciences, which traditionally tend to apply theoretical mechanics and various mathematical methods to solve real problems. From June 2018 to May 2021, more than 50 meetings and/or lectures were held within the activities of the Seminar. The lecturers were prominent scientists from different universities and institutes in Serbia, as well as from abroad. The activities of this permanent Seminar have enabled the development of new forms of cooperation, new research groups preparing their common participation in calls for scientific, and research projects at the national and international level, as well as involvement in solving the existing problems in the Serbian industry. The special contribution of the Seminar is encouraging young and talented researchers, who, following the activities of the Seminar, have access to new theoretical results and their application to practical problems.