Better Use of Academics' Knowledge

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Chairman of the KS Assembly Elmedin Konaković and Minister of Education, Science and Youth Zineta Bogunić visited the Academy of Sciences and Arts of BiH today, where they were introduced to the Academy's work and projects by their hosts, led by President of the Academy of Sciences and Arts Miloš Trifković.

Despite the BiH Court's ruling that it is a state institution, state bodies have never resolved the Academy's status, nor have they assumed the founder's rights and thus its financing. Its work has been supported and financed by the Sarajevo Canton for years, recognizing the scientific importance and state-building role of its existence.

“We are interested in BiH as a state of all peoples, and our membership reflects that. We want to maintain ourselves as a center for scientific research, and in all given circumstances, we are developing, increasing our membership, and launching new projects. Thank you to the Sarajevo Canton for creating opportunities for us to work and create, and we hope for continued fruitful cooperation,” said academician Trifković.

He pointed out that institutional memory in BiH is catastrophic and announced that the Academy of Sciences and Arts wants to establish a permanent exhibition of our scientific and artistic heritage as the beginning of a future museum, which has much to exhibit and show. Chairman Konaković expressed continued support for the work of the Academy of Sciences and Arts, emphasizing that the Sarajevo Canton, continuously, regardless of changes in government, does not interrupt its financial support.

“You will always have advocates for your survival and activities in us. We must not allow your work to be called into question. Unfortunately, state institutions have not protected you enough, and we have taken on that role. I support academician Trifković's view that the Canton does not sufficiently utilize your knowledge, research, and consultations, and I believe we will change that to our mutual satisfaction,” Konaković stated.

In this year's KS Budget, 2.9 million KM is planned for science and research. Under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth, the Academy, with its members, also participates in creating the criteria for obtaining these funds.

“You can always apply for these funds with your serious research that is connected to and in function of the Canton's Development Strategy. We know that these funds are insufficient, but they are much more serious this year with our intention to increase them further through budget rebalancing,” said Minister Bogunić.