Second round decides: Tarik Zaimović is the new Rector of the University of Sarajevo

(Patria) - By secret ballot, the Senate of the University of Sarajevo, in the second round, elected Prof. Dr. Tarik Zaimović as the new Rector of the University of Sarajevo.

He was elected for the mandate period 2024–2028, and will assume office on October 1, where he will replace Rifat Škrijelj, who served as Rector for two terms.

In the first round of voting, Zaimović received 23 votes, and his opponent Almira Hadžović-Džuvo received 19 votes.

In the second round, Zaimović received 24 votes, Hadžović 21, and one vote was invalid.

Addressing the media after the election, Zaimović stated that he will continue to work on the development of UNSA.

"There is a lot of work ahead of us, we are a large institution. The past five years have been challenging, and we hope to achieve better results in the coming period," said Prof. Dr. Zaimović.

He announced the digitalization project of UNSA and the development of centers of excellence. He also said that the focus of work will be on scientific research, study projects, and improving the quality of studies.

Speaking about the number of students, he said that last year they enrolled seven percent more freshmen than the previous year. He emphasized that the number is stabilizing, but that they cannot influence it.

"Where we can do a lot is to focus on study programs, especially international ones, to increase the number of international students. Now we need significant investment in scientific research infrastructure and campus construction, as this attracts international students," said Zaimović.