Agreement on the Development of Research Infrastructure at the University of Sarajevo Worth 2.46 Million BAM Signed

(Patria) - Minister of Science, Higher Education and Youth of Sarajevo Canton, Prof. Dr. Dušanka Bošković, and the Rector of the University of Sarajevo, Prof. Dr. Tarik Zaimović, together with the deans of ten faculties, signed today the Agreement on the implementation of funds for the development of institutional and research infrastructure. This involves the reallocation of budget funds totaling 2,459,374 BAM intended for the improvement of teaching, scientific research, and artistic capacities of the University of Sarajevo.

The funds have been allocated to ten member institutions of the University, including the Academy of Performing Arts, the Faculty of Architecture, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, the Faculty of Traffic and Communications, the Faculty of Health Studies, the Faculty of Pharmacy, the Faculty of Philosophy, the Faculty of Civil Engineering, the Faculty of Medicine, and the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. The projects include the procurement of top-tier scientific equipment – from liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) systems and Q-ToF spectrometers for metabolomics, to densitometers for bone density analysis, equipping a vivarium, establishing a Virtual Heritage Lab, modernizing infrastructure for geospatial data processing, and improving the air traffic laboratory.

Support for this project comes from the highest level of executive authority. On the occasion of the signing of the Agreement, the Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton, Nihad Uk, emphasized that such investments represent the foundation of societal development.

“Without modern equipment, there is no top-tier science; without top-tier science, there is no development; and without development – there is no future,” said Prime Minister Uk.

“Today's signing of the Agreement is a message to young people, teachers, and researchers that they have the support of their local community. Investing in education and science is the smartest investment a state can make. Every mark spent on modern laboratory equipment, digitization of cultural heritage, or improvement of teaching conditions is returned manifold – through better-educated personnel, greater economic competitiveness, and, most importantly, the retention of young people in our country. That is why the Government of Sarajevo Canton will continue to strongly support the University of Sarajevo and all higher education institutions that wish to raise the level of their research and teaching infrastructure.”

The Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Youth, as the bearer of this budget reallocation, sees the Agreement as a strategic step in improving higher education.

Minister Prof. Dr. Dušanka Bošković emphasized that these funds do not only address current shortcomings but also build a foundation for the future.

“These investments represent a concrete step towards achieving the strategic goals of Sarajevo Canton in the field of higher education and science. By modernizing infrastructure and procuring modern equipment, we are creating conditions for top-tier research, better teaching quality, and strengthening the international recognition of our university.”

From the perspective of the academic community, this Agreement brings a long-awaited change – working conditions that meet European standards. The Rector of the University of Sarajevo, Prof. Dr. Tarik Zaimović, thanked the Government and the Ministry for their continuous support.

“Today's agreement will enable our teachers, researchers, and students to work in a modern environment, on par with European universities,” said Rector Zaimović. “We are especially grateful to the Government of Sarajevo Canton and the Ministry for their continuous support for the development of institutional and research infrastructure.”

The implementation of the Agreement will contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the University of Sarajevo, more active participation in international projects, and the long-term sustainable development of the academic community, which is of significance for the social and economic progress of Sarajevo Canton.