University of Sarajevo Promotes 56 Doctors of Science

(Patria) - The ceremonial promotion of Doctors of Science of the University of Sarajevo was held on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at the National Theatre Sarajevo. Prof. Dr. Rifat Škrijelj, Rector of the University of Sarajevo, vice-rectors and pro-rectors of the University of Sarajevo, and deans of the faculties promoted 56 candidates to the degree of Doctor of Science.

With words of welcome, Prof. Dr. Rifat Škrijelj, Rector of the University of Sarajevo, emphasized that, in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country rich in culture and history, the University of Sarajevo is a space of knowledge and a guide for those who wish to unravel the secrets of nature and society through rigorous research and academic pursuit. "Today's ceremony is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of these individuals who, despite a complex and challenging environment, strive for the highest level of academic excellence," stated Rector Škrijelj.

"You are not just holders of academic titles; you are bearers of the light of knowledge and agents of change in a country that yearns for progress. In your academic endeavors, you have faced challenges unique to our environment – challenges that test not only your intellect but also your resilience and determination. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a fabric of diverse communities, and your research has the power to contribute to our collective understanding, fostering unity in diversity. As you embark on your professional and academic journeys, remember that your role extends beyond the walls of the University. You are not just researchers; you are ambassadors of knowledge, champions of societal well-being, and builders of a better future for Bosnia and Herzegovina," Rector Škrijelj told the doctoral candidates, adding: "May this ceremony be your decisive step into the future – a future where the challenges we face today become opportunities for growth and progress. To our doctoral candidates, I say: move forward, make a difference, and let your research be a testament to the resilience and intellectual vitality of Bosnia and Herzegovina."

On behalf of the Federal Minister of Education and Science, Prof. Dr. Jasna Duraković, the advisor for higher education, science, and technology, Prof. Dr. Seid Masnica, addressed the attendees and told the doctoral candidates, "We already expect you to be spokespersons for reason, tolerance, new discoveries, and insights tomorrow, and guarantors of our survival and our progress in the future. Obtaining the academic degree of Doctor of Science represents a key point and a turning point in the life path of every member of the academic community. Now, after obtaining your doctorate, you will begin your careers as professional researchers who have mastered your respective fields of specialization." He expressed hope that in the future, they will maintain the connections that have developed between them and the University of Sarajevo through the process of learning and research. "May the knowledge and competencies you have acquired by studying at the University of Sarajevo contribute to harmonious coexistence within the global community," stated Prof. Dr. Masnica.

The Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton, Mr. Nihad Uk, congratulated the doctoral candidates, emphasizing that with today's promotion to the degree of Doctor of Science, they also assume an obligation to society to contribute to the Bosnian-Herzegovinian community through their scientific endeavors. "This obligation primarily relates to the need to overcome the challenges we face, which are primarily related to the issues of the state's existence, but also specific challenges such as the current labor shortage. In this regard, we can count on the significant potentials we have, natural, economic, and tourist, and we must utilize them to reduce the number of people, your friends and fellow citizens, who are evidently leaving. It is clearly necessary to create prerequisites, and I believe we are on the right track to achieve this, to bring back all those who have left. I believe we need little to achieve the quality of life we strive for when making the decision to leave. Therefore, a great responsibility rests on you to create living conditions that will be tailored to those who are considering leaving, in order to persuade them to stay. In these efforts, you will always have a partner in the Government of Sarajevo Canton, and the Government will continue to support the University, especially in promoting leaders in the field of scientific research and activity in Bosnia and Herzegovina," emphasized Prime Minister Uk.

Prof. Dr. Adna Mesihović, Minister of Science, Higher Education, and Youth of Sarajevo Canton, congratulated on the organization of this ceremonial event, as well as on achieving scientific excellence within doctoral studies, which is achieved through a combination of dedication and expertise, and on the public promotion of the best.

"Obtaining the academic degree of Doctor of Science is the first, important, and fundamental step on the path of lifelong realization of one's own abilities and academic progress for the benefit of society. The awarding of doctorates is not only a symbol of individual achievement but also the result of dedicated work, learning, research, and passion for knowledge. This is a moment that marks the culmination of the intellectual effort, dedication, and perseverance of our doctoral candidates," stated Minister Mesihović, and expressed her hope that the doctors of science promoted today will be spokespersons for reason, ethics, and morality, tolerance, finding excellence and joy in work, precursors of new discoveries and scientific insights, and guarantors of the well-being and progress of our country in the future.

On behalf of the promoted Doctors of Science of the University of Sarajevo, Dr. Merima Handanović, Doctor of Literary Sciences/Studies – Comparative Literature, addressed the audience, emphasizing that no path to obtaining the title of Doctor of Science and Arts is written with simple lines and easy pens, nor is it traversed without obstacles. "It is precisely the love and understanding of our mentors, professors, our families, and friends that have helped us reach this day, when we solemnly receive our doctorates, but also our duty to do good for this society and for the academic community. On behalf of all Doctors of Science and Arts, I thank everyone who has been our support and inspiration and who has helped us to be proud here today," stated Dr. Handanović, adding: "Every Doctor of Science and Arts is chosen by their generation and is obliged to do the best for science, art, for society, and to practice their profession honorably and honestly, holding the nobility of knowledge as the primary guide throughout life and career."

Striving for a knowledge-based society, the University of Sarajevo will promote: 8 candidates for the degree of Doctor of Health Sciences, 6 candidates for the degree of Political Sciences, 5 candidates for the degree of Technical Sciences, 4 candidates for the degree of Doctors of Law, 3 candidates each for the degree of Doctors of Economic Sciences, Administrative Sciences, Medical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, and Mathematical Sciences, 2 candidates each for the degree of Doctors of Sociological Sciences, Linguistic Sciences, Psychological Sciences, Literary History Sciences, and Biological Sciences, and 1 candidate each for the degree of Doctors of Criminological Sciences, Security Sciences, Literary Sciences, Educational Sciences, Dental Sciences, Veterinary Sciences, and Doctors of Social Sciences in the field of Kinesiology and Doctors of Science in the field of Social/Humanities Sciences – Field of Educational Sciences and Pedagogy.