The third joint scientific conference within the Western Balkans Processes will be held took place in in Paris from 14 to 16 June. The conference got organized by the Academy of Sciences of Germany - Leopoldina and the Academy of Sciences of France. At a joint press conference attended representatives of the National Academies of Sciences and Arts, rectors' conferences, as well as prominent young scientists.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, with its representatives, is actively involved in the process from the beginning. The first conference was held in Halle-Berlin (Germany) in 2015, second in Vienna (Austria) in 2016.
This year, Bosnia and Herzegovina, at the invitation of the Academy of Sciences of Germany - Leopoldina, was represented by Prof. Dr. Milos Trifkovic (President of the Academy of Arts and Sciences), Prof. Dr. Rifat Skrijelj (UNSA Rector), Prof. Dr. Milan Mataruga (UNIBL Rector), Prof. Dr. Almir Maljevic and Doz. Dr. Erna Karazija, as representatives of prominent young scientists from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The theme of this year's conference was “Turn your idea into action: Invest in young scientists and business growth.” The conference discussed concrete ways of providing support and creating equal opportunities for young scientists and researchers from the Western Balkan countries to improve knowledge and skills in order to achieve and maintain scientific excellence. In this respect, the conference attempted to finalize activities on the establishment of private Research Foundation, as well as the creation of the Western Balkans Action Plan for Smart Growth.

Given that the heads of state and governments will discuss the topics of the conference at the Summit for the Western Balkans to be held in Trieste (Italy) on 12 July 2017, Bosnia and Herzegovina representatives will inform competent bodies in Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina on defined proposals and recommendations.