The University of Sarajevo promoted 56 Doctors of Sciences

The ceremonial promotion of the PhD candidates into Doctors of Sciences at the University of Sarajevo took place at the National Theater in Sarajevo on 21 December 2023. Prof. Dr. Rifat Škrijelj, UNSA Rector, Vice-Rectors and Deans of Faculties promoted 56 PhD candidates into Doctors of Sciences.

With welcoming words from Prof. Dr. Rifat Škrijelj, University of Sarajevo Rector, it was emphasized that, in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country rich in culture and history, the University of Sarajevo is a place of knowledge and guidance for those who want to uncover the secrets of nature and society through rigorous research and academic pursuit. “Today's ceremony testifies to the dedication and persistence of these individuals who, despite the complex and challenging environment, strive for the highest level of academic excellence,” said 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 longs 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 common understanding, fostering unity in diversity. As you embark on your professional and academic journeys, remember that your role extends beyond the University. You are not just researchers; you are ambassadors of knowledge, bearers of the welfare of society and builders of a better future for Bosnia and Herzegovina”, said Rector Škrijelj, addressing the doctoral students, and added: “Let this ceremony be your decisive step into the future - a future in which the challenges we face today become opportunities for growth and advancement. I say to our doctoral students: move forward, make a difference and let your research be a testimony to the resilience and intellectual vitality of Bosnia and Herzegovina”.

On behalf of the Federal Minister of Education and Science, Prof. Dr. Jasna Duraković, advisor for higher education, science and technology, Prof. Dr  Seid Masnica addressed the audience. He said “We already expect you to be spokesmen for reason, tolerance, new discoveries and insights tomorrow, and guarantors of our survival and our progress in the future. Acquiring the academic degree of doctor of science represents a key point and turning point in the life path of every member of the academic community. Now that you have obtained your doctorate, you will begin your career as a professional researcher who has mastered your respective areas of specialization”. He also expressed the hope that in the future they will preserve the ties that have developed between them and the University of Sarajevo, through the process of learning and research. “Let the knowledge and competences you have acquired by studying at the University of Sarajevo contribute to harmonious coexistence among the global community,” said Prof. Dr. Masnica.

The Prime Minister of the Canton of Sarajevo, Mr. Nihad Uk, congratulated the candidates, emphasizing that with today's promotion in honor of the Doctor of Science, they also assume an obligation towards society to contribute to Bosnia and Herzegovina with their scientific efforts. to the community. “This obligation first of all relates to the need to overcome the challenges we are facing, which first of all relate to issues of the state's survival, but also special challenges such as the current lack of manpower. At the same time, we can count on the serious potentials we have, natural, economic and tourist, and we must use them in order to reduce the number of people, your friends and fellow citizens, who are obviously leaving. Obviously, we need to create the preconditions, and I think we are well on our way to achieving that, to bring back all those who left. I believe that we need a little time to achieve the quality of life we strive for in the moments when we make the decision to leave. Therefore, you also have a great responsibility to create living conditions that will be tailored to those who are thinking about leaving in order to entice 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 the promotion of leaders in the field of scientific research work and activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, emphasized Prime Minister Uk.

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

“Acquiring the academic degree of Doctor of Science is the first, essential and fundamental step on the way to lifelong realization of one's abilities and one's own academic progress for the benefit of society. The award of a doctorate is not only a symbol of an individual's achievement, but also the result of dedicated work, study, research and passion for knowledge. This isa moment that marks the peak of the intellectual effort, dedication and perseverance of our doctoral students”, said Minister Mesihović, and said that she hopes that the PhDs promoted today will be spokespersons for reason, ethics and morality, tolerance, finding excellence and joy in work, forerunners of new discoveries and scientific knowledge, and guarantors of the well-being and progress of our country in the future.

On behalf of the promoted University of Sarajevo Doctors, Dr. Merima Handanović, Doctor of Literary Sciences/Sciences - Comparative Literature, pointing out that not a single path to obtaining the title of Doctor of Science and Arts was certainly not written with simple lines and light pens, nor was it crossed without obstacles. “It was the love and understanding of our mentors, professors, our families and friends that helped us get to today, when we solemnly receive our doctorates, but also our duty to do good for this society and the academic community. On behalf of all doctors of science and arts, I would like to thank everyone who was our support and inspiration and who helped us to be proud of where we are today,” said Dr. Handanović added: “Each Doctor of Science and Arts is the chosen one of his generation and is responsible for doing the best for science, art, and society, and to practice his profession honorably and honestly, adhering to the nobility of knowledge as a basic guide throughout life and career.”

In striving towards a knowledge society, the University of Sarajevo promoted: 8 candidates into Doctors of Health Sciences, 6 candidates into Doctors of Political Sciences, 5 candidates into Doctors of Technical Sciences, 4 candidates into Doctors of Legal Sciences, 3 candidates into Doctors of Economic, Administrative, Medical, Chemical and Mathematical Sciences each, 2 candidates each into Doctors of Sociological, Linguistic, Psychological, Literary History and Biological Sciences, and 1 candidate each into Doctors of Criminology, Security, Literature, Education, Dentistry, Veterinary, and Doctor of Social Sciences from the field of Kinesiology and 1 PhD candidate in the field of Social Sciences/Humanities - field of Educational Sciences and Pedagogy.

Photos: Vanja Čerimagić
 
*Photo Gallery: https://www.facebook.com/univerzitet.unsa