University of Sarajevo Promoted 43 Doctors of Sciences (PHOTO)

The promotion of Doctors of Science at the University of Sarajevo was held on Tuesday, 10 June 2025, at the Sarajevo National Theatre. Prof. Dr. Tarik Zaimović, Rector of the University of Sarajevo, along with vice-rectors and vice-rectrices, deans and deanesses of Faculties, promoted 43 PhD candidates into Doctors of Science.

Rector of the University of Sarajevo, Prof. Dr. Tarik Zaimović, emphasized that by promoting these 43 doctoral candidates, we mark the pinnacle of their exceptional scientific journey and the beginning of a new phase in their professional and social engagement.

“Obtaining a doctorate is not just an academic achievement – it is a turning point in personal and professional development. It is the entry into the world of independent research, critical thinking, and free intellectual expression. But this freedom comes with obligation. It entails moral and social responsibility, because science without understanding of broader social responsibility can become a destructive force. Science and our relationship with society must be inseparable, and knowledge must serve humanity and never be directed against it,” said Zaimović, adding: “Therefore, we expect you to be not only bearers of knowledge but also the critical conscience of the community to which you belong – advocating for humanism, inclusive society, justice, and truth – even when it means stepping out of the comfort zone of academic convenience and the closed circle of scientific discourse and immediate research results.”

He stated that the scientific and artistic community that makes up the University of Sarajevo must not be isolated in academic self-isolation; their contribution—especially today—must be seen beyond classrooms and laboratories. Discussing institutional autonomy, Rector Zaimović highlighted that it is the foundation of modern higher education and a prerequisite for true freedom of thought, quality teaching content, the immeasurable power of artistic expression, and the diversity of scientific research.

“It ensures that universities remain spaces of free thought, drivers of innovation, critical reflection, and independent creators of scientifically grounded truths. Talking about building an economy based on knowledge without free and developed universities is an oxymoron.”

Emphasizing that the understanding of the societal importance of higher education and science today still rests on Immanuel Kant’s simple dictum – Dare to think! – Rector Zaimović addressed the doctoral candidates with congratulations and a message: “Fight for your right to dare to think and speak. Be a barrier, a qualified gatekeeper, in times of informational populism and narrative noise versus truth and scientific foundation. Be the voice of the incredibly needed critical thinking—fighters against the destruction of quality and the silent euthanasia of fundamental civilizational values that we have built over centuries.”

At the ceremony in the National Theatre, the Chairman of the Sarajevo Canton Assembly, Mr. Elvedin Okerić, also spoke, emphasizing that the University of Sarajevo is the foundation of our academic, social, and cultural identity, and that the Sarajevo Canton, as its founder, is committed to creating conditions where education and science can grow freely, develop, and contribute to the progress of society as a whole.

"Investing in knowledge and science is not a cost but the wisest investment in the future. Today’s event reaffirms the University of Sarajevo’s commitment and capacity to create new generations of intellectuals who will critically and analytically respond to contemporary challenges, improve their fields, develop science, and act in the service of the public good. Your success today is not just a personal achievement. With this act, you become bearers of the highest academic title, but also responsible for applying your knowledge with integrity, courage, and in favor of the society you belong to and your country, Bosnia and Herzegovina," Okerić noted.

He added that Sarajevo Canton remains a strong partner of the University of Sarajevo. "We remain politically committed and persistent in promoting the development of education and science through supporting scientific research activities, improving student standards, and strengthening institutional autonomy. We believe in education as the pillar of a democratic society and want a university that is free, open, and modern. In this spirit, I congratulate you all on this outstanding achievement and thank you for giving new value to our society and faith in a better future," Okerić concluded.

On behalf of the promoted doctors of science, Dr. Adriana Katavić, a doctor of linguistic sciences—English language—spoke, emphasizing that earning the title of doctor may be a great achievement, but it also carries a great responsibility.

“The knowledge and skills we have acquired over years of study and research must be shared with others if they can benefit, and used for the good of every person. Nothing we have gained is solely ours. We have received more than we could ever deserve on this journey. All our knowledge, motivation, and inspiration—we owe it to others. Our effort, work, and dedication would be meaningless without the support and help of others around us, as well as the giants on whose shoulders we stand to see further and higher. And it is precisely this shared experience in knowledge that teaches us that progress is only possible where there is openness—not haste, but careful observation. Not stubborn exclusivity, but a desire for understanding. Because only those who are willing to listen, think, and change can truly research and contribute to the world around us,” she said.

Striving towards a society of knowledge, the University of Sarajevo promoted: 6 candidates into Doctors of Medical Sciences, 4 candidates each for Doctors of Technical, Economic, Social, and Health Sciences, 3 candidates for Doctors of Legal Sciences, 2 candidates each for Doctors of Administrative, Pharmaceutical, Linguistic, Veterinary, and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, and 1 candidate each for Doctors of Islamic, Literary-Historical, Educational, Agricultural, Physical, Biological, Mathematical sciences, and Doctors of Science in the fields of Social/Humanities sciences, Pedagogical sciences, and Educational sciences.

Photos: Vanja Čerimagić

The photo album is published on the University’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/univerzitet.unsa