Contracts signed for co-financing of scientific projects and programs: Ministry has distributed a record 3,000,000 BAM of Government support to science

Minister of Science, Higher Education and Youth of Sarajevo Canton, Prof. Dr. Aleksandra Nikolić and University of Sarajevo Rector, Prof. Dr. Rifat Škrijelj signed contracts with the winners of funds from the program “Co-financing of scientific research/artistic research and research and development projects and programs from the KS Budget for 2021” at a ceremony in the amphitheater of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina today.

According to Minister Nikolić, this is a project of the Government of KS, and not only of the relevant ministry, which this year, through this co-financing program, determined three million BAM of earmarked funds, which is the largest allocation for these purposes so far.

“These funds were distributed to 62 scientific projects, of which 21 projects for young scientists/researchers in which 89 young researchers of the I, II and III study cycles will participate. The mission of this ministry, but also the commitment of the current government is to support science and scientific work, as well as to increase the funds allocated for science from year to year, and reach an annual amount of up to 2% of the KS budget,” said Minister Nikolić.

She also said that this Government had the courage to increase allocations for science in such a difficult pandemic year, and thus said that only young people and their ideas can lead us to progress.

She also pointed out how this line ministry defined the development of science and scientific research work as one of the priorities in its work, because in that way the quality of higher education is strengthened, which ultimately has a direct impact on improving the quality of life of young people in Canton, but also BiH.

Minister Nikolić also reminded that as a central, proactive part of this designed approach, a Public Call for co-financing of scientific research/artistic research and development projects and programs from the KS Budget for this year was announced on 25 May 2021, according to the needs and priorities of Sarajevo Canton. as well as that the complete process was carried out by the previous minister Prof. Dr. Melika Husić-Mehmedović.

Rector Škrijelj emphasized that these funds will help them procure modern equipment on which researchers will be able to achieve better scientific research results.

He underlined that this is a serious stimulus to the development of society and strengthening the capacity of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and thanked the Government of KS for this attitude towards science.

The Ministry also reminded how the procedure of evaluation and evaluation of applied projects was carried out (154), and the final list of projects to be co-financed was determined (Program 1-41 project and Program 2-21 project, Program 3-29 program).

Funds in the amount of 3,000,000 BAM will be spent according to the programs as follows:

a) PROGRAM 1: Co-financing of scientific research / artistic research and research and development projects of special interest for the Sarajevo Canton in the amount of 2,400,000 BAM with the maximum amount of funds that can be allocated for co-financing one project in the amount of 100,000 BAM;

b) PROGRAM 2: Co-financing of scientific research/artistic research and research and development projects carried out by young scientists/researchers in the amount of 450,000 BAM with the maximum amount of funds that can be allocated for co-financing one project in the amount of 30,000 BAM;

c) PROGRAM 3: Co-financing the publication of scientific journals and membership fees in international scientific research organizations and bodies in the amount of 150,000 BAM; The maximum amount of funds that could be allocated for co-financing one magazine is 10,000 BAM.

The results of these approved projects will be the basis, first of all, for building a platform that will bring together all stakeholders to exchange ideas through productive dialogue, but also to design ways and activities to improve scientific research, and to effectively and effectively encourage scientific work and young scientists/researchers for the benefit of society as a whole.

The Ministry will continue to actively participate and give its maximum contribution by providing conditions for strengthening scientific research activities, and will be a mediator in building links between the economy, local community, government and academia, and for general progress.

With continuous and dedicated work, as well as through creating an environment and climate for development and exchange of ideas, critical thinking, internationalization and finally through the financial support of the Ministry, funds invested in science will return to us as a stimulus for scientific, economic and social development.