The University of Sarajevo Promoted 42 PhD candidates into Doctors of Sciences
The ceremony of PhD candidates into Doctors of Sciences promotion at the University of Sarajevo took place on Saturday, at the National Theatre of Sarajevo on 25 January 2025. Prof. Dr. Tarik Zaimović, University of Sarajevo Rector, along with the Vice-Rectors and Deans, proudly conferred upon 42 individuals the esteemed title of Doctor of Science.
In his welcome speech, Prof. Dr. Zaimović emphasized that the University is proud to promote 42 candidates to the rank of Doctor of Science today, representing a diverse array of fields including the humanities, social sciences, medicine, technical sciences, as well as natural-mathematical and biotechnical disciplines.
“You have all traversed an exceptionally challenging path of academic development and research, fraught with numerous trials and sacrifices, akin to those of previous generations of Doctors of Science and Art from the University of Sarajevo. Your doctoral dissertations epitomize your diligence, intellectual curiosity, and passion for learning, as well as your capacity for critical thinking and pursuit of excellence. Perhaps most importantly, they reflect your unwavering commitment to surmounting challenges along the journey you have chosen—a journey in search of scientifically grounded truths,” conveyed Rector Zaimović.
He highlighted the necessity for academic institutions, especially the members of the academic and research community, to actively engage in understanding and addressing the predominant issues of our time, particularly as the role of universities transcends traditional boundaries, positioning them as pivotal actors in solving broader societal problems.
“The ever-increasing economic inequality, climate change, emerging geopolitical realities, and accelerated technological transformations demand a more proactive role from researchers. It is you, the esteemed Doctors of Science, who embody these values, serving as ambassadors of science, knowledge, and truth—bearing the responsibility to provide solutions to these complex challenges,” noted Rector Zaimović.
Furthermore, he underscored the importance of a value system that we must continuously affirm and advocate in the academic sphere, especially in our Bosnian-Herzegovinian society, where it has regrettably nearly vanished. “Empathy, our willingness to perceive the world from others' perspectives, is one of the most significant life skills. It not only defines a civilized society but also directly influences the success of all our relationships. Thus, we must all bear in mind that academic freedoms come with academic responsibilities, for science devoid of understanding for others ceases to be true science and, over time, turns against itself. Consequently, we, as holders of academic titles, must be committed to value-driven and humanistic community development, regardless of where and in which field we operate. This, dear doctoral candidates, often means that our shared societal and scientific mission is not to follow the well-trodden path but rather to venture where the path is lacking, to contribute to a better and more just society.”
In closing, Rector Zaimović addressed the doctoral candidates: “Today, we—your professors and mentors—extend our recognition and warmly welcome you into this extraordinary realm. A realm where your academic advancement and scholarly endeavors, while burdened with significant responsibilities, also bring forth new scientific insights that must serve as added inspiration and encouragement for you to continue contributing to the overall progress and welfare of society,” expressing his confidence that they would perpetuate a substantial impact within their communities, fostering innovation and advancement while ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the challenges we currently face.
On behalf of the promoted UNSA Doctors of Science, Selma Dizdar, Doctor of Medical Sciences, remarked that those who question, seek answers, and harbor ideas are the very individuals who transform the world, rendering it a better place for all.
“This moment signifies the pinnacle of our academic endeavors, as well as the commencement of a new chapter in our journey of dedicated work, exploration, and development. Education is the most potent weapon we can wield to change the world. The knowledge we have acquired, we do not perceive as a privilege but as a responsibility. Today, more than ever, we acknowledge that knowledge is the key to addressing the challenges of the contemporary world. Therefore, we aspire to remain committed to scientific research and professional development, for only through relentless effort can we contribute to the enrichment of our community and homeland,” emphasized Dr. Selma Dizdar.
In pursuit of a knowledge-based society, the University of Sarajevo has conferred the title of Doctor of Technical Sciences upon 7 candidates, Doctor of Medical Sciences upon 6 candidates, and awarded doctoral titles to 3 candidates each in the fields of Security, Criminology, Health, Biology, Mathematics, and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences. Additionally, 2 candidates received the title in Educational and Legal Sciences, while 1 candidate each was recognized in the fields of Economic, Communication, Political, Administrative, Psychological, and Chemical Sciences, along with a Doctor of Science in Social/Humanistic Sciences, specifically in Educational Sciences and Pedagogy. The promoted candidates hail from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia.
Photographs: Vanja Čerimagić
*The photo gallery has been published on the Facebook page of the University of Sarajevo: https://www.facebook.com/univerzitet.unsa
