Development of scientific research capacities through the COST program

At the meeting held at the Rectorate of the University of Montenegro, the Rector, Prof. Dr. Vladimir Božović, and Dr. Ronald de Bruin, Director of the COST Association, discussed various opportunities that the COST program offers to the research community at the University.

Rector Božović elaborately presented a series of intensive initiatives at the University of Montenegro aimed at empowering young researchers and doctoral candidates, particularly through organizing stays within the framework for the development of science and professional advancement. These programs, contributing to the objectives of the University’s Development Strategy, enable a rich exchange of experiences and knowledge on a global level, which is a key factor in strengthening the scientific community at the University of Montenegro.

The meeting was also attended by the Vice-Rector of the University of Montenegro, Prof. Dr.  Veselin Mićanović, the Project Management Associate in the UCG Project Office, Filip Petrović MSc., and the Science Advisor at the COST Association, Dr. Radenka Krsmanović Whiffen.

Mr. Ronald de Bruin presented the opportunities the COST program offers to the scientific research community in Montenegro, emphasizing that COST opens doors to other European programs, such as Horizon Europe. The participants agreed that special emphasis should be placed on young researchers in Montenegro and the opportunities for their participation in various programs offered by COST actions, which will contribute to their further development and prevent the "brain drain" from Montenegro.

Ronald de Bruin and Krsmanović Whiffen also met with the newly appointed director of the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro, Valentina Radulović, MSc. Radulović briefed the attendees on the purpose of establishing the Science and Technology Park, which aims to become a bridge connecting the academic community with the economy and enabling startups and innovators to connect more quickly with the market.

Representatives from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation attended the meetings, including Anđela Radulović, Head of the Directorate for Horizon Europe and COST Programs, and Martina Lukić, MSc., Senior Advisor in the Directorate for Horizon Europe and COST Programs and the national COST coordinator for Montenegro.

We remind you that in Podgorica, organized by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation and the COST Association, the COST Info Day Montenegro 2024 was held, aiming to inform researchers in Montenegro about the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program which promotes and spreads research excellence, its impact, and the possibilities for co-financing Montenegrin researchers and innovators through this Program.