The Second Session of the B&H Rectors’ Conference Held

The second session of the B&H Rectors’ Conference, chaired by University of Sarajevo Rector, Prof. Dr. Muharem Avdispahic, Dr.h.c, was held on Monday 14 July 2014.
The following representatives of BH public universities attended the session: Prof. Dr. Stanko Stanic, University of Banja Luka Rector, Prof. Dr. Sead Pasic, “Dzemal Bijedic” University of Mostar Rector, Prof. Dr. Muharem Avdispahic, Dr.h.c., University of Sarajevo Rector, Prof. Dr. Enver Halilovic, University of Tuzla Rector, Prof. Dr. Dzevad Zecic, University of Zenica Rector, Prof. Dr. Dejan Bokonjic, University of East Sarajevo Vice-Rector and Prof. Dr. Vojo Visekruna, University of Mostar Vice-Rector.

At the meeting, the report on the implemented visit of BiH public universities representatives to the US in June of 2014 was made. The visit was organized by the Embassy of the United States of America and the US Government and based on the US Government call for participating in the international exchange visitors program – “International Visitors Leadership Program.” The visit assessed as very successful resulted in the establishment of relations with several American universities. In the time to come, the representatives of American universities, with whom the cooperation in the field of scientific research was agreed to, will visit Bosnia and Herzegovina and sign the cooperation agreements at the level of the Rectors’ Conference.

The state of access to scientific databases was considered at the Rectors’ Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mrs. Ljiljana Petrovic-Zecic, the National and University Library of RS Director and Mr. Ismet Ovcina, the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina Director delivered oral reports. They pointed to the alarming situation in our country when it comes to the accessing scientific databases. It has been agreed that organizing a thematic session of the BH Rector’s Conference is necessary. At the thematic conference, representatives of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the Federal Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Education and Culture of the RS would participate. The goal of the thematic session is also establishing a long-term plan for financing access to scientific databases, further functioning of the network BIHARNET academic network and strategic needs of the infrastructure investment programs in science and research, in order to increase the competitiveness of research institutions from B&H, when applying to allocations from international funds for which BiH will allocate an entry contribution.