This event was held within the RRPP Policy Dialogue Initiative framework in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The conference gathered representatives from the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Swiss Embassy in BiH, together with those representing BiH universities, faculties and researchers. 

The conference presented social sciences and humanities issues identified in Bosnia and Herzegovina, leading to discussions on potential solutions for complications in these fields. Social sciences and humanities in BiH are characterised by different categorical problems, such as insufficiently-developed personnel potential in scientific research work, insufficient financial support and relatively low participation levels in international research projects. 

The opening speech was provided by Ms Denisa Sarajlić Maglić, Deputy Minister of Civil Affairs of BiH, Mr Joseph Guntern, Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office at the Swiss Embassy in BiH, and Mr Ugo Vlaisavljevic, Vice-Rector for International Relations at the University of Sarajevo. 

Ms Sarajlic-Maglic discussed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s membership in EU programmes, through which they aim to improve the quality of science of BiH research to match those found in EU. However, there is still a considerable amount of progress to be made in order to realize the full potential of participation in such programmes. Mr Guntern focused on the active role of Switzerland in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s scientific affairs, expressing that different programmes, including the RRPP, help to improve scientific research. He also stated that social sciences are often neglected, despite their analyses identifying a base for the current and future development of society. Mr Vlaisavljevic found urgency in improving the lack of social sciences and humanities research in BiH, declaring it is prime time to step into a new era of scientific research and researcher networks. 

After the opening speeches, Ms Sarajlic-Maglic, acting in her role as a researcher, addressed the significance of social sciences and humanities research for developing policies. In her critical overview of the current situation, she finds we have a significant increase in self-acclaimed analysts and experts in BiH society in conjunction with politicians “doing” politics without attaining any real capacities to create evidence-based policies utilising research. Additionally, government institutions and administrations are belittling research and the role of science in general while creating and passing certain policies that could otherwise benefit from such scientific participation in the policy-/decision-making processes. Theoretical and methodological skills are also neglected as aspects of quality research in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These combined factors result in a superficial, non-applicable view of social sciences and humanities research. 

The second part of the conference was dedicated to problem analysis and recommendations for reformation as provided by the RRPP Policy Dialogue Working Groups. These presentations led to conference participant discourse on the solutions provided. 

Mr Jasmin Halebic, Vice-Dean for Scientific Research at Faculty of Economics, University of Zenica, presented findings and recommendations from the policy brief Social Sciences and Research in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Between (Lack of) Financing and (Lack of) Quality. (To download this policy brief in Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian please click here)

Mr Nenad Suzic, Professor at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Banja Luka, presented findings and recommendations provided in the policy briefSocial Sciences and Research in Bosnia and Herzegovina: (Is There?) Sufficiently Developed Personnel Potential. (To download this policy brief in Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian please click here)

Mr Amer Dzihana from Internews B&H and Ms Jasmina Husanovic from the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Tuzla, presented findings and recommendations from the policy brief Social Sciences and Humanities in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Participation in International Projects. (To download this policy brief in Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian please click here)

These presentations were followed by vivid participant discussions on the data from each policy brief. Although there are multiple problems in social sciences and humanities, one of the main discussion points found that researchers and universities may actually improve their own downtrodden positions through step-by-step processes. One way to attain a better status is to begin with presenting recommendations to the Rectors’ Conference in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Furthermore, the discussion revealed the necessity in winning public favour through media, eventually influencing public policies by presenting research results via media outlets. In addition, synergy must be created among researchers, institutions/universities and civil society organisations, while solutions are simultaneously sought after and implemented for those problems identified in social sciences and humanities.

Local Media Coverage

Fena- Bosna i Hercegovina Federalna Novinska Agencija: Konferencija o temi "Perspektive unapredenja drustvenih i humanistickih nauka u BiH" 

Source.ba: Konferencija u Sarajevu "Perspektive unapredenja drustvenih i humanistickih nauka u BiH"

Federalna.ba: “Dnevnik 2” FTV BiH, (Minutes 15:16 to 16:50)