In Vienna, within the introductory panel entitled “Sustainable Research Infrastructures on the global arena: policy developments, lessons learned and strategies”, Minister Damjanović presented the SEEIIST project and the participants discussed the sustainability and the need for research infrastructures on the global scene, as well as the scientific strategies and policies that help their implementation and contribute to the overall socio-economic progress of countries. In her presentation, Minister Damjanović pointed out that the South East Europe region needed a large scientific research infrastructure that would trigger scientific excellence, prevent talent outflow, stimulate innovation, mobility, internationalization and knowledge transfer, as well as other complementary technologies. All of these are ways in which science can improve socio-economic conditions and enable young people an attractive environment in which they want to work and create in their own country. This project, Minister Damjanović added, although fifth in Europe, will be unique in the world as it envisages that 50% of the operating hours would be spent on research, which would attract researchers from Western Europe.

The establishment of the SEEIIST project, i.e. the state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure, would also help reduce tensions and contribute to better cooperation between the countries of the region, as demonstrated in the case of the SESAME project in Jordan, recognized as a true example of “science for peace”. In addition, the project would enable this region to regain the scientific excellence that existed in the past and would accelerate the technological development of the countries.
Panelists have agreed that scientific infrastructures help reduce social differences, initiate international partnerships and represent the right way to invest in human capital and knowledge, which is one of the postulates of a knowledge-based economy.
One of the conclusions of the session was that science ought to be open and offer solutions to societal challenges and problems, which is also reflected in the policy of the European Commission, i.e. institutions in the field of science and research, which organized this conference.

During her stay in Vienna, the Minister of Science also held two meetings at the International Atomic Energy Agency, with Mr. Dazhu Yang, Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation, and Mr. Aldo Malavasi, Deputy Director General of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, who confirmed the continued full support of the Agency to the regional project of the establishment of the South-East European International Institute for Sustainable Technologies. Inter alia, the representatives of the Agency have suggested that the next meeting of the SEEIIST’s Steering Committee be held at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, expressing their willingness to participate in the Committee meetings.

Deputy Director General, Mr. Aldo Malavasi, congratulated Minister Damjanović on the progress achieved in the development of the SEEIIST regional project, including its political and scientific dimension. In addition, he reiterated the readiness of the Agency to financially and professionally support the planned training of staff, future project proponents, as well as to provide consultancy services at all stages of the project.

Previously, in the framework of past cooperation on the SEEIIST project, at the Scientific Forum in Trieste, organized by the Ministry of Science in cooperation with the ICTP Institute in January this year, the International Atomic Energy Agency announced the provision of half a million euros for staff training.
Minister Damjanović thanked the interlocutors for the engagement and support provided by the Agency since the project initiation. In this regard, she also pointed to the importance of the support by the European Commission, which was also announced by Carlos Moedas, Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation at ICRI 2018.

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