During the plenary session, attended by Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic, a number of Ministers, and 2,500 researchers, scientists, representatives of the industry and foreign partners, the Head of Delegation of the European Union to Serbia Ambassador Vincent Degert and Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Science and Technological Development Božidar Đelic addressed the audience. Đelic also signed an Act on the Selection, Assessment and Financing of Programmes for the 2011– 2015 Research Cycle, envisaging the beginning of a new stage for science in Serbia and its clear orientation towards a knowledge-based economy.
Đelic stated that funds for scientific projects must be used in line with the law and in a transparent manner, since these funds belong to all Serbian citizens. Thus, the allocation of these funds is a huge responsibility and it must be ensured that the investment project is pragmatic and cost-effective, the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated.

Serbian President Boris Tadic stressed that the investment in science and education is an investment in the economic development and the future of Serbia, announcing that the government will invest € 400 million in this sector over the next five years. Tadic added that according to the assessment of international institutions, Serbia is “a scientific star in the rise”.
A Serbia that does not lag behind, but is at the forefront of scientific and technological development in certain areas is a Serbia from which its citizens, the region and Europe will benefit, the President said. He noted that Serbia does not lack human resources and by investing in them it can overcome its limited energy and natural resources. Serbia has a huge capacity when it comes to scientists, but it must invest in science to improve research conditions and the cooperation with international institutions, Tadic stressed.
The Head of the European Union delegation to Serbia Vincent Degert said that research and innovation will be of paramount importance to overcome challenges that lie ahead of Europe. The future of the EU and Serbia must be based on knowledge, Degert said, noting that it is therefore crucial to improve competitiveness and the living standard of citizens, which requires investments in science.
Over 2,500 scientists, researchers, representatives from the economy, state officials and foreign partners took part in the conference in Sava Centre, discussing national priorities defined by the Strategy for Scientific and Technological Development.

Agreement of Scientific Cooperation with the United States of America

Serbian Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Science and Technological Development Božidar ĐeliÊ and US Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs María Otero signed an Agreement on Scientific and Technological cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the USA on April 23, 2010.
The goal is to support and enhance cooperation between researchers and scientific institutes of both countries. These scientific and research organisations will also be the carriers of the future cooperation through joint projects, scientific and expert trips and training, consulting missions, and the exchange of documentation and S&T information.

MPs Adopt Set of Bills in the Area of Science

On February 25, 2010 the Members of Serbian Parliament adopted 37 bills aiming at enhancing the scientific system of Serbia and stopping brain drain to other countries, including the strategy of scientific and technological development of the Republic of Serbia from 2010 to 2015 and a set of bills in the area of science and intellectual property.