Dr. Jelena Begović, Minister of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation in the Government of the Republic of Serbia, and Anna Maria Bernini, Minister of Universities and Research of Italy, inaugurated the second Italy-Serbia Scientific Forum at the AREA Science Park in Trieste. During the bilateral meeting held as part of the Forum, attended by representatives of ministries and scientific communities from Serbia and Italy, Minister Begović and Minister Bernini signed a Declaration of Intent for Cooperation in Research and Innovation.
On this occasion, Minister Begović recalled that the first scientific forum of this kind, organized in Belgrade in 2023, laid the foundation for bringing together scientists from Italy and Serbia to foster collaboration and progress. “This gathering under the slogan Uniting Minds, Bridging Borders represents an exceptional opportunity to deepen cooperation in the fields of science, innovation, and technological advancement, which are crucial for the future of our countries. Italy is our strategic partner not only in political and economic terms but also in science and innovation development. As an industrially and economically advanced country, Italy possesses certain infrastructures in which Serbian scientists aim to participate,” stated Dr. Begović, announcing that the first results of joint scientific-strategic programs between Italy and Serbia are expected as early as January.
Minister Anna Maria Bernini highlighted Serbia’s evident progress in industries related to artificial intelligence, adding that through Italy-Serbia collaboration, this progress can be even faster. “We have reaffirmed our decision to strengthen friendly ties with Serbia and work together on scientific and technological advancements,” she emphasized.
Arnaud Gouillon, Director of Serbia’s Office for Public and Cultural Diplomacy, stated after the bilateral meeting that it is essential to highlight the significant contribution Serbian scientists have made to global science. “In conversations with scientists and researchers worldwide, I have noticed that everyone is familiar with Nikola Tesla, Mihajlo Pupin, or Milutin Milanković, but few are aware of their Serbian origins. It is important to emphasize the contributions of Serbian scientists, both from the past and the present,” Gouillon concluded.
Minister Dr. Begović invited Minister Bernini to visit Serbia during the upcoming specialized exhibition EXPO 2027, titled Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All, to be held in Belgrade.
Source: Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation
