On Wednesday, June 25th, the Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences had the pleasure of hosting Mirjana Katić, the Principal of the Mathematical Grammar School in Belgrade. This school has, for years, been a nursery of talent, renowned for its exceptional work with the most gifted students, successfully preparing them for future scientific careers.
The Institute's Director, Dr. Slavko Dimović, welcomed ms. Katić and highlighted the importance of young people rediscovering natural and technical sciences. He also emphasized the significance of strengthening cooperation with secondary education institutions and the support the Institute will provide to students who choose to study abroad, intending to bring their knowledge and experience back to Serbia. He encouraged young individuals to consider choosing natural and technical faculties for their further education, viewing it as a path leading to a professionally fulfilling career based on knowledge, innovation, and social responsibility.
Principal Mirjana Katić also shared her impressions, stressing how motivating it is for students to be in an environment where cutting-edge science is created and where they can feel the real contribution of scientists to society. She underscored the importance of motivating students to continue their education in science and technology, and the necessity of creating conditions for young people to envision their future in Serbia after completing their studies. She emphasized that visits like this are a valuable step towards connecting educational and scientific research institutions and strengthening the scientific community within the country.
Mirjana Katić had the opportunity to tour several laboratories at the Institute: the Laboratory for Physics, the Laboratory for Atomic Physics, the Laboratory for Nuclear and Plasma Physics, the Laboratory for Radiation and Environmental Protection, as well as the Library. During the tour, she had the chance to converse with researchers, see modern scientific instruments, and gain an insight into what it means to be a scientist today.
This marks only the first step in the future collaboration between the Vinča Institute and the Mathematical Grammar School. In the upcoming period, a Cooperation Agreement will be signed, defining regular student visits, joint educational activities, and support for young people in orienting towards a scientific career.
We are particularly proud to announce the launch of the Mentorship Program – an initiative that will enable Mathematical Grammar School students who pursue studies abroad to come to the Vinča Institute for professional internships during their summer breaks. Thanks to the Principal's proposal, each student will have their mentor – a researcher from the Institute who will guide them, advise them, and involve them in real scientific projects. This way, we will connect young talents nurtured at the Mathematical Grammar School, the Vinča Institute as an institution of national importance, and leading world universities. Even more importantly, we are creating conditions for young people to return and continue their careers in Serbia.
The Vinča Institute and the Mathematical Grammar School share a strong belief in young people, science, and education as the foundations of progress. This is yet another step towards Serbia building its future on knowledge, and on the young individuals who already possess that knowledge.
