Prof. Ase Gornitzka, President of the COST Association, emphasized that COST represents a unique mechanism for connecting researchers and institutions across Europe, particularly emphasizing its inclusiveness and openness towards researchers from different scientific fields and career stages.
Ms Tatjana Ćalasan, State Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation of Montenegro, expressed her pleasure that Montenegro is hosting this important gathering. In her address, she emphasized Montenegro's commitment to the development of science and international cooperation, noting that participation in the COST program provides significant opportunities for domestic researchers.
During the two-day session, key strategic, financial and management topics relevant to the further development of the COST programme were discussed. As part of the discussions on future activities, progress regarding open calls was presented, as well as improvements in the process of submission, evaluation and selection of projects. A special contribution to the program was made by the representative of the COST action CA22146, M.Sc. Amil Orahovac, who presented concrete experiences and results of participation in COST actions through his presentation. His testimony further illustrated the importance of the COST network in strengthening international cooperation, knowledge exchange and professional development of researchers, especially in the early stages of their careers.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, in cooperation with the COST Association, also organized a COST Info Day with the aim of informing researchers in Montenegro about the role of COST in promoting and disseminating research excellence, as well as the role and impact of the Programme.
Marica Melović, MSc, Director General of the Directorate for Scientific and Research Activities, emphasized the importance of networking and international cooperation for the development of science and research in Montenegro. She pointed out that the COST program represents one of the key platforms for connecting domestic researchers with European and global partners.
Dr. Ronald de Bruin, Director of the COST Association, presented the role of COST in promoting and spreading research excellence in Europe and beyond, emphasizing the openness of the program to different scientific disciplines and researchers at all career stages.
Special focus is placed on the importance of interdisciplinarity and the creation of strong international networks.
Bart Veys, Head of the COST Policy Unit, spoke about COST actions, their structure and functioning, as well as concrete steps that researchers can take to get involved in existing or new actions.
Participants were also presented with practical guidelines for successful participation.
Prof. Dr. Sabina Osmanović from the University of Montenegro and M.A. Amil Orahovac from the University of Donja Gorica shared their experiences, pointing out the numerous benefits that COST provides – from networking and knowledge exchange, to the development of joint projects and strengthening research capacities. M.A. Martina Lukić, National Coordinator for COST for Montenegro, introduced the attendees to the participation of Montenegrin researchers and expert teams in this important program, which places special emphasis on activities involving researchers from less research-intensive COST countries, in order to increase their participation.
Comments