Milatović: Provide scientists with opportunities to develop and apply their knowledge

Montenegro has exceptional scientists who can participate equally in the most demanding international research and they need to be provided with support and opportunities to develop and apply their knowledge, said President Jakov Milatović during his visit to the Institute of Marine Biology.

Milatović, as announced by his office, discussed with the director of the Institute in Kotor, Mirko Đurović, and his associates, current research projects, international cooperation, and the importance of science for the protection of the marine ecosystem and the sustainable development of Montenegro.

"The visit was organized on the occasion of a significant jubilee, 65 years of the Institute's existence, and also represents the first official visit by a Montenegrin president to this reputable scientific institution," Milatović's office pointed out.

As they said, a special part of the conversation was dedicated to the participation of Montenegrin scientists in research missions in Antarctica, which are the result of the partnership between the Institute of Marine Biology and the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute.

The statement recalls that the initiative was launched by Milatović, in cooperation with the President of Bulgaria, and that as a result of the cooperation, Institute scientist Vesna Mačić visited Antarctica at the end of 2024, becoming the first scientist from Montenegro to participate in a research expedition on this continent.

This year, Mačić and Aleksandar Joksimović participated in the mission, spending two and a half months in Antarctica.

Milatović said that this is confirmation that Montenegro has exceptional scientists who can participate equally in the most demanding international research.

"Our task is to provide them with support and opportunities to develop and apply their knowledge, because investing in science means investing in the future of the country," Milatović emphasized.

He, as announced, toured the laboratories and research facilities of the Institute and spoke with visiting professors from the University of California, Santa Barbara, who are staying in Kotor as part of a joint project, the aim of which is to produce a study on the impact on the environment and the economy, with a special focus on the Bay of Kotor and surrounding areas.

"The visit to the Institute was also an opportunity to discuss further improving scientific and research cooperation and strengthening Montenegro's capacities in the field of marine protection, biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of natural resources," the statement said.