Jakšić-Stojanović: The 13th of July Award must be a symbol of social responsibility, excellence and progress of Montenegro

Minister of Education, Science and Innovation Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović assessed that the fact that all three of this year's laureates are from the fields of culture and art naturally points to the need to review whether achievements from other fields, especially science and innovation, have had an equal chance to be recognized and valued.

She said that it is our shared responsibility to encourage creators in all fields to continue to build Montenegro as a society of knowledge, culture, and scientific relevance on the international stage.

"The 13th of July Award represents the highest state recognition by which Montenegro affirms prominent individuals and collectives whose work has long-term significance for the social, cultural, scientific and overall development of our country. Its value is based on legality, impartiality and equal evaluation of all areas that contribute to the general progress of Montenegrin society. In this light, this year's award raises an important question - have all areas that the Law clearly recognizes been equally valorized?", asked the minister.

According to her, especially from the position of responsibility for the science and innovation sector, the question arises as to whether exceptional scientific achievements were adequately recognized in the decision-making process.

"I consider it my duty to point out the fact that Dr. Snežana Dragićević and Dr. Snežana Vuksanović were nominated for the Thirteenth of July Award precisely because of their discoveries of international importance - a new genus (Petrolamium Dragićević, Vuksanović & Surina) and a new species for science (Petrolamium crnojevicii Dragićević, Vuksanović & Surina) in the flora of Montenegro," emphasized Jakšić-Stojanović.

She recalled that this is a discovery that represents a rarity not only at the national, but also at the European level, which means that Montenegro, after more than two centuries, gains a new plant species and genus - a scientific sensation and a potential symbol of the natural heritage of the 21st century.

"I believe that results like these, which confirm scientific excellence and dedicated research work, deserve to be equally considered when awarding the highest state awards.

"Without entering into the autonomy of the jury, but especially from the position of responsibility I have as the Minister of Education, Science and Innovation, it is my obligation to point out the importance of consistent respect for the law and the principle of fair representation of all areas, so that the Thirteenth of July Award continues to be a symbol of social responsibility, excellence and progress of Montenegro," concluded the Minister.