The Faculty of Technology of the University of Montenegro launched three new programs for the "generation that will change Montenegro"

The Faculty of Technology of the University of Montenegro is entering a new development phase with three accredited study programs - Environment and Sustainable Development, Technological Engineering, and Food and Bioprocess Engineering, the institution announced.

As they state, their introduction represents an important step in the further development of the Faculty and the adaptation of education to contemporary challenges and social changes. The new generation of students will also be the first generation to study under these programs, developed in accordance with modern European standards and the needs of the time.

Answering the question of what is behind this transformation, Dean Irena Nikolić reminds that the faculty has existed for more than half a century.

"Since its establishment until today, the Faculty has repeatedly aligned its study programs with the current needs of the labor market, and in accordance with the economic development of Montenegro. The latest reform, which includes the establishment of three new study programs, Food and Bioprocess Engineering, Environment and Sustainable Development, and Technological Engineering, and which was accompanied by the change of name from the Faculty of Metallurgy and Technology to the Faculty of Technology, represents a step forward that does not only involve administrative changes and changes in the names of study programs, but also the adaptation of higher education to modern technological and ecological challenges. The new study programs integrate knowledge from engineering, environmental protection, sustainable development, biotechnology and food technologies, creating an interdisciplinary approach to the education of future experts," she said.

She added that the new study programs represent a response to both Montenegro's development priorities and the European policies that Montenegro is taking on in the process of accession to the European Union.

"The transformation relies on several strategic documents of the state that define the directions of development of education, economy and sustainable development, and some of them are: The Smart Specialization Strategy of Montenegro (S3), which particularly emphasizes sustainable agriculture and the food sector, environmental protection, innovation and the development of new technologies; The National Strategy for Sustainable Development until 2030, which defines the environment as one of the pillars of sustainable development of Montenegro; The Waste Management Strategy of Montenegro until 2030 includes a wide range of goals in terms of creating the desired conditions that, as a result, should contribute to improving the quality of life of the population. The European Green Deal, which indicates the growing need for experts who can respond to the challenges of climate change, sustainable resource management and the development of a circular economy," she said.

Nikolić points out that data from national institutions indicate growth in production and investment in the food industry, but also a pronounced import dependence, which further emphasizes the need to strengthen domestic capacities and develop qualified professional staff.

"In this context, the development of qualifications in the field of food and bioprocess engineering represents a direct response to the identified needs of the labor market and contributes to better connecting education and the economy. The implementation of the aforementioned strategic documents also requires professional staff capable of leading technological and ecological transformations in the economy, and the Faculty of Technology strives to educate precisely such staff through new programs. Our goal was not only to modernize existing studies, but to educate staff who will be able to contribute to the technological development of Montenegro and be competitive on the European labor market," she said.

When asked what career opportunities the new study programs open up for students who enroll in them today, Nikolić answers that they open up a wide range of career opportunities in areas that are experiencing continuous growth both in Montenegro and on the international labor market.

"Upon completion of the Environment and Sustainable Development study program, they will be able to work in institutions dealing with environmental quality control, natural resource management, waste and water, as well as in companies developing sustainable development and energy efficiency projects. Food and Bioprocess Engineering students will be qualified to work in the food industry, food quality and safety control laboratories, biotechnology companies, state administration bodies (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Ministry of Health (drinking water quality)), companies dealing with environmental protection, the industrial food sector; the non-governmental sector; consulting companies; educational institutions, as well as the service and trade sectors. Technological Engineering graduates will acquire knowledge applicable in various industrial sectors, from production and processing of materials to management of technological processes and development of new technologies and materials with an emphasis on innovation," he explains.

She adds that practical teaching is a key factor in the transformation of the Faculty of Technology and the establishment of new study programs.

"Students will have the opportunity to work in the faculty's laboratories already during their undergraduate studies, where they gain experience in the fields of analytical testing, quality control, biotechnology, food technologies, bioprocesses and environmental protection. In addition to laboratory work through various educational programs, students of the Faculty of Technology have the opportunity to participate in scientific research projects," she said.

Nikolić points out that, currently, the faculty is implementing several projects in cooperation with national and international partners, which offer the possibility of involving master's and doctoral students in scientific research work through the preparation of their master's and doctoral theses, and for completed master's students there is also the possibility of employment in scientific research projects.

"In this way, they have the opportunity to become familiar with modern research methods during their studies or immediately after graduation and work on solving specific practical problems. We pay special attention to cooperation with the economy through the implementation of professional internships and fieldwork so that students can apply the acquired theoretical knowledge in a real work environment. In the coming period, we plan to further strengthen cooperation with the economy and include students in international projects, which will enable them to gain experience comparable to internships at leading European universities," he points out.

Asked to comment - if she could explain in a few sentences to a high school graduate today, who is still not sure what to major in, why the Faculty of Technology is the right choice, what would she tell him? Nikolić replied that she would tell him to choose a course of study that will open the door to the professions of the future in four or five years, not just the professions of today.

"The Faculty of Technology educates experts in areas that will be of increasing importance - from sustainable food production and biotechnology to environmental protection, green technologies and new materials. Students who opt for new study programs will, in addition to theoretical knowledge, already acquire practical knowledge and skills that imply work in laboratories during their undergraduate studies. The Faculty of Technology also offers the opportunity to get acquainted with modern equipment in the field of environmental quality control, material characterization and food quality testing, which will develop the skills needed by the modern economy. That is why the Faculty of Technology is not only a choice for those who love natural sciences, but also for young people who want to build a bridge between natural sciences and new technologies, or innovations. If you want studies that connect science, innovation and the real needs of society, the Faculty of Technology is the place where you can build a career," he concludes.