The University of Montenegro (UCG) has implemented more than 50 capital infrastructure projects in the past five years, worth tens of millions of euros, creating a modern space for work, learning and research, the higher education institution announced.
These results were presented at today’s ceremonial session of the Senate of the University of Montenegro, at the Rectorate of the University of Montenegro in Podgorica.
In addition to presenting capital infrastructure projects, the ceremony also marked the awarding of the title of Professor Emeritus to Prof. Dr. Slavoljub Mijović, as well as the presentation of awards to prominent professors, scientists and artists for their contribution to the development of scientific research, artistic and professional work at the organizational units of the University of Montenegro.
Rector of the University of Montenegro, Prof. Dr. Vladimir Božović, emphasized that the film and publication “Building a Space of Knowledge – Capital Infrastructure Investments of the University of Montenegro” are a lasting testimony to what has been achieved, but also confirmation that the UCG continues the development path it has begun.
“A lot has been done, but we are not slowing down or stopping,” said Božović.
The film and accompanying publication provide an overview of the infrastructural development of the University of Montenegro through the implementation of numerous projects in almost all organizational units, which, as announced, have improved conditions for teaching, scientific research and artistic creation.
Speaking about the University’s broader developmental strides, Božović recalled the implementation of the “Scholarships for the Best, Jobs with the Best” program, which connects students with the highest academic results with the economy, public and state institutions.
“With more than 300 applications and over 100 scholarships awarded, this initiative has a truly revolutionary character, as it is a strong incentive for future enrollment interest in the University of Montenegro, but more importantly — a very effective mechanism for motivating young people, especially the best ones, to stay and develop our country.”
The Rector of the University of Montenegro also pointed out the significance of the second edition of the Festival of Arts, Science and Culture – FUNK, which, through more than thirty different programs, brought together prominent scientists, artists and experts from the country, region and the world, “but also a large number of visitors, confirming the University’s openness towards society and culture.”
“Finally, we have been part of the prestigious ULYSSEUS network for three years now. With this, the University of Montenegro has already achieved what Montenegro expects in 2028 — full integration into the European academic space. More than 70 students and 50 professors have already participated in mobility programs within this network, and joint programs, research groups, and collaborative courses have become our everyday life.”
The University of Montenegro also points out that, in order to improve the quality of academic work, this year the INPA – Index of Scientific Productivity and Engagement – was preliminarily developed as an instrument for quantitative evaluation of individual and overall annual work, “which is perceived as an incentive for further improvement of academic excellence.”
A significant part of Božović’s address, as announced, was also dedicated to reflecting on modern education in the context of accelerated technological development and the increasingly widespread application of artificial intelligence. The Rector of the University of Montenegro warned of the danger of intellectual passivization and emphasized the need to return to a “comprehensive educational ideal, based on ancient Paideia” – education that shapes character, responsibility and civic virtue.
The goal is clear, as emphasized, for that man to become “a free citizen, a virtuous man capable of contributing to the community, noble in spirit, morals, and speech.”
photo: UCG
Božović sees the Aristotelian model as a possible answer, in an age in which artificial intelligence “is taking over our technical knowledge and skills.” “Machines can know a lot, but only humans can know what is good,” he said, emphasizing that the task of the University is not just to transfer information, but to shape responsible, free and mature individuals.
“If we create people who think calmly, decide wisely, and act responsibly, then the University of Montenegro will not be just an institution of education. It will be an Olympus of new values — a living temple of paideia.”
In this context, it is added, a special role is given to the social and humanities, as well as to preserving a lively academic dialogue between teachers and students, including the importance of the oral exam as a space for the development of critical thinking, maturity and responsibility.
Božović said that the University of Montenegro has the strength to resist the pressures of the modern era and to persistently preserve the dignity of science and art.
“These awards are not only recognition for exceptional results, but also confirmation that the University has the strength to resist superficiality and the pressures of time and to persistently preserve the dignity of science and art,” he said.
The University of Montenegro awards for 2025 were awarded to Prof. Dr. Vladimir Bojković, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julija Cerović Smolović, Prof. Dr. Martin Ćalasan, Prof. Dr. Nikola Vukčević, Dr. Svetlana Racanović, Prof. Dr. Vesna Simović Zvicer, Prof. Dr. Bojan Mašanović, Prof. Dr. Vesna Vujačić, Prof. Dr. Milica Vuković Stamatović, Dr. Nebojša Banović, Prof. Dr. Jelena Pejović, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Radu Grujičić, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sanja Medenica, Prof. Dr. Željko Jaćimović, Prof. M.A. Oleksije Molčanov, Prof. Dr. Branislav Dragović, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rajka Đoković, Prof. Dr. Nataša Raičević, Dr. Olivera Marković, M.A. Ivan Radulović and Dr. Bojan Baća.
photo: UCG
At the ceremonial session, the Choir of the Academy of Music performed the national anthem of Montenegro and the academic anthem Gaudeamus igitur, while Prof. Oleksij Molčanov performed the work of JS Bach / W. Kempff “The Sicilian” on the piano.
At the event, the title of Professor Emeritus was awarded to Prof. Dr. Slavoljub Mijović.
photo: UCG
The explanation for the title of professor emeritus was read by Prof. Dr. Ljiljana Pajović Dujović. On that occasion, his rich teaching and scientific research work, mentoring contribution to the development of young researchers, as well as significant international academic activity were highlighted, the statement says.
“Professor Mijović selflessly passed on his rich teaching and research experience to his young physicist colleagues, accepting the role of mentor during the preparation of their master’s theses and doctoral dissertations. The fruitfulness of his scientific career is evidenced by a bibliography of over eighty scientific papers, as is the exceptional work engagement demonstrated by his involvement in the modernization of the Atomic Physics Laboratory at the Faculty of Science. During his working life, Professor Mijović achieved successful specializations and study stays – at the University of California in Los Angeles, at the Department of Plasma Physics, or at the International Ecology Organization in Pennsylvania in the United States of America. Also, the importance and topicality of the scientific issues he dealt with is evidenced by the large number of his lectures that he held upon invitation in world scientific centers: at the Vienna University of Technology, the University of Innsbruck, the Medical University of Graz, the Charles University in Prague, the University of Pannonia in Hungary, the University in Szeged, at the Comenius University in Bratislava, at the University of Novi Sad, at the Masaryk University in Brno and numerous others,” said, among other things, Professor Pajović Dujović.
Thanking himself for the recognition, Prof. Dr. Mijović said: “This is the greatest recognition you can receive at the end of your career. I have been given a great honor. It means a lot to me that such recognition comes from respected colleagues, but also from members of the Council who do not know me. Doing research and transferring knowledge to younger people is the most beautiful thing.”
The importance of these awards was highlighted by the award-winning assistant professor, Dr. Sanja Medenica from the Faculty of Medicine.
“This recognition is a confirmation that everything I have done so far is good and of high quality, but also that joint effort and commitment are necessary. I owe great gratitude to the leadership of the University of Montenegro, as well as the Faculty of Medicine, professors, colleagues and associates for their continuous commitment and exchange of ideas, without which it is impossible to achieve such great results. The university is not only a place of knowledge, but also a responsibility towards society, science and future generations,” said Medenica.
Prof. Dr. Vladimir Bojković from the Faculty of Architecture also expressed his satisfaction with the recognition received.
“It is especially nice when you can present the results of your work not only to colleagues, but also to the wider community, which could in some way use those results. All colleagues who received recognition today are top scientists and professionals, and the results of their work contribute to our society on the eternal path of improvement,” said Bojković.
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