Bavaria and Serbia intensify cooperation in science and technology

Bavaria and Serbia enter into a new scientific cooperation: THI President Professor Walter Schober and the Rector of the University of Belgrade Professor Vladan Djokić signed an ERASMUS+ cooperation agreement between the two universities in the presence of Minister President Dr Markus Söder and Minister of Science Markus Blume.

Minister President Dr Markus Söder said: "This is a milestone in academic cooperation. The connection through science and research is the safest bridge to the future. We are delighted to have strong partners in Belgrade: state-of-the-art technology with the opportunity for economic realisation brings our countries even closer together."

Science Minister Markus Blume emphasised: "Science connects - and we connect science: Bavaria has good contacts and close relations with Southeast Europe. Serbia is an important partner, especially when it comes to science and technology. We are expanding this further. The cooperation between THI and the University of Belgrade creates the best opportunities for students and lecturers. Exchange and joint projects are incredibly important, especially in times of transformation. We want joint progress on the basis of European values - studying, teaching and researching together is central to this!"

THI President Professor Walter Schober added: "With around 80,000 students, the University of Belgrade is the leading academic institution in South Eastern Europe. We are looking forward to cooperating in the exchange of students and scientists as well as joint research projects. The cooperation strengthens our European network."

The new cooperation between THI and the University of Belgrade - Serbia's oldest and most important university - further expands the collaboration between the two countries in the field of science and technology: Currently, there are already 15 official partnership agreements between Bavarian and Serbian universities in addition to countless individual contacts. In addition, numerous Bavarian universities have partner institutions in Serbia. BAYHOST, based at the University of Regensburg, is the state's own university centre for Central, Eastern and South Eastern Europe. It promotes international contacts in research and teaching and in matters of student and academic exchange. BAYHOST plays a key role for Bavaria and Serbia, particularly in networking with the Serbian university landscape.