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| Connect 2017 participants |
The Connect symposium lasted from August 21st to 25th, 2017, and was held at the Grand Hotel Neum. The work at the symposium was divided into two parts. The first, morning part, consisted of lectures thematically divided into five groups. On Monday, August 21st, the assigned theme was "Science and Society"; on Tuesday, August 22nd, "Politics and Society"; on Wednesday, August 23rd, "Cooperation in Small Scale Projects"; on Thursday, August 24th, "Regional Cooperation"; and on Friday, August 25th, "International Cooperation".
The second part of the symposium was designed to engage students as much as possible in discussions based on pre-determined questions. From 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, students were divided into four groups, applying the principle of internationalization. Each group was required to respond to questions related to a specific topic within a set timeframe, and through a rotation system, each group provided their opinions on all the proposed questions. In this way, students actively participated in the following topics:
Association of Young Researchers of the Western Balkans
- What is the status quo? Should we aim to establish such an association?
- How can we establish such an association?
- What are potential activities? Joint research vs. joint social activities?
- What are potential funding sources for such activities?
Research Center of the Western Balkans
- Can the Western Balkans region establish a center like ECT*?
- Potential programs for the Center.
- What are potential funding sources?
- Potential for international cooperation.
Interest in Natural Sciences
- How can we promote interest in natural sciences?
- What activities are already taking place at various institutions?
- Is there potential for cooperation in outreach projects?
- What are potential funding sources for such activities?
Development of Natural Sciences in the Western Balkans
- How can we improve the education of natural sciences in the Western Balkans region?
- Is there potential for cooperation in educational projects?
- What activities are already taking place at various institutions?
- What are potential funding sources for such activities?
After discussing the proposed topics, students shared their opinions and provided highly constructive suggestions. Most of the students' proposals were quite realistic and achievable within our framework, much to everyone's satisfaction. On the very first day, the idea of creating a virtual association called "ZBAMI" – the Western Balkans Association of Young Researchers – emerged. For now, it exists virtually as a group with 26 members.
Although initially met with some skepticism, the discussion about the idea of establishing a regional research center, after a very serious debate, revealed not only the advantages of such an institution but also the necessity of its existence. Indeed, a regional research center would formally serve as a gathering place for young researchers from the region and a hub for the exchange of new ideas. More importantly, it would address the issue of the lack of adequate teaching and research staff who could guide young researchers in their efforts to join current research projects across the region as quickly and effectively as possible.
In addition to the working part, the symposium aimed to ensure a good atmosphere at the event through the organization of various social gatherings. It turned out that this was the least of the problems. It was interesting to see how much goodwill and unspoiled motivation all participants showed from the very first day.
