Skopje, 4 August 2025 (MIA) - Our goal is to stimulate science - the budget for science has doubled this year compared to the previous year. The Government has provided free access to the two largest citation databases, said Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, pointing out that he expects "our universities to move forward towards the top thousand" in the Shanghai Ranking during this Government's term.

"The budget for science has doubled this year compared to last year. Whether that is enough, since I come from the science background I will tell you no, but it is certainly more than what it was last year, I think around Mden 650-660 million. Our goal is to stimulate science and in that direction is the Government's activity to provide free access to all scholars, both young and more experienced, to two databases of scientific journals," Mickoski said in response to a reporter's question after Monday's ceremony marking the start of construction of a new sports hall.   

He added that unlike in the past when it was paid for and difficult to access, "now they have it for free, the state has covered it for all universities".

"I expect young scholars to continue in that direction, i.e. to use these databases of scientific journals and follow global trends, and thereby publish their scientific papers further, thus contributing to our universities moving forward towards the top thousand according to the Shanghai University list, which is one of the most important benchmark ratings in the world, and I expect that to happen during this term of this Government. As a Government, we are doing our utmost," PM Mickoski pointed out. 

Photo: MIA archive