Skopje, 11 November 2024 (MIA) - Biljana Angelovska, Dean at the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (UKIM), awarded Monday the best scientists and artists of the year in several scientific and research areas, on the occasion of World Science Day for Peace and Development.

"Traditionally, UKIM awards prizes and recognitions to its best students. Today celebrate the extraordinary achievements, the cutting-edge research and the tireless pursuit of knowledge by some of our best researchers. The awards and plagues for best scientists are reserved for those that go above and beyond in their contribution to science and our university community," Angelovska said.

Daniel Galinov received the award for best pure mathematics scientist, Dimitar Trajanov- best scientist in the technical-technological field, Andrej Nikolovski- medicine science, Aleksandar Uzunov- veterinary science, Aleksandar Stojkov- social science, Zoja Buzaleska, professor at the Faculty of Drama- best artist of the year.

The Dean stressed that UKIM's goals have been improving its position on the international list of universities, but that it requires a systematic approach with consistent state policies towards science and recognizing knowledge, research, and innovation.

"In order to achieve improvement in ranking results, a systematic approach with consistent state policies towards science and recognition of the importance of research and innovation as an impact on the economic development of a society is necessary. A systematic approach to science and research means increasing the budget for funding science and higher education, as well as monitoring and valorizing the results of the scientific staff based on universal world metrics for measuring scientific results," Angelovska explained.

According to the analyses of the approved projects by the European Commission, UKIM's success rate is at around 15 percent, which according to EU's success statistics, which she said is 10 percent, it's above average.

"Cumulatively, through figures, currently active international projects on which UKIM researchers are working are 75 projects funded by European Commission programs. In the absence of a systematic approach and support for science in the country, UKIM is constantly committed to improving research infrastructure and scientific research performance through the use of European science funds," noted Angelovska.

A collaborative Open Science Center will be opened within the University to facilitate integration into the European research space.

"The goal of the Open Science Center is to implement open access policies for the research infrastructure and research results, in line with open science practices, such is openness, accessibility, interoperability, and reproductive research. With the formation of the Open Science Center, UKIM becomes part of the network of Open Science Competence Centers across Europe,” Angelovska stressed. ssh/ba/

Photo: MIA