The Assistant Minister for Scientific and Technological Development of the Republic of Srpska, Zoran Bjelajac, opened the 16th International Conference on Contemporary Theory and Practice in Construction - STEPGRAD today in Banja Luka. The conference continues the tradition of connecting domestic and international researchers, teachers, and experts in the fields of construction, architecture, geodesy, and related disciplines.

Bjelajac stated that this is a very significant international conference, organised by the Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy of the University of Banja Luka, as it facilitates the connection and interaction of young students and engineers with more experienced colleagues.

"The importance lies in its international character, with many participants from abroad, and the Ministry of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education supports this gathering through its co-financing contests," Bjelajac noted.

He added that this year, the Ministry allocated 4,500 BAM for this event.

Slobodan Šiljegović, Assistant Minister for Construction of the Republic of Srpska, stated that the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction, and Ecology of Srpska supports all planned activities and ideas to be presented at this conference.

The Deputy Director of the conference, Miroslav Malinović, said that this conference records progress in the quality of authors and papers year after year, adding that this year there are authors from 14 countries.

He noted that this year, out of 90 submitted papers, 74 were accepted and will be published.

Saša Čvoro, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, the organiser of the conference, expressed satisfaction that the conference is taking place in the new faculty building, which was opened last year, emphasising that this event opens the faculty's facilities to the scientific research community.