The Minister of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska, Prof. Draga Mastilović PhD, visited the Institute of Historical Sciences of the University of Istočno Sarajevo today.
The Acting Director of the Institute, Mirjana Lukić, stated that although the institution has existed for less than three years, it has achieved significant results in scientific research and publishing activities and has become an important contributor to the preservation of the culture of remembrance and the national identity of the Republic of Srpska.
Following the visit of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Srpska, Savo Minić, and Minister Draga Mastilović, Lukić said that the guests had been introduced to the Institute's work to date, as well as to plans for its future operation in the "Mali Dom" building, where the Institute of Historical Sciences will be housed.
"The Institute of Historical Sciences was established on 25 June 2023 and, within a relatively short period, has published 18 books, including scholarly monographs, conference proceedings and collections of documents. At present, a further 18 publications are in preparation, some of which have already been completed, while others are currently in print," said Lukić.
She emphasised that the Institute has also organised five international academic conferences, one of which was held in cooperation with the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Russian History and the Institute for Slavic Studies.
"This confirms our commitment to contributing, through academic work and international cooperation, to the preservation of the culture of remembrance and historical memory of the Serbian people," Lukić stressed.
Speaking about staffing capacities, she noted that the Institute employs four young researchers and includes the first and only Ottoman studies specialist in the Republic of Srpska.
"Research into Ottoman archives is of great importance for Serbian history, as these archives contain extensive and valuable material that can contribute to a better understanding of our past," Lukić highlighted.
Minister Mastilović and Prime Minister Minić also met with the leadership of the Association "Founders of the Republic of Srpska", which, according to Minić, together with the Institute of Historical Sciences, represents a cornerstone of the culture of remembrance and the future of the Republic of Srpska.
He emphasised that the Government of the Republic of Srpska would continue to provide its support.
"It gives me great pleasure to have spoken today with representatives of the Association, which represents an essential link between institutions and all activities carried out on the ground," said Minić.
He added that without the decisions of key institutions, the Republic of Srpska would not exist today, just as it would not exist without the soldiers of the Army of the Republic of Srpska who defended it.