In our “Science Talk” series, science journalists from across Europe give their personal view on the state of science in their country.
Cover photo credit: Unsplash/Michal Czyz
Jasmin Alibegović, what are the most important fields of science in Bosnia and Herzegovina at the moment?
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the social sciences dominate with an overemphasized parapolitical discourse, and are manifested through the historical-geographical, socio-cultural and legal-consensual context, which is a consequence of unresolved national-ethnic views on the possible common future of the country.
“Research related to war crimes and human rights violations is more pronounced in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
Jasmin Alibegović, science journalist for Al Jazeera Balkans
Are there things that are unique or more prominent in Bosnia and Herzegovina research than in other countries?
Compared to other countries, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, research related to war crimes, human rights violations, and language standards is more pronounced, and the reason for that is the unpleasant war events in the former Yugoslavia.
What are the current challenges science in Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing?
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are constitutional and institutional problems that are reflected in insufficient financial investment in scientific research, and especially in the dual education system as a systemic priority solution for keeping young people in the country and the Western Balkans and their inclusion in social development, with the challenges of climate change and the energy crisis, and on the path to Euro-Atlantic integration.
“There is great uncertainty for young scientists in Bosnia and Herzegovina who are left to themselves.”
Jasmin Alibegović
In your view, what are the prospects for young people in science in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
There is great uncertainty for young scientists in Bosnia and Herzegovina who are left to themselves, since there is no systematic approach or sufficient resources, as well as institutes, nor programmes that would enable them to make regional and international connections in order to achieve their full potential on projects of interest to the community.
