The Jubilee of the University of Montenegro as a unique monument and recognition to the scientific research and academic community of Montenegro
Over its five decades of existence, the University of Montenegro has developed a fine tradition of valuing the best among us. For years, it has recognized individuals who make significant contributions to the University and the broader Montenegrin society through the dissemination of knowledge and dedication to scientific research. Such distinguished representatives of the scientific and educational community in Montenegro deserve special recognition, like the University of Montenegros annual award.
One of the recipients of this prestigious award for the year 2023 is Assistant Professor Dr. Aleksandra Klisić, awarded for her exceptional contribution in the field of laboratory medicine, endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolic disorders. In 2023, her name was among those of the University of Montenegro scientists listed on the prestigious Stanford list, which includes the top two percent of the most influential and most referenced scientists worldwide. In the same year, she was elected to the academic position of Assistant Professor in the Functional Group of Basic Medical Sciences and the Introduction to Medicine Group at the Medical Faculty of the UCG.
Assistant Professor Dr. Klisić thus inscribed herself in the rich history of the University, and on the eve of the UCGs 50th birthday, she reflected on the strong connection she has with this educational institution, highlighted the important role that the Medical Faculty plays for Montenegro, and pointed out the significance of deepening international cooperation.
What role has the University of Montenegro played in your life and professional development? How much has it inspired and directed you towards your future goals?
As the oldest higher education institution in Montenegro and the main scientific research base with 19 units in its composition, the University certainly presents a challenge and obligation for all of us who have the honor of being part of this construction. Although the contribution of each of us individually might be small, in its own way, it is a piece of the mosaic that determines and positions us so that, with our quality, we stand shoulder to shoulder with the leading university centers in Europe and the world. This jubilee is a unique monument and recognition of the scientific research and academic community of Montenegro. The fact that it has lasted so long, developing and improving, speaks in favor of the merits and mission our University has carried out over half a century of its fruitful existence.
What is the significance of the Medical Faculty for Montenegrin society? How much have the facultys professors, students, and other staff contributed to keeping the nation healthy and improving the healthcare system through history?
The significance of the Medical Faculty is immeasurable in terms of the development and improvement of the medical profession and a better quality of life. We have come a long way from the beginning, but it is clear that there is always room for improvement. The great enthusiasm of professors and teaching associates makes us ready for new challenges and continuous progress, to the satisfaction of all who are part of this process. Our students are true treasures, and I sincerely believe in the youth and knowledge. To find the right balance between desires and possibilities, it is necessary for us to be even more dedicated to the same goal in the future. Then our healthcare system will gain even more quality, to the joy of all citizens of Montenegro, whom it should serve and meet their needs.
How does it feel to be among the names of University of Montenegro scientists listed on the prestigious Stanford list, which includes the top 2% of the most influential and most referenced scientists worldwide?
Awards are pleasing and proof that you are on the right path. If your effort is not in vain and is recognized and valued by others, then it is satisfaction for new, bigger, and more important victories. Science is love, and research is the consequence of the desire to reach the world of unimagined possibilities that sometimes lead to epochal discoveries. Without false modesty, the desire of all of us engaged in research is for the result to be clear and tangible, and then to have its purpose and application.
How would you encourage medical students to engage in scientific research?
I simply believe in students. I strive to be a support and to encourage their effort and endeavors. Everything we invest in knowledge and youth pays off and returns in ways we are sometimes not even aware of. My experience supports this. Today, from this point in time, grateful to my professors, I strive to pay back my debt to my students in the same way, to the pride of past generations and the satisfaction of present and future ones.
What significance do you, and the Medical Faculty, place on participating in international projects? How much does this contribute to positioning on the map of world universities?
International projects and cooperation are certainly encouraging from the aspect of new quality in the field of exchange of experiences and knowledge. They are particularly significant in the field of medicine, where they almost impose themselves as imperative. The speed with which information travels and the way it is accessed allows, but also requires, constant work and improvement so that we can keep up with the times and thus be competitive and ready to meet all challenges. International projects are necessary, and our people have the abilities and knowledge to carry them out and adequately respond to the tasks. I believe in domestic intelligence because it is our guarantee for the future and our greatest capital.
What would you wish for the University on its 50th birthday? What advice would you give for the future?
What to wish for the celebrant?! Fifty candles on the cake is respectable. The University grows and matures, contributing to the educational and scientific genesis of society as a whole. Now, as we celebrate the jubilee 50th birthday, we are proud of everything that has been created as the fruit of this higher education institution. I think we are on the right path. Any well-intentioned criticism is welcome and promotes the development of scientific and critical thinking with the goal of the Universitys independence and its better position in society. Being part of all this is a great honor and responsibility.