Student Conference “Materials Without Borders”

The Study Programme of Chemistry at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics of the University of Banja Luka is the organizer of the student conference “Materials Without Borders”, which was officially opened on 27 August 2024.

Rector of the University of Banja Luka Prof. Radoslav Gajanin, PhD, stated that the conference “Materials Without Borders” can be a model that can be applied at all faculties - how to provide funds and promote appropriate study programmes.

"Using EU funds, study programmes are getting close to natural science programmes, primarily chemistry for primary and secondary school students," Rector Gajanin said at the opening of the conference at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics of the University of Banja Luka.

Minister for Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska Asst. Prof. Željko Budimir, PhD, said that this conference is the right way to promote science and study programmes. He emphasized that the Republic of Srpska will support fundamental sciences at the faculties.

Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics of the University of Banja Luka Prof. Radoslav Dekić, PhD, said that he expects the current students to be students of this higher education institution on different study programmes, primarily chemistry, as well as physics, ecology and other study programmes of this faculty.

Associate Professor of the Chemistry Study Programme at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics of the University of Banja Luka Prof. Suzana Gotovac Atlagić, PhD, stated that this was the third student conference where young people aged 13 to 19 gain knowledge on materials science, especially chemistry.

Students from six schools are taking part in this three-day conference – Banja Luka Grammar School, Banja Luka Catholic School Center, "Đura Jakšić" Primary School in Banja Luka, "Mladen Stojanović" Primary School in Laktaši, Gradiška Grammar School and "Jovan Dučić" Primary School in Lamovita. The conference is held with the support of the Ministry of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education, as well as with the funds from European projects in which the Chemistry Study Programme participates, such as "Minerals in Schools" and "A Suitcase of Knowledge".