Acting Director of the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, Professor Nenad Filipović, PhD, and Minister of Environmental Protection Sara Pavkov today signed a Cooperation Agreement that will serve as a foundation for further advancement and support of science and scientific research in the field of environmental protection.

Minister Sara Pavkov emphasized that the Agreement represents an important step in strengthening cooperation between the scientific community and the Ministry, as the joint efforts of the two institutions will contribute to achieving strategic sustainable development objectives.

“By signing this Agreement today, we are laying the groundwork for collaborative efforts aimed at encouraging and supporting green innovation and scientific research in environmental protection. I firmly believe that science is essential not only for improving environmental policies but also for ensuring that decision-making is based on evidence and research. Equally important, it is a key driver in the development of new green solutions that can make a significant contribution to achieving sustainable development goals.

Sustainable development while preserving natural resources is the path we have chosen, and innovative ideas provide the answer to this challenge. I expect this Agreement to serve as the basis for a long-term partnership and enable us to strengthen our capacities in the pursuit of an even healthier environment and, consequently, a higher quality of life for our citizens” the Minister stated.

According to Pavkov, the Cooperation Agreement will serve as an umbrella framework under which the two institutions will work together to promote green innovation, environmental research, and the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

“Serbia is advancing toward a green transition, and success on this path requires the synergy of knowledge, resources, and responsibility. For this reason, I believe that cooperation among all stakeholders in society is one of the key mechanisms for developing sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. When it comes to environmental protection, I would like to reiterate that only through unity, collaboration, and contributions from all sectors can we achieve meaningful results for the benefit of society as a whole” Pavkov added.

Professor Filipović noted that the Science Fund recognizes environmental protection as one of the key priorities of modern society.

“The signing of this Agreement marks an important step toward establishing systematic cooperation between the scientific community and relevant institutions, which is a prerequisite for achieving strategic sustainable development goals. We expect that this Agreement will elevate our cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection through the development of joint programs and initiatives focused on knowledge and innovation” said Professor Filipović.

He also highlighted that the first phase of the Green Program for Cooperation between Science and Industry is currently nearing completion. With a budget of EUR 3.5 million, the program has supported 20 projects.

“These projects have generated significant scientific results and innovative solutions in areas such as pollution reduction, ecosystem restoration, the implementation of cleaner technologies, and the development of digital models for emissions and waste management. The Science Fund will soon launch the second phase of the program, with a total value of EUR 1 million, focusing on the commercialization of research outcomes and the development of market-ready products, services, and technologies capable of providing sustainable responses to environmental challenges” Filipović concluded.