The Acting Director of the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, Prof. Dr. Darija Kisić, participated in the 14th Annual Meeting of the Global Research Council (GRC) held in Bangkok. The GRC Annual Meeting brings together representatives of leading institutions worldwide responsible for funding science. This year’s event was co-organised by the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

During the multi-day discussions on advancing science, research sustainability, and strengthening links between science and industry through the application of modern technologies, Prof. Dr. Kisić had the opportunity to meet with a delegation from Saudi Arabia, led by H.E. Dr. Munir Mahmoud Eldesouki, President of the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) with ministerial rank.

KACST is a leading national institution in Saudi Arabia in the field of applied scientific research, technology development, and innovation, playing an important role in aligning research with national development and technological priorities.

The discussions placed particular emphasis on programmes that promote cooperation between science and industry and the development of innovative solutions with concrete applications.

The Acting Director of the Science Fund also discussed with the Saudi delegation ways to more effectively align scientific results with the needs of the economy and society as a whole. The meeting provided an opportunity to present how the Science Fund develops programmes aimed at strengthening cooperation between research organisations and industry through the development of new technologies and increased practical application of scientific results.

Cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may open opportunities for the development of joint science funding programmes, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer.