Serbian Universities Slip in Shanghai Ranking, Sparking Funding and Future Concerns

A significant drop in the Shanghai Ranking for the Universities of Belgrade and Novi Sad has sparked debate about the state of Serbian science and higher education. The decline prompts critical questions regarding science funding, the position of professors, and the overall future of academic institutions in Serbia.

Experts and officials are examining the reasons behind this fall. Potential factors include political interference, insufficient investment in research and development, or deeper structural problems within the university system. President of Serbia has voiced concerns about the long-term damage this ranking decrease could inflict on the country.

The program "Tema jutra" will feature Professor Aleksandar Baucal from the University of Belgrade's Faculty of Philosophy to discuss these issues. The discussion will delve into whether the ranking drop is a consequence of political pressure, inadequate funding, or fundamental flaws in the university system, and its potential repercussions for Serbia.

Additionally, the broadcast will cover other pressing issues, including the ongoing lack of salaries for employees at the Faculty of Philosophy in Niš, the uncertainty surrounding the "Jovan Jovanović Zmaj" gymnasium in Novi Sad regarding its September operations and management, and the impact of persistent fires across Serbia and Europe on the summer tourist season. Aleksandar Seničić, director of the National Association of Travel Agencies of Serbia (YUTA), will address concerns about potential cancellations and refund demands from tourists affected by fire-related travel disruptions.