Scientists from Yale University visit the University of Mostar: Focus on cooperation in medicine, science, and peacebuilding

he University of Mostar hosted a delegation from Yale University and the Institute for Development Impact (4DI) as part of a research visit aimed at strengthening academic and scientific cooperation, with particular emphasis on establishing future collaboration between the University of Mostar School of Medicine, the University Clinical Hospital Mostar, and American institutions.

The visit was organized within the framework of research activities conducted by the Yale University research team in cooperation with the Maryland Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council (MBHEC) and the Institute for Development Impact (4DI) from Washington, D.C. This visit represents an initial step in the process of establishing cooperation between the University of Mostar School of Medicine and partners from the United States.

The workshop and research meetings were held within the project “Statecraft in the Function of Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Cooperation Despite Divisions,” which is part of the broader study “Building Peace Across Generations: Everyday Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

The project examines communication and cooperation strategies that contribute to strengthening institutional functioning and peacebuilding in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the academic community viewed as an important space for connection, dialogue, and bridging social divisions.

The delegation was received at the Rectorate of the University of Mostar, on behalf of the University management, by the Assistant Rector for International Relations, Prof. Dr. Sanja Bijakšić, who presented the University’s development path, organizational structure, faculties, scientific and research activities, as well as the work of university centers and offices contributing to internationalization and the institution’s modern development.

Alongside Prof. Dr. Sanja Bijakšić, the meeting was attended by Prof. Dr. Svjetlana Grgić from the University Clinical Hospital Mostar, Prof. Dr. Danijel Pravdić from the University of Mostar School of Medicine, Prof. Dr. Ante Mandić from the University of Mostar School of Medicine, and Prof. Dr. Kristina Bevanda from the Mostar Health Center.

The Yale University delegation included distinguished researchers Prof. Dr. Catherine Panter-Brick and Prof. Dr. David Simon, while the Institute for Development Impact (4DI) and the Maryland Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council (MBHEC) were represented by Emir Nurkić Kačapor and Una Vojinović.

During the meeting, special emphasis was placed on opportunities for future cooperation in the fields of medicine, health sciences, and research. Representatives of the University of Mostar School of Medicine presented the organization and specific features of the Medical Studies in Croatian, Medical Studies in English, and Dental Medicine programs, with a focus on their international dimension and potential for further development through future cooperation.

Discussions also addressed opportunities for establishing joint research activities, guest lectures, exchange of expertise, and mobility of students and academic staff between the University of Mostar and Yale University, as well as models of future academic cooperation.

As part of the visit, the delegation toured the University of Mostar Museum, where they were introduced to the University’s rich cultural and academic heritage.

The working part of the program continued at SUM IT, where a focus group was held with representatives of the University of Mostar. The discussions focused on sharing experiences regarding challenges and opportunities in higher education, research, and the social engagement of the academic community, as well as the role of universities in peacebuilding processes and strengthening international cooperation.

The visit concluded with individual interviews and a final meeting of participants, with mutual satisfaction expressed regarding the discussions held and readiness to continue dialogue on concrete forms of future cooperation.

This visit represents another step in strengthening international cooperation and enhancing the visibility of the University of Mostar, confirming its openness to collaboration with leading global higher education and research institutions with the aim of improving the quality of teaching, scientific work, and international mobility.