Belgrade, Nov.30, 2009 (Serbia Today) - The Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SANU) is celebrating its 168 anniversary, since it was founded in 1841.
Speaking at the celebrations last week was Serbian President Boris Tadic. He emphasized the quality of every state was dependant on the contribution of the science community, reported Serbia International Radio.
The Academy was founded by Jovan Sterija Popovic and Atanasije Nikolic, with the support of Prince Mihailo Obrenovic in 1841. 25 years later, the Basic Law of the Royal Serbian Academy was enacted, which created the academy. The Law stipulated that the first academicians should be elected by the king and that they in turn should elect new ones.
Eminent scientist of the day, Josif Pancic, was the first academy president elected, and since that time academicians themselves have elected full and part time members.
In 1947, the Academy changed its name into the Serbian Academy of Sciences and in 1960 it was named The Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts. Today, it numbers 183 members – 106 full members and 77 correspondent members, and it consists of eight departments.
Speaking at the celebrations, Serbian President Boris Tadic emphasized that the more than 100 years the Academy has existed as the central scholarly institution in Serbia testified to the scholarly tradition of Serbia. He further stated that prosperous and emancipated societies owe their development and dynamics to knowledge and innovation.
“Even in the most difficult times, Serbia has endeavored to preserve its cultural, scientific, scholarly and educational institutions and SANU will always enjoy state support,” said Tadic.
Tadic went on today to add that those in the Government are not satisfied with the level of support given to science and hopes to increase that support in the near future.
Tadic reminded those in attendance that Serbia’s current efforts to join the EU, and develop its economy are closely link to the efforts of the members of SANU.
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