Formal promotion of Doctors of Science laureates at the University of Banja Luka

The University of Banja Luka reconfirmed its mission of cherishing scientific excellence and educating staff who contribute to the development of society with their knowledge and ideas in a formal promotion of 28 PhD laureates, held on 11 November 2025 in the Rectorate of UNIBL.

Rector of the University of Banja Luka, Prof. Radoslav Gajanin, PhD, stated that a doctoral dissertation is not only the result of personal dedication and intellectual effort, but also a confirmation of the ability to ask the right questions, conduct research, analyze, and provide a critical perspective on the world around us.

,,It is evidence that a candidate is capable of contributing to the expansion of boundaries of knowledge. Each of our PhDs has shown not only academic excellence, but also persistence, creativity, and passion for science,” said Rector.

He stressed that science is a fundamental of societal advance, as it opens the doors to new technologies, improves medicine, education, and industry, shapes politics and helps us to better understand the world we live in.

,, Scientific work is the driving force of innovations and changes. The achievements of our PhDs contribute not only to the academic community but to the whole society. Every new evidence, theory, or discovery, makes our lives better and brings new possibilities for future generations,” said Rector.

According to his words, the University of Banja Luka has been cherishing the tradition of high academic standards for decades, promoting research and innovations, creating an atmosphere where young researchers develop into true scientific persons. At the end of the formal ceremony Rector thanked the mentors, families and all who supported the doctoral students during their studies, emphasizing that their support often was the key to success.

The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Ranko Škrbić, PhD, stressed that most of the new PhD laureates come from this faculty, which confirms the interest in the third cycle of studies.

,,This year, 14 out of 28 PhDs we promote are coming from the Faculty of Medicine. They have published 28 papers in prestigious international scientific magazines. I am very happy and honored, for we have a serious potential of young men who will continue to prove themselves in scientific and research activity, and will be a base of the Faculty of Medicine and the University,” Škrbić pointed out.

The Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Prof. Zoran Đurić, PhD, reminded that one of the promoted PhDs was elected to the title of a docent, which strengthens the scientific base and is an incentive for work with students.

,,The faculty is there to support. We are adequately equipped, and our partner institutions from the region are a large support,” said Đurić.

One of the new PhDs is a docent Borislav Vukojević, doctor of communicology, who said at the ceremony that his motive was the desire to extend knowledge and deepen the theoretical knowledge about podcasts.

,,I opted for this step thanks to the openness of my Faculty of Political Sciences, but also my decision to advance in that direction. I tried to get to the results within a system at my disposal, and I believe I succeeded in that,” said Vukojević.

A doctor of medical sciences, docent Đorđe Đukanović, who got his PhD in Pharmacy, said the topic of his research was directed towards means that help in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Since the establishment of the University of Banja Luka, the PhD title has been awarded to 937 candidates.

Photo: D. Desnica