Fifty Years of Young Researchers of Serbia: Connecting Generations
“Comrades, young researchers!”
These were my opening words at the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Young Researchers of Serbia (MIS). For my generation, the greeting recalled the language of another era—and the people alongside whom we learned, explored and grew up.
Leading through a time of change
I served as President of MIS from 1989 to 1995. During those years, the country, its political system and everyday life underwent profound changes.
Even the way we addressed one another shifted: from “comrades” to “ladies and gentlemen”. Through those changes, one question remained: how could we bring young people together and enable them to do something worthwhile?
Learning through research and voluntary work
Our answer took shape through research expeditions, fieldwork, science, nature conservation and voluntary work.
These experiences taught us to ask questions, test assumptions, take responsibility and rely on one another. They also showed us how shared curiosity could bring people together around a common purpose.
Looking back, I recognise how much those experiences shaped my approach to cooperation, leadership and environmental work.
A conversation across generations
The anniversary gathering in Petnica Science Center on 10–11 October brought five decades together through conversations within and across generations.
That exchange was particularly meaningful to me. It offered an opportunity to compare experiences, hear how today’s young researchers understand their work and recognise what continues to connect us.
Remembering the beginnings, looking ahead
Meeting Dušan Mihajlović, the first President of MIS, was a special part of the occasion.
The photographs from our meeting and the anniversary workshops preserve two complementary aspects of the gathering: remembering how the organisation began and discussing what comes next.
For me, the anniversary was an opportunity to reconnect with people and ideas that helped shape my life—and to listen to the generations carrying that work forward.
