On the occasion of the "Fourth call for talented young researchers - students of doctoral academic studies for involvement in scientific research work in accredited scientific research organizations (hereinafter referred to as NIO)", published on November 23, 2020, the Network of Academic Solidarity and Engagement (Masa) requests a reformulation of the conditions of this invites:
- That the right to submit an application has the right to young researchers who have enrolled for the first time in the first year of doctoral academic studies for the academic year 2020/2021;
So young researchers who are full-time doctoral students under the age of 30 have the right to apply, taking into account the argument of introducing affirmative measures for young people in accordance with the National Youth Strategy 2015-2025.
REASONING
The network of academic solidarity and engagement recognizes the necessary condition defined in this way as discriminatory, since it eliminates the possibility of applying to other younger researchers who meet the other conditions of the competition, primarily the condition of regular studies, high average grades in doctoral studies and other results relevant to scientific research work. Doctoral students in their higher years of study continuously demonstrate their commitment to science through academic publications and participation in scientific meetings, and in this sense represent the valuable intellectual capital of our country.
Massa strongly supports the purpose of this public call, which envisages the inclusion of younger and talented students of doctoral academic studies in scientific research work in accredited NIOs. We believe that it is in the interest of all NIOs that accepted candidates have the best possible qualifications for high-quality scientific and research work. Therefore, we point out that the criteria set in this way cannot adequately determine the professional contribution of future candidates to scientific research work in the Republic of Serbia, because only those candidates who are in the current academic year 2020/2021 are taken into account. enrolled in doctoral academic studies - therefore just less than two months after enrolling in the largest number of faculties in the country.
This call practically excludes all those younger researchers who have published in relevant scientific journals, presented papers at conferences in the country and abroad, or otherwise made notable and measurable contributions to the academic community. The average grade at undergraduate and master's studies may be relevant, but we consider it not a sufficient indicator for determining the quality and achievements of candidates for scientific research work.
Finally, we emphasize that the Network of Academic Solidarity and Engagement fully supports the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development in order to provide the opportunity for talented younger researchers to continue their careers in accredited NIOs in the country for the fourth year in a row. However, precisely in order to find the best candidates for inclusion in scientific research work and the domestic academic community as a whole, we request the Ministry to open space for fair competition and the selection of the best candidates based on scientific research results, and in accordance with good European practices.
The letter with the above content was sent to the ministry on 10.12.2020.
