President Milanović Participates in Opening of Popular-Science Event #SciHill and Calls for Greater State Investment in Science
“I want you to be critical and sceptical when it comes to popularizing science,” said President Zoran Milanović today at the opening of the popular-science event #SciHill, jointly organized by the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, the Institute of Physics, and the Ruđer Bošković Institute.
Speaking about the popularization of science, President Milanović stated in his address that he believes top-tier science cannot truly be popularized. “You can popularize top-level football, but science, by its nature, is an elite calling—it’s not for everyone. It’s difficult to popularize; it’s not a consumer good. It demands the whole person, completely,” the President explained.
Distinguishing between popularization and support for science, President Milanović emphasized that society must commit to systematic and costly efforts: “Because without the state’s role in this—without some form of incentive, though I wouldn’t call it popularization—there will be nothing,” he said. “Quite simply, the state must provide as much funding and as many incentives as possible, so that people who recognize and feel a calling for this can pursue it more seriously.” He added that we don’t even have clear data on how many engineers we educate at our higher education institutions.
“Science is exclusive, and its laws are clear,” said President Milanović, commenting on the concept of scientific consensus, which he clarified is not about outvoting but rather about “agreeing to agree, avoiding confrontation.” “If far-reaching political decisions are based on that consensus, it carries risks. And those risks are not easy to take. So be cautious with scientific consensus—I’m a supporter of laws and clear principles,” he concluded.
In addition to President Milanović, the opening was addressed by: Prof. Dr. Mirko Planinić, Dean of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb; Dr. Osor Barišić, Director of the Institute of Physics; Dr. David M. Smith, Director of the Ruđer Bošković Institute; Luka Juroš, Head of the City Office for Education, Sports, and Youth, representing the Mayor of Zagreb; Dr. Hrvoje Meštrić, Director of the Directorate for Science and Technology at the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth, representing the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia.
The #SciHill event is the result of a long-standing collaboration between the Faculty of Science, the Institute of Physics, and the Ruđer Bošković Institute—institutions that have shaped Croatian science and education for decades. Its core mission is to attract and inspire new generations of students by providing them with direct contact with researchers.
After the opening ceremony, President Milanović toured the event and viewed its interactive exhibits, guided by scientists. He was accompanied by Jadranka Žarković, Adviser to the President of the Republic for Education.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Glas