About us

The Association’s goals are:

1. Advocating the improvement of the higher education system and of research and innovation in Montenegro, and of the legislative, strategic and institutional framework relevant to these areas.
2. Advocating higher quality in higher education by influencing the development of study programmes, modernising teaching methods and processes, and applying contemporary academic standards.
3. Advocating the advancement of research by encouraging scientific work, developing research capacity, exchanging knowledge and experience, and creating conditions for better, interdisciplinary and internationally recognised research.
4. Advocating a stronger academic community by connecting university professors, teaching assistants, researchers and other experts and professionals.
5. Promoting and strengthening academic ethics and integrity by advocating responsible, transparent and ethical conduct in teaching, science and research, including the prevention of plagiarism, discrimination, conflicts of interest and other forms of unprofessional behaviour.
6. Encouraging a culture of quality, accountability and excellence in higher education and research, including better systems for evaluating academic and research results, assuring their quality and recognising them.
7. Encouraging democratic dialogue and freedom of academic expression on issues relevant to higher education, science, innovation and social development, with respect for diversity of opinion, academic freedom and the principles of professional responsibility.
8. Encouraging the application of scientific results in society by connecting science and education with the public sector, the economy and other social actors.
9. Strengthening the links between the academic community and society through the popularisation of science and science-based public dialogue, expert information for the public, and contributions to solving social, economic, developmental and other issues of public interest.
10. Improving and developing inter-institutional and international cooperation between universities, research institutes, professional associations, academic networks, organisations and other relevant actors in higher education, research and innovation in Montenegro and abroad.
11. Encouraging lifelong learning and the professional development of academics and other experts and professionals working in higher education, research, innovation and the intellectual professions.
12. Improving the position of young researchers and early-career academics by supporting their professional and scientific development, mentoring, mobility, links with more experienced researchers and participation in national and international research projects.
13. Developing an interdisciplinary approach in education, science and research by encouraging cooperation between different scientific fields and professions, for a more complete understanding of contemporary social challenges.
14. Monitoring and analysing socio-economic and public policies concerning education, science, research, innovation, human resource development and the position of the academic community.
15. Affirming the importance of knowledge and science for the development of Montenegro by promoting education, research, innovation, expertise and the responsible use of scientific knowledge in the public and private sectors.
16. Improving the position of the academic community and the working conditions of academics and researchers.
17. Encouraging open science and the digital transformation of education, research and society in general, including the development of digital skills, access to scientific results, the responsible use of new technologies and better digital infrastructure.
18. Encouraging gender equality, equal opportunities and non-discrimination in the academic and research environment.
19. Encouraging the mobility of academic staff through exchanges of teachers, researchers and students, and through cooperation with national and international academic and other institutions and actors.

To achieve its goals, the Association:

1. Launches and leads initiatives, prepares opinions, suggestions and proposals for improving the regulatory and institutional framework for higher education, research and innovation, and advocates changes to legislation and to the strategic and institutional framework that help achieve the Association’s goals.
2. Promotes and improves the status of intellectual professions that require a high level of qualification, and the status of academic staff.
3. Conducts research and prepares expert analyses, studies, reports and recommendations relevant to the Association’s goals.
4. Takes part in projects of national and international importance for education, research and innovation, highly qualified intellectual professions and socio-economic development.
5. Organises academic, scientific, professional and public meetings and debates, conferences, symposia, round tables, panel discussions, lectures and other professional and public gatherings that serve the Association’s goals.
6. Organises training courses, seminars, workshops, summer and winter schools, mentoring and other forms of professional and non-formal academic development.
7. Builds networks: establishes and maintains cooperation through joint initiatives, programmes and projects with professional associations, academic and research institutions, innovative companies and other national and international actors whose goals are compatible with those of the Association.
8. Joins alliances and other relevant associations in Montenegro and abroad.
9. Collects, processes and exchanges professional and scientific data and information relevant to its members and to the wider academic and social community.
10. Produces and promotes scientific, professional and educational publications, electronic content and other materials in accordance with the law and the Association’s goals.
11. Provides expert support to initiatives, programmes and projects of other non-profit organisations that are in line with the Association’s goals.
12. Promotes the Association’s goals and results.
13. Awards recognitions and prizes for achievements in its field.
14. Carries out other activities in line with the Association’s defined goals.