Center for the Promotion of Science (CPN) in Serbia is a public institution established in 2010 by the Government of Republic of Serbia with the task to promote science and technology. The Center, according to its mandate, cooperates with research and educational institutions (universities, research centers and schools) in Serbia and worldwide, works closely with the government ministries as well as the media and the private sector.

CPN’s mission is to bridge the gap between science and society by bringing together researchers, educators, policy makers, civil society organisations, business and industry and the general public in the process of research and innovation. The ultimate aim is to influence and adapt the general research agendas to reflect the needs of the society and to address societal challenges engaging all actors involved in the process. Through numerous activities on the national and regional levels, the Center is advocating and fostering the ideas and concepts of Responsible Research and Innovation and Open Science.

Among valuable examples of related actions stands the effort in promoting gender equality in research and technology, such as motivating girls to study science or organising coding classes or competitions for them. The integration of society in research environment and related processes is another important goal. Corresponding activities include organising debates on intriguing questions related to societal challenges of today and tomorrow, and conducting workshops and other events with the aim of bringing science closer to all citizens and increasing the level of science literacy among general public and especially young generation.

Center organises numerous exhibitions, educational workshops, lectures, panel discussions and other kind of events on different topics (climate issues, mathematics, artificial intelligence, robotics, archeology, biology, etc.) The major ones are “May Month of Mathematics” (annual event since 2012), “Days of the Future: Robotics”, “CERN in Serbia” and “art+science” (annual series since 2016), as the most prestigious examples. Behind all exhibitions and other formats is the idea to create them in an interactive and engaging way, so visitors can play an active and contributing part.

One of the most popular products of the CPN is a popular-science magazine entitled “Elements”, which is published four times per year. Each edition has its main topic, which is elaborated by renowned local and international scientists, science communicators and journalists. It also brings original illustrations by established and young designers and artists as well. Being a beacon of science journalism in the region, the CPN has been among the initiators of the Balkan Network of Science Journalists.

In parallel with Center’s core activities, the Department of International Cooperation is handling at the moment nine active EU projects out of approx. 50 projects in which CPN has been involved since 2012, funded through numerous programs and calls (Horizon 2020, Creative Europe, Erasmus+, FP7, LLP, COST). CPN has strategic partnership and signed cooperation agreements with numerous entities across the globe, including participation in several relevant European and global networks.

At national level, the Center is facilitating and coordinating the Network of science clubs, which currently consists of 13 units distributed well across Serbia. Additionally, CPN supports financially and logistically approx. 70 science promotion projects of its local partners after an annual public call.

Currently (March 2022), CPN has 20 permanent (full-time) and 15 additionally engaged employees for different projects and activities. At the moment, the focus is put on climate changes and artificial intelligence as two most relevant scientific and societal issues and topics of our time.

cpn.edu.rs/en eu.cpn.rs/en artandscience.rs/en