Project: Formal and informal networks in rural areas
26Feb2015

RRPP News: Two research studies on status of young social sciences researchers in Serbia

Two research studies on status of young social sciences researchers in Serbia have been published by Institute of Economic Sciences, Belgrade, within the National Policy Dialogue in Serbia.

 

Studying Abroad and Coming Back to Serbia

The purpose of the study is to review and analyze the problems and challenges that young researchers face when going abroad to study and upon their return to Serbia. The findings indicate that students from Serbia are often forced to mobility, due to low level of investment in scientific research activities and training inability at domestic institutions. The desire to leave is very strong, especially due to poor socio-economic conditions and poor employment opportunities and/or the chances for professional development. Young people return to the country mainly when they have to, due to visa expiry and the inability to find a permanent job abroad.
 
The study analyzes the problem of degree recognition, which has been a major obstacle to young returnees so far. It also gives an overview of the factors that motivate young researchers to stay in Serbia, where scholarships and finding a job are definitely the most prominent.
 
The study "Studying Abroad and Coming Back to Serbia" is available here.
 
 
Working Conditions and Status of Young Researchers in Serbia
 
Key findings of this study show that young researchers in social sciences try to combine activities in the sector of higher education and scientific research with work in non-profit sector. Thus, they attempt to overcome weaknesses of one specific sector by using advantages of the other.

 

Young scholars claim that insufficient financial support for empirical research and low salaries are primary reasons for their additional activities in the civil society organizations. Working conditions in this sector are perceived as better due to more funds for field-work and more efficient administrative support in project implementation.

 

In addition, work in the CSOs is also a chance for acquiring skills in project management. Consequently, inability to focus on their PhD thesis and lack of financial means for field work are the biggest obstacles for young researcher engaged with universities and other research institutes.

 

Researchers employed in these organizations are usually engaged in teaching, in implementation of the projects financed by the Ministry or supported by international donors and they have commitments regarding their PhD thesis in order to keep their academic positions.

 

By the same token, researchers from CSOs which are funded by a project, usually work simultaneously on several thematically different projects in order to cover their salary. That is why both groups of researcher define themselves as "overloaded". As a result, the quality of scientific production my become neglected.
 

Study "Working Conditions and Status of Young Researchers in Serbia" is available here.

Regional Research Promotion Programme in the Western Balkans (RRPP) is aimed at fostering and promoting socia sciences research in the Western Balkans. Social science research aids in the understanding of the specific needs for reform and in identifying the long-term implications of potential policy choices. Researchers receive support through research grants, methodological and thematic trainings, as well as opportunities for regional and international exchange and networking.
 
The RRPP is coordinated and operated by the Interfaculty Institute for Central and Eastern Europe (IICEE) at the University of Fribourg (Switzerland). The programme is fully funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
 
RRPP supports the project ‘The impact of socio-economic structure of rural population on success of rural development policy’ in which Public Policy Research Centre takes part.