Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut has attributed the decline of the University of Belgrade in the Shanghai rankings to the university itself, emphasizing the need for the institution to improve its academic standards and maintain independence from political influences. In a statement, Macut highlighted the detrimental effect of political engagement on the university’s autonomy and the quality of education it provides.
Macut pointed out that the government has made significant financial investments in the university, including a more than 20% increase in salaries. Despite these efforts, he stressed that the onus is on the university to actively monitor and enhance the work of its faculties and researchers. He warned that political involvement, especially from the university’s leadership and certain faculties, poses a clear threat to the independence and effectiveness of Serbia’s leading higher education institutions.
The Prime Minister called for the University of Belgrade to develop a comprehensive action plan to address its declining position. He urged the university to present a clear strategy to the public, outlining how it intends to reverse this trend and prevent further deterioration of its standing, reputation, and recognition. Macut emphasized the importance of strengthening the quality of teaching and research, enhancing international cooperation, and monitoring all factors that influence the university’s global ranking and reputation.
Macut also noted that the Shanghai rankings are a significant independent measure of global university performance and reputation, reflecting not just a single moment but a broader negative trend over recent years. He reiterated that the university must find creative and effective solutions to improve the performance of its faculties, teachers, and researchers.
While the government will continue to support the independent operation of state universities and scientific institutes, Macut made it clear that the responsibility for maintaining and improving the quality of education and research lies with the universities, faculties, and researchers themselves. He called on them to work diligently to preserve and enhance the quality of education and scientific research, thereby strengthening the international standing of Serbia’s higher education institutions.
The decline in the University of Belgrade’s ranking has significant implications for Serbia’s higher education landscape, as it is the only national institution ranked among the top 1,000 universities globally. The situation underscores the challenges faced by educational institutions in balancing political influences with academic independence and excellence.
