Rector Popovic: Case of Sinisa Mali’s Doctoral Thesis Will Be Solved

Rector Belgrade University Ivanka Popovic (Photo: Milan Obradovic)

University of Belgrade Rector Ivanka Popovic has stated that everything the University has been criticized for is focused on the case involving Minister of Finance Sinisa Mali’s doctoral thesis, which, according to her, will surely be solved.

"The policy of not wanting to step on anyone’s toes is not only a big problem within the University but our society at large. Speaking of the University, there is absolutely no reason why expertise and professionalism should not be priorities. Why should we be silent on the matters of the profession when the University of Belgrade, with its human potential, is the most relevant expert body and has the best capacity for dealing with issues requiring expert knowledge,” Popovic said for weekly magazine NIN.

In interviews for Belgrade weekly magazines Vreme, Nedeljnik, and NIN, Rector Popovic also said that, “it’s vital that the public receives answers from those it trusts, and the University should be the place for experts whose opinions are valued and appreciated.”

"If this is not the case, then the University of Belgrade’s role as a public good is greatly diminished,” Popovic added.

Popovic also expressed her belief that at this time people are not yet ready to publically come out, that “the academic community has to be encouraged, and that we should expect it to be more vocal about its stands.”Speaking for Nedeljnik about Sinisa Mali’s doctoral thesis, Popovic pointed out that “all the University’s perceived flaws have been, symbolically, focused on this one case,” adding that it is all right to open a wider discussion.

“But we have to be aware of the fact that the resolution of this case will not, on its own merit, change the University, and that we still have to deal with the quality of education, science and community action, and these are long-term, not very appealing jobs, which attract no attention of the public; but someone has to deal with them patiently,” Popovic said.

She stated that she is not neutral, but rather on the side of the University and that she will fight to protect its best interests – for certain values and knowledge, since, as she put it, there is no nobler cause than the preservation of the University of Belgrade.

"Where the controversial doctoral thesis of Sinisa Mali is concerned, I can say this with certainty: the case will be solved,” said Popovic for Vreme