Importance of internationalization for reaching R&I excellence
Gordana Vlahović, Head of International and Project Office at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, participated as a panelist in the EINSTEIN Project international conference “From Local Excellence to Global Impact: Importance of Internationalization for Reaching Research and Innovation Excellence”, held on 5 June 2026 at the University of Novi Sad.The conference brought together distinguished experts, university leaders, researchers, project managers, and internationalization professionals from across Europe to discuss the evolving role of internationalization in advancing higher education institutions, research excellence, innovation capacity, and global competitiveness.
As a participant in the round table discussion “The Importance of Internationalization and Alumni Cooperation for the Progress of Higher Education Institutions,” Gordana Vlahović shared insights gained through years of experience in supporting international research collaboration, Horizon Europe participation, researcher mobility, institutional capacity building, and strategic partnership development. She emphasized that internationalization should not be seen as a collection of projects, mobility schemes, or bilateral agreements, but as a comprehensive institutional transformation process. Referring to internationally recognized concepts of Comprehensive Internationalization, she highlighted the importance of embedding international and intercultural dimensions into all core missions of the university – research, education, innovation, governance, and societal engagement. Sustainable internationalization is achieved when international cooperation becomes an integral part of institutional culture and strategic development. Strong international partnerships create a multiplier effect by generating research opportunities, attracting talent, increasing visibility, fostering innovation, and contributing to long-term institutional resilience and excellence.
Faculty of Sciences is commitment to strengthening international collaboration and expanding its role within the European and global research and education ecosystems. International and Project Office actively supports researchers, students, and academic staff in accessing international opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and enhancing participation in competitive European programmes. Gordana Vlahović highlighted the Faculty of Sciences’ commitment to transforming international cooperation into tangible institutional impact strengthening research excellence, advancing educational quality, fostering innovation, and preparing the next generation of globally connected scientists and professionals.
The conference provided an opportunity to exchange experiences with representatives of leading European universities and organizations, reaffirming the importance of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and international networking as key drivers of research and innovation excellence.
