Statement of the Academy Board for Higher Education

The Academy Board for Higher Education of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts expresses deep regret on the occasion of the tragic loss of life of a student of the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade and extends its sincere condolences to her friends, colleagues and academic community.

The Board is of the opinion that such a tragic event necessitates an objective and professional inquiry, conducted with full respect of the University’s autonomy, the law, the principles of proportionality and fair procedure, with an exclusive focus on the facts relevant to the specific case. Simultaneously, the Board calls for the avoidance of any form of misuse for the sake of political interests and media campaigns in the entire process.

Instead of politicising the loss of a young life and the existing pressures faced by the academic community, the Board calls on both the academic community and the Government to work together on further improving the availability of various forms of support to students, including psychological support, to strengthen their capacities to cope with the challenges of studying in increasingly complex social circumstances.

 

In Belgrade, 3 April 2026