Academic Standards Day in Belgrade - More than an Event, the beginning of an important collaboration

The Academic Standards Day, organized by the Institute for Standardization of Serbia (ISS) and the Faculty of Organizational Sciences in Belgrade (FON), took place in an exceptional atmosphere of knowledge, enthusiasm, and networking. With more than 120 participants, the event clearly demonstrated the strong interest of young people in learning about and gaining a deeper understanding of standards.

The day began with opening remarks by the Acting Director of the Institute for Standardization of Serbia, Tatjana Bojanić, Professor Dr. Ivana Mijatović, as well as representatives of the host institution, the Faculty of Organizational Sciences. From the very beginning, it was evident that the students could expect a dynamic and content-rich program.

This was followed by a “Quick Lesson on Standardization” delivered by Professor Dr. Ivana Mijatović and Tatjana Bojanić, who presented the importance of standards in modern society in a clear and accessible way.

The panel “The Future Belongs to Them: Why Student Participation in Standardization Matters” attracted particularly strong attention, which highlighted the role of standards in dual education, innovation, and research. On this occasion, participants of the IEC Young Professionals program introduced themselves, researchers from the H-Bridges team, and a student engaged in dual education at the Institute. The European Student Association for Standardization was also presented, and all participants of the Academic Standards Day were invited to apply for membership.

A truly refreshing and delightful surprise for all attendees was the visit of Nana, a therapy dog, who brought warmth and smiles to both students and professors, while presenting the recently established national technical committee for Assistance Dogs standards.

The program continued with the panel “Teaching standardization”, a discussion featuring professors, followed by the session “Standardization in Practice - Different Experiences”, where company representatives shared real-life examples of applying standards in business operations.

One of the most engaging parts of the day was certainly the interactive standardization game - Serious Smile Game, through which students reinforced their knowledge in a creative way, while also socializing and competing in a lively, positive atmosphere.

Throughout the day, it became more than evident that students’ understanding of standards had significantly improved, and that they had gained a new perspective on their application in future careers.

At the end of the event, all participants were awarded certificates of appreciation and participation, as well as symbolic gifts in line with the #SayYESToStandards campaign, which was the central theme of the gathering.

The Institute for Standardization of Serbia used this opportunity to thank all participants and wish them successful careers, with a clear message that this is only the beginning of future cooperation. Students were invited to join the work of technical committees when the time comes, as well as programs for young leaders, and to continue expanding their knowledge in the field of standardization.

As a national standardization body with a tradition spanning more than 90 years, the Institute represents a reliable pillar of support, as well as a strong incentive for future ideas, projects, and professional challenges faced by young people.

Students were also informed that they have continuous access to all standards at the „Svetozar Marković University Library” in Belgrade, along with expert support from the Institute for any additional questions or interpretations.

The Institute’s employees already maintain successful cooperation with certain higher education institutions, and on this occasion, extended an invitation to all universities and their faculties in Serbia to establish collaboration within formal education, dual education programs, and a multidisciplinary approach to standardization.

The Academic Standards Day provided an opportunity for students to become familiar with their national standardization body and to explore the opportunities that it offers in their education and future careers.