Janevska: 60 years of IZIIS’s existence are a story of vision, knowledge and endurance

Formed shortly after the biggest disaster that once happened to Macedonia, the Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology (IZIIS), has since played an important role in guaranteeing infrastructure stability and security, and thus the safety and tranquility of citizens. Six decades after, as Professor Igor Gjorgjiev says in the monograph – « Izis has flowned as a symbol of hope, knowledge and building new foundations for the future », which I fully agree, has invested great energy in developing new knowledge, in educating and daily. The Institute left deep traces in the development of higher education in Macedonia, Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska said tonight.

Addressing the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology (IZIIS) at the University « Ss. Cyril and Methodius » – Skopje, Janevska noted that today’s ceremony is not only a marking of a significant time, but also a testimony to the public,

According to her, through its integration into the teaching process of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, IZIIS was and remained a generator of knowledge and quality staff.

-At the same time, with the support of doctoral and postdoctoral studies, the Institute has confirmed its key role in the development of young researchers and scientists. I am also impressed by research activity internationally – especially from participating in European research and innovation framework programs. IZIIS was among the first Macedonian institutions with successful applications as early as the sixth and seventh framework programs, and then in Horizon programs. This continuity of participation testifies to the excellence of Macedonian engineering and research thought – said Janevska.

She shared and, as she said, an interesting situation.

-The role of IZIS as a recognized center of knowledge on the international stage I personally felt, during a visit to the European Commission’s Joint Research Center (JRC) in March this year. I was sincerely proud when we were welcomed by this eminent institution with the words that « Illis » researchers would be « glad ». « Especially highlighted the fruitful cooperation in the field of Eurocodes – European design and construction standards. The seismic safety of facilities in risky regions.

Thus, as Janevska pointed out, and the forthcoming signing of a new framework research arrangement between the MoES and the European Commission’s Joint Research Center is just a confirmation of the excellence of our scientific and research work.

« This agreement will enable deepening and concretizing cooperation through the mobility of researchers and young talents, as well as support for the implementation of national strategic goals, including the strategy of smart specialization, » she said.

These 60 years of IZIIS’s existence are a story of vision, knowledge and endurance. It is virtuous to express our gratitude to all who participated in the building of the Institute, in the pursuit of expert and in the development of scientific and educational activity.

Thanks to all those currently working, running and continuing the successful institutional mission, which is very responsible. I am convinced that in the future, IZIIS will remain a pillar of engineering science and synonym for security, excellence and international cooperation. Consider the support of this government. We have a particularly interested interest in promoting scientific activity and so this year we allocated twice as much as last, for the realization of scientific and research projects. You are a public scientific institution and you have five laboratories. Take advantage of all the potential and participate in the active calls of the Ministry of Allocation of funds in the amount of Denar 370 million for innovative scientific projects. May the jubilee congratulate you. Let the next decades be even more successful and fruitful.

The ceremony is attended by the rector of the University « Ss. Cyril and Methodius » in Skopje, prof. Dr. Biljana Angelova, Director of the Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology, prof. Dr. Igor Gjorgjiev and the Deputy President of the European Association for Earthquake Engineering, prof. Dr. Kiriais Pitilakis.