The Bosnian-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences (BHAAAS) provides young talents with opportunities to develop their skills, build professional networks, and strengthen academic and professional communities through various initiatives, including mentorship programs, hackathons, internships, and academic symposia. For years, the Academy has been focused on connecting young professionals across different fields in Bosnia and Herzegovina, creating a platform for collaboration, innovation, and research. Through these efforts, BHAAAS actively contributes to strengthening the ties between Bosnia and Herzegovina and its diaspora.
Dr. Ljiljana Đukanović, Head of the BHAAAS Student Program, emphasizes that working with young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a key segment of the organization’s mission:
"We created the Student Program within our organization because we deeply believe that investing in young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the best way to fulfill our mission and the wisest way to invest in our country. Through our mentorship program, summer internships, and an extensive student program at the BHAAAS Days conference, we aim to inspire students and help them become successful professionals and well-rounded individuals. Participating in BHAAAS activities allows students to engage with local and global experts, expand their professional networks, and develop their ideas and initiatives.”
Mentorship Program for Medical Students
One of BHAAAS's most significant programs is its mentorship initiative for medical students. Through this structured program, BHAAAS members share their expertise, experience, and resources with students, connecting them with mentors from around the world.
"Students are selected based on the quality of their applications and are then matched with mentors aligned with their interests. The program runs from October to June, with a new application cycle opening in late June and closing in September. We are now in the second year of this highly successful program. Last year, 15 students completed the mentorship program, and some have continued working with their mentors beyond its official duration."
Internship Program for Biology Students For biology students
BHAAAS has launched a summer internship program, offering them valuable hands-on experience in laboratories. Since biology students in Bosnia and Herzegovina have limited opportunities for practical experience outside of their academic curriculum, this program helps them better prepare for the job market. The selection process involves a public call, with candidates chosen based on their applications and interviews.
After a successful first cycle at the Clinical Center Tuzla, BHAAAS plans to expand the program to two additional institutions this year. Dr. Đukanović highlights the program’s importance, noting that students gain practical skills, hands-on laboratory experience, and valuable networking opportunities. The internship helps them refine their professional interests and build a strong career foundation.
AI Hackathon for Tech Students
BHAAAS also organizes an AI Hackathon for students in technical fields, providing them with the opportunity to tackle real-world problems in artificial intelligence and technology. Zlatan Akšamija, Head of the Department of Technical and Natural Sciences, emphasized the success of this event:
"The AI Hackathon, organized in collaboration with the Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology (ANNT), allowed students to work intensively on practical AI applications. We welcomed eight student teams, most with four members. By the end of the first day, each team presented its initial concept, and after two days of hard work, they showcased their final solutions. The panel of judges, consisting of BHAAAS and ANNT volunteers, was highly impressed by their achievements in such a short time. The winning team was even offered further collaboration with ANNT on the 'Academic Directory' project, in which BHAAAS was a key partner."
Students not only gained valuable experience but also had the opportunity to apply their knowledge to a significant project for the academic community in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the diaspora.
Volunteering at BHAAAS Days
Each year, dozens of students participate as volunteers at the annual BHAAAS conference, gaining experience in event organization, teamwork, and professional networking. The 16th BHAAAS Days conference will take place from June 19 to 22, 2025, in Sarajevo, gathering leading experts and professionals from various fields eager to share their knowledge and experiences with young talents.
Lejla Tahirović, BHAAAS Project Manager, emphasizes the importance of building strong professional networks:
"Over the years, we have worked with many students who understand the power of collaboration and the importance of creating strong connections between scientists and professionals from different disciplines. These efforts contribute to students' professional development and strengthen the academic community in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the diaspora."
Exciting Opportunities for Students at BHAAAS Days 2025
This year’s BHAAAS Days will feature a rich student program, including the Medical Student Symposium, which will include roundtable discussions and workshops. A symposium on computer science and informatics is also planned, along with other exciting events open to the public.
"As always, we expect an engaging program for students this year. The medical students will host their symposium, which will be accompanied by discussions and hands-on workshops. The program will also include a computer science and informatics symposium, along with other interesting student-focused events, all of which will be open to the public," adds Dr. Ljiljana Đukanović.
For more details about the student program, visit: STUDENT EVENTS.
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