The Bosnian-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences (BHAAAS) has elected its new leadership, with Prof. Dr. Zlatan Aksamija—a distinguished scientist, university professor, and internationally recognized expert in engineering and semiconductor technologies at the University of Utah—now serving as President.
For Aksamija, BHAAAS is more than a professional platform; it is, as he describes, his “scientific home away from home” and the most important bridge connecting him to researchers and professionals from Bosnia and Herzegovina. His term begins with a strong message of commitment to the Academy’s mission: connecting experts in the diaspora and the homeland, advancing science, arts, technology, and medicine, and creating space for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences with the goal of contributing to the progress of Bosnian society.
From his first address during the BHAAAS Annual Assembly held November 14–19, 2025, in San Diego, Prof. Aksamija made clear the philosophy with which he intends to lead. BHAAAS is a team, he emphasized, and success can only be achieved through collective effort. “Every lecture that inspires a student and every new connection that sparks an exchange of ideas—this is our victory,” he noted.
He places particular emphasis on curiosity as the foundation of intellectual growth, referencing a line from the series Ted Lasso: “Be curious, not judgmental.” Aksamija believes that this culture of inquiry, openness, and knowledge-sharing must be the driving force behind future BHAAAS initiatives.
Zlatan Aksamija grew up in Sarajevo in the 1980s, in a home where music, electronics, and literature intertwined. His father, Šefko Aksamija, co-founder of the legendary rock band Indexi, imparted to him a deep appreciation for art, while his involvement in the local amateur radio club sparked Zlatan’s early fascination with technology. This harmony of artistic sensibility and scientific curiosity would come to define his professional journey.
As a teenager, Aksamija fled to the United States, where he had to rebuild his life from the ground up. Though challenging, this period shaped him profoundly—teaching him that knowledge is the one lasting asset. His mother’s words, “Everything can be taken from us except knowledge,” became his guiding compass.
Knowledge led him through his studies, PhD, postdoctoral research, and eventually a distinguished academic career, during which he became one of the most highly cited experts in his field.
Aksamija emphasizes that BHAAAS must continue to grow as a platform that brings people and ideas together, empowers new generations, opens doors to international collaboration, and nurtures a sense of responsibility toward the country of origin.
“My goal is not to lead from above, but to serve—to hear your ideas and to work together to achieve what we believe is good for Bosnia and Herzegovina, wherever we may live,” he says.
With the election of Prof. Aksamija, BHAAAS gains a president who unites scientific excellence, humanistic values, and a clear vision—someone who believes that unity, knowledge, and sharing are the foundation of a successful future.
Since its establishment, BHAAAS has acted as a bridge connecting scientists, physicians, engineers, artists, and numerous other experts from the diaspora and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Academy actively fosters interdisciplinary collaboration in fields vital to societal development.
Through its annual conferences, workshops, and educational programs, BHAAAS creates opportunities for students and young professionals while also contributing to the modernization of institutions in BiH through partnerships, professional training, and volunteer initiatives led by its members. The organization promotes a culture of learning, critical thinking, and social responsibility, and through its strong ties to academic and scientific institutions in the United States and worldwide, serves as a vital link between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the global scientific community.
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