The Bosnia and Herzegovina Futures Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Vera Šnajder Award: Amila Haskić, Nikolina Tomić, and Emina Korić. These outstanding PhD researchers were selected for their academic excellence, research ambition, and clear commitment to advancing science through international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Through conference participation and research mobility, the Vera Šnajder Award continues to empower women in science by enabling them to present their work on global stages and strengthen Bosnia and Herzegovina’s presence in the international research community.

ABOUT THE AWARD

Named in honor of Prof. Vera Šnajder, the first female dean in the region and a pioneer of scientific leadership, the Vera Šnajder Award supports female students in Bosnia and Herzegovina pursuing careers in natural, medical, and technical sciences. Awarded annually as a travel and research grant, it enables recipients to attend leading international conferences or research visits, fostering both academic excellence and global engagement.

The award reflects the Foundation’s long-term mission to invest in talent, support research-driven careers, and ensure that knowledge gained abroad contributes to scientific and societal progress at home.

VERA ŠNAJDER AWARD 2025 RECIPIENTS

Amila Haskić – PhD Candidate, University of Sarajevo | Faculty of Dentistry with Clinics

Amila Haskić, a PhD candidate in dentistry, was selected for her accepted scientific contribution at the 17th Asian Congress of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, taking place from March 27–29, 2025, in Hong Kong. As an active participant, she will present her research at one of the most prominent global gatherings in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Her participation represents an important opportunity to exchange expertise with leading international clinicians and researchers, while also positioning research from Bosnia and Herzegovina within a highly competitive global scientific forum.

Nikolina Tomić – PhD Candidate, University of Sarajevo | Faculty of Science

Nikolina Tomić, a PhD student at the Faculty of Science, was recognized for her planned paper submission and participation at the ESMO Sarcoma and Rare Cancers Congress 2026, organized by the European Society for Medical Oncology. The congress will be held from March 12–14, 2026, in Lugano, Switzerland.

Her research focus on rare cancers places her work at the intersection of fundamental science and clinical relevance. By engaging with one of Europe’s most important oncology platforms, Nikolina aims to contribute to ongoing discussions on diagnostics, treatment strategies, and research innovation in rare and complex cancer types.

Emina Korić – PhD Candidate, University of Sarajevo | Faculty of Pharmacy

Emina Korić was selected for a research visit within the framework of PhytoLink: Regional Network for Advanced LC-MS Training and Natural Product Research, hosted by the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy.

Her research visit, scheduled for June 22–28, 2025, in Belgrade, focuses on advanced analytical techniques and natural product research. Through hands-on training and collaboration, Emina aims to strengthen her methodological expertise and contribute to cross-institutional research in pharmaceutical sciences.

SELECTION PROCESS AND RECOGNITION

All applications were reviewed by a Selection Committee composed of academic and professional experts. The recipients were evaluated based on scientific merit, clarity of research goals, international relevance, and potential long-term impact. Amila, Nikolina, and Emina stood out for their strong academic trajectories and well-defined plans for international engagement.

CONTINUING THE VERA ŠNAJDER LEGACY

The 2025 Vera Šnajder Award once again highlights the importance of supporting women in research, particularly at critical stages of doctoral and early-career development. By enabling conference participation and research mobility, the award not only recognizes excellence but actively contributes to the growth of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s scientific community.

We congratulate Amila Haskić, Nikolina Tomić, and Emina Korić and wish them continued success in their academic journeys. We look forward to following their work and the knowledge they will bring back to their institutions and the wider community.

To learn more about the Vera Šnajder Award and past recipients, visit our website.

This initiative is made possible with the support of dmBiH, as part of the company’s continuous efforts to promote gender equality and female entrepreneurship. By supporting the Vera Šnajder Award, dm aims to empower women in the local community and labor market, emphasizing the importance of education and youth empowerment to build a better society.

The 2025 Vera Šnajder Award Recipients: Amila Haskić, Nikolina Tomić, and Emina Korić