Organizational Aspects

Professional advancement of academic staff is mostly based on scientific work. There are no requirements provided by the Law for professional advancement at this level, making it therefore optional, unless differently required by a particular higher education institution. However, professional advancement by publishing scientific papers and other relevant publications is extremely important for career development. Professional advancement can be organized in the forms of specialization, work towards a higher level of formal education, symposia, courses, study theses, congresses, seminars, conferences and similar activities. Institutions are required to provide conditions for professional development of their staff, including the time for completion of such engagement within regular working hours.

Incentives for Participation in Continuing Professional Advancement Activities

Hours spent on professional development can be counted as working time and the institution is required to cover all expenses incurred in the process after its approval. A certain number of working days, as decided by the institution, can be used for professional development. If institution budget allows, the staff may receive additional funds for research and participation in conferences and other important academic events. Ministry of Education and Sports, approves regularly funds for research and science development for which academic staff may apply.

After receiving the approval of basic unit where she/he conducts the academic activity, academic staff of ‘Lecturer’ and ‘Professor’ categories is entitled to disengage from institution commitments once every seven years for a total duration of one year in order to work for her/his academic development. Statutes of higher education institution provide for arrangement modalities of legal relationship between the parties during this period.