The conference "The scientific community shaping the future of Serbia" was held on Sunday, 23rd of May 2010 with an opening speech made by the President of the Republic of Serbia Boris Tadic. During the plenary session, attended by the Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic, a number of Ministers, and 2.500 researchers, scientists, representatives of the industry and foreign partners, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Serbia Ambassador Vincent Degert and Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Science and Technological Development Bozidar Djelic addressed the audience.
Djelic also signed an Act on the Selection, Assessment and Financing of Programmes for the 2011-2015 Research Cycle, envisaging the beginning of a new stage for science in Serbia and its clear orientation towards a knowledge-based economy.

Djelic stated that funds for scientific projects must be used in line with the law and in a transparent manner, since they are funds of all Serbian citizens, underlining that whenever these funds and the upcoming investment cycle are discussed, it must be taken into account that these are funds of all Serbian citizens intended for projects and new investment in science. A huge responsibility is on our shoulders because we must use these funds in a transparent manner, in line with the law, and at the same time make sure that the investment project is pragmatic and cost-effective, the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated.

Serbian President Boris Tadic, during his opening address, stressed that investment in science and education is an investment in economic development and our future, announcing that the government will invest €400 million in this sector over the next five years. Tadic added that according to the assessment of international institutions, Serbia is "a scientific star in the rising" and that it can make up for the time when it did not invest in scientific development.

A Serbia that does not lag behind, but is at the forefront of scientific and technological development in certain areas is a Serbia from which its citizens, the region and Europe will benefit, the President said. He noted that Serbia does not lack human resources and by investing in them it can overcome its limited energy and natural resources. We have huge capacity when it comes to scientists, but in order to expect more from them, we must invest in science to improve research conditions and cooperation with international institutions, Tadic stressed.

Head of the European Union delegation to Serbia Vincent Degert said that research and innovation will be of paramount importance to overcome challenges that lie ahead of Europe. The future of the EU and Serbia must be based on knowledge, Degert said noting that it is therefore crucial to improve competitiveness and the living standard of citizens, which requires investment in science.

Over 2,500 scientists, researchers, representatives from the economy, state officials and foreign partners took part in the conference in Sava Centre, debating on national priorities defined by the Strategy for Scientific and Technological Development. Topics for debate were biomedicine, agriculture and food, information and telecommunication technologies, environmental protection and climate change, energy and energy efficiency, new material and nano-sciences and affirmation of national identity.

Also attending the gathering are Minister of Health prof. dr Tomica Milosavljevic, Minister of Energy and Mining prof. dr Petar Skundric, Minister of Culture Nebojsa Bradic, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Sasa Dragin and many prominent Serbian scientists and businesspeople.