Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Dubravka Bošnjak met in Istanbul with Professor Aziz Sancar, the 2015 Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry and one of the world's leading scientists in the fields of molecular biology and genetics.
The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on the importance of scientific research for the advancement of modern medicine, the strengthening of links between scientific and healthcare institutions, and the role of international cooperation in transferring knowledge and new technologies.
Professor Sancar received the 2015 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, which he shared with scientists Tomas Lindahl and Paul Modrich for their discoveries concerning the molecular mechanisms of DNA repair. His pioneering research has shed light on how cells recognize damage to genetic material, including damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, and how they remove damaged sections of DNA and restore its structure. Through this work, he has made a major contribution to understanding how human cells maintain the stability of genetic information and prevent the occurrence of harmful mutations.
These discoveries are of exceptional importance to modern medicine, particularly in research into the development of malignant diseases, understanding the mechanisms of chemotherapy, and developing new approaches to cancer treatment. His scientific work has laid important foundations for further advances in molecular biology, genetics, and cancer research.
During the meeting, the importance of continued investment in scientific research, strengthening research capacities, and creating opportunities for young scientists was emphasized, particularly through partnerships with international research centres and participation in joint projects.
Within its competences in the fields of science and international cooperation, the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to pursue activities aimed at supporting the research community, fostering links with international scientific institutions, and creating new opportunities for researchers from Bosnia and Herzegovina to participate in international research programmes.