Ambassador of the European Union to Serbia, Andreas von Beckerath, paid his first official visit today to the BioSense Institute in Novi Sad, accompanied by the Institute’s Director, Prof. Vladimir Crnojević. The visit highlighted the EU’s long-standing support for digital innovation in agriculture and its commitment to fostering Serbia’s integration into the European Research Area.
Founded in 2015, the BioSense Institute has rapidly become a flagship Serbian research centre dedicated to the digital transformation of agriculture. Bringing together expertise in material sciences, IoT, artificial intelligence and biosystems engineering, the Institute develops advanced solutions aimed at increasing agricultural efficiency, sustainability and competitiveness. With a team of nearly 200 researchers, BioSense is actively involved in national and international projects, particularly within the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme.
A core part of the visit focused on the results of the EU-funded ANTARES project, a major Horizon 2020 initiative worth EUR 28 million. ANTARES has positioned BioSense as a European Centre of Excellence in sustainable agriculture and food security, strengthening research capacities, encouraging disruptive digital technologies in farming, and supporting entrepreneurship in the agri-tech sector.
The Ambassador also toured the Institute’s state-of-the-art research facility, inaugurated in April 2023 on the University of Novi Sad campus. The 7,000 m² building, equipped with cutting-edge laboratories and research infrastructure, was financed through a European Investment Bank loan and represents a significant boost to Serbia’s scientific landscape.
Speaking during the visit, Ambassador von Beckerath stated:
“BioSense is a powerful example of what Serbia can achieve when science, innovation and European cooperation come together. The European Union will continue to support Serbia in developing cutting-edge research capacities and in preparing for all the opportunities that come with EU membership. Serbia’s future in our Union will depend on strong institutions, a dynamic economy and world-class talent—and BioSense already shows that this is possible.”
Prof. Vladimir Crnojević, Director of the BioSense Institute, expressed appreciation for the EU’s continuous support:
“The support of the European Union has been the bedrock upon which we built our laboratories and our reputation. True value of our cooperation with the EU extends beyond financial grants and modern equipment. Scientific excellence requires more than just modern laboratories. The building made of glass and steel is only as strong as the integrity of the people within it. For BioSense to continue this trajectory, it is essential that we uphold the European principles of institutional autonomy and scientific integrity, free from external pressures that could compromise its stability or its mission to serve the public interest. We thank the European Union for standing with us in the belief that world-class science can only thrive in an environment of academic and institutional freedom.”
The visit reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to working with Serbia to advance digital transformation, strengthen research excellence and foster sustainable agricultural development—key priorities on Serbia’s path to EU membership.
