At the invitation of the Director, Dr. Luka Popović, the President of the City Municipality of Zvezdara, Mr. Mihailo Dosković, and his associates visited the Astronomical Observatory on December 17, 2025, and discussed cooperation between the two institutions. In addition to the Director, the guests were also welcomed by Dr. Jelena Kovačević Dojčinović, Senior Research Associate, and Dr. Srdjan Samurović, Principal Research Fellow.
"The Municipality of Zvezdara is proud to have a scientific institution with such a long tradition on its territory, and I believe that this is a source of pride not only for our municipality, but also for the city and the country. I see nothing more important at Zvezdara than this institution, and you can be sure that cooperation will continue and be raised to a higher level. As a local government, we will do our best to help and support you, especially when it comes to scientific projects. The signing of a cooperation agreement with a Greek municipality is underway, and the Municipality is already achieving successful cooperation with the Chinese city of Nantong and Herceg Novi, which allows us to develop international connections and joint performance, given that we have recognized science as one of the important forms of cooperation," said Mr. Dosković.
Presenting the Observatory, Director Dr. Luka Popović emphasized that the Astronomical Observatory will celebrate 140 years since its founding in 2027, thus earning it the title of the oldest scientific institution in the country. Dr. Popović pointed out the directions for improving scientific work, as well as education and popularization of astronomy at the Observatory. He also introduced the Mayor to the successful international cooperation that the Observatory is achieving and presented new opportunities for cooperation. Dr. Popović emphasized that the Observatory has developed a conceptual solution and project for the development of the entire complex, as well as that the vision of its further development includes the construction of a high-tech park. He also requested the assistance of the Municipality in mediating with the relevant institutions in order to resolve property and legal issues and find a model for the regular maintenance of this complex.
Dr. Srđan Samurović, PI of the Prisma project of the Urban Observatory of Belgrade (UrbObsBel), funded by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia and implemented at the Astronomical Observatory and supported by the Municipality of Zvezdara, presented this project and the results obtained so far to Mr. Dosković and his associates, as well as the possibilities of cooperation in order to reduce light pollution in the Municipality of Zvezdara and improve the lives of its residents.
At the end of his stay at the Observatory, Mr. Dosković and his associates visited the Large Refractor Pavilion. Further meetings were also arranged to discuss specific steps in future cooperation between the Astronomical Observatory and the Municipality of Zvezdara.
