The French Ambassador to Montenegro, Anne-Marie Masque, awarded the Order of Academic Palms to the Rector of the University of Montenegro, Prof. Dr. Vladimir Božović.

Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1808, this French decoration honors individuals for their significant contributions to education, science, and culture, both in France and globally.

During the ceremony at the University of Montenegro’s Rectorate, Božović expressed that he views this award not as a personal achievement, but as part of a broader narrative about connection, knowledge, culture, and mutual respect.

“Though I speak to you as the rector, my core identity, which has greatly influenced my life, is that of a mathematician. In this respect, I understand the profound impact France has had on mathematics. France has fundamentally shaped modern perspectives on mathematics—not just as a language of the universe, but as a tool for thought and a foundation for contemporary sciences,” emphasized Božović, as stated by the University of Montenegro.

He further remarked that in a cultural context, France transcends being just a nation; “it is an idea.”

“It is a land where education serves as a means of emancipation, where the teacher embodies social responsibility, and knowledge is held as the highest value. It is a place where the principles of civil society, commitment, and freedom as a moral concept emerged and flourished,” Božović articulated.

He highlighted the deep-rooted connections between Montenegro and France, from their alliance in wartime to the education of countless Montenegrin students in Paris and other French cities. “In Paris’s streets, which the esteemed Serbian diplomat and poet Jovan Dučić described as life’s crossroads, our artists—Dado Đurić, Uroš Tošković, and many others—made their mark on the French and European avant-garde. Their legacies continue to symbolize profound mutual recognition and cultural exchange. Today, through academic collaboration, student exchanges, and scientific and cultural initiatives, this bond remains vibrant and continues to strengthen,” Božović noted.

He concluded by stating that this recognition is not solely his, but belongs to all colleagues, associates, students, and everyone who believes that knowledge shapes the future.

Ambassador Anne-Marie Maske, who presented the award to the rector, recalled that Božović’s “remarkable career, research achievements, and impressive scholarly contributions” led to his advancement to assistant professor in 2010, associate professor in 2015, full professor in 2020, and ultimately to his role as rector in 2021. “Since then, as rector, you have been pivotal to the University’s growth, particularly in fostering international partnerships. You have nurtured collaborations with French institutions such as the University of Côte d’Azur and the University of Caen, as well as with universities in Grenoble, Montpellier, Tours, and Toulouse,” Maske stated.

She noted that Božović is acutely aware of the challenges and has effectively engaged the University of Montenegro and the Science and Technology Park, linking them to the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Building Center initiative, spearheaded by France, Slovenia, and Montenegro.

“This center enhances cooperation among universities, public institutions, and the private sector in a pivotal domain, paying special attention to French craftsmanship and bolstering relations between France and Montenegro regionally,” remarked Maske.

She presented Božović with a decoration recognizing his exceptional contributions to enhancing collaborative efforts.

“This honors your involvement in academic research, the creation and dissemination of knowledge in scientific fields, and all matters related to cyber themes, both within the university curriculum and through the C3BO cyber center,” Maske concluded.

Over the years, collaboration between the University of Montenegro and the French Embassy has flourished, “fortifying bilateral ties in education, science, and culture,” according to UCG, adding that they will continue to deepen these efforts and uphold shared values.

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