Bridging Impact: A Transnational Access Experience in Sarajevo

Here is what Venera Lazareanu told us about her experience:

“As the Responsible Impact Officer at the University of Palermo, I participated in a short-term RESILIENCE TNA fellowship at the University of Sarajevo. The purpose of the visit was to engage in collaborative working sessions with the RESILIENCE Impact Department, where I became acquainted with the work of my colleagues in the field of impact assessment.

Impact assessment is a process of evaluating the effects and value of projects and infrastructures on society, academia, and other stakeholders. It helps ensure that research contributes meaningfully to social, cultural, economic, and scientific development.

Fostering Collaborative Impact Models

As part of the TNA RESILIENCE research visit, the primary objective was to foster mutual exchange and collaboration in the area of impact assessment models for research infrastructures in the Social Sciences and Humanities. Together with colleagues from the University of Sarajevo—Prof. Dr. Dženana Husremović, Pro-Rector, and Prof. Dr. Jelena Brkić-Šmigoc, Associate Professor— we worked on the development and conceptual alignment of impact models that are created for the two research infrastructures for the research on religion RESILIENCE and its complementary project ITSERR (Italian Strengthening of the ESFRI RI RESILIENCE). By sharing our respective models and practices, we were able to define a shared overview and vision for future developments in this area.

Defining a Shared Vision Towards Sustainable and Interoperable Practices

The visit provided a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences, methodologies, and strategic approaches related to designing impact frameworks that reflect the specificities of Social Sciences and Humanities research. A key outcome of this collaboration was the establishment of a connection that lays the foundation for future joint efforts in developing high-quality, efficient, and interoperable impact assessment and monitoring systems. Particularly promising is the potential for long-term cooperation in aligning impact indicators, facilitating data and resource sharing, and working towards the implementation of sustainable practices in impact evaluation across various research infrastructures, including those developed under ITSERR and RESILIENCE.

Cultural Immersion at Gazi Husrev-beg Library

Hosted by the Gazi Husrev-beg Library in Sarajevo, I had the special opportunity—as a RESILIENCE Transnational Access fellow—to exchange views and insights with the Director General, Dženan Handžić, and to benefit from the meticulous support of the Public Relations Officer, Šahsena Đulović. She accompanied me through Bosnia and Herzegovina’s rich history, guiding me through the Gazi Husrev-beg Library, the museum, the mosque, and the surrounding area, introducing me to sacred traditions with impressive explanations full of cultural depth and knowledge.

Looking Ahead to Future Collaborations

Benefiting from the RESILIENCE TNA fellowship and having direct physical access to these resources was essential for my specific field and duties—evaluating the impact of the ITSERR project while strengthening the RESILIENCE research initiative. This experience confirmed the great added value of meeting with local experts, with RESILIENCE playing a magnificent role in facilitating this exchange.

I am deeply grateful for this fruitful opportunity and hope it marks the beginning of many future collaborative projects.”

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Many thanks, Venera Lazareanu, for sharing your inspiring experience and insights—we wish you continued success in your impactful work and future collaborations.

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Visual above: Prof. Dr. Jelena Brkić-Šmigoc, Venera Lazareanu, and Prof. Dr. Dženana Husremović.

Visual below: Venera Lazareanu and Šahsena Đulović.

Learn more about RESILIENCE Transnational Access here.