In Belgrade’s heart, a striking new landmark—the Palata nauke or Palace of Science—has earned Serbia’s most prestigious accolade for social responsibility: the 2024 “Đorđe Vajfert” national award.
The Serbian Chamber of Commerce, marking the award’s 10th year, recognised the MK Group and the Miodrag Kostić Foundation for creating what it called the country’s first major centre for scientific research and public engagement.
Those behind the project said the initiative was rooted in Miodrag Kostić’s lifelong belief in the transformative power of knowledge.
They explained that with a €25 million donation—the largest individual philanthropic gift in Serbian history—Kostić sought to give young scientists the chance to lead Serbia’s technological future, without having to leave its borders.
Aleksandra Stojanović, director of the Palace of Science project and MK Group’s corporate affairs chief, stated that the foundation aimed to inspire curiosity and honour the human intellect.
She added that the Palace now stood as a permanent symbol of Kostić’s vision, comparing him to the great Serbian benefactors of the past who gave not just wealth, but enduring value to society.
