Veselin Vukotić
University of Donja Gorica

The ANSO Conference brings together researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs and students to explore how artificial intelligence and digital technologies can contribute to environmental sustainability and ecosystem resilience.
Organised by the University of Donja Gorica in partnership with the University of Science and Technology of China, the three-day programme connects scientific insight with practical innovation and international cooperation.
Scientific panels, conversations with business, student work and joint research priorities. Select a day to explore the full schedule.
23 November 2026 · All times CET (Podgorica)
Moderator: Andrija Leovac
Prof. Veselin Vukotić, Rector, University of Donja Gorica
The Role of Universities in Building Environmental Resilience
Prof. Wei Jiuchang, Dean, University of Science and Technology of China School of
Public Affairs
Strengthening International Partnerships in Digital Science and Innovation
H.E. Mr Chen Xufeng, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the
People’s Republic of China to Montenegro
Advancing China–Montenegro Cooperation for a Sustainable Future
Prof. Anđela Jakšić Stojanović, Minister of Education, Science and Innovation of
Montenegro
A Strategic Vision for Science, Innovation and Digital Ecosystems in Montenegro
Moderator: Sanja Nikolić
Prof. Li Yina, University of Science and Technology of China
Data-Driven Risk Governance and Resilient Decision-Making
Prof. Li Yong, University of Science and Technology of China
Digital Finance and Data Tools for Climate-Sensitive Sectors
Prof. Tomo Popović, University of Donja Gorica
Intelligent Systems for Agricultural and Environmental Risk Monitoring
Prof. Marko Simeunović, University of Donja Gorica
Smart Signal Processing for Environmental Risk Prediction
Format: Four presentations of 15 minutes, followed by a moderated panel discussion
and questions from the audience.
Moderator: Amil Orahovac
Prof. Werner Ruppitsch, Medical University of Innsbruck / University of Donja Gorica
Genomics and Pathogen Surveillance in One Health Systems
Prof. Jelena Milešević, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade
Integrating Dietary Intake Monitoring into Smart Surveillance Systems for Public
Health
Dr Meline Beglaryan, Center for Ecological-Noosphere Studies, National Academy of
Sciences of the Republic of Armenia
Connecting Environmental and Food Monitoring Data for One Health Risk Assessment: Experience from Armenia
Stéphanie Lequin, National School of Veterinary Services – France Vétérinaire
International
Protecting Food Authenticity: Geographical Indications, Traceability and Food Fraud
Prevention
Format: Four presentations of 15 minutes, followed by a moderated panel discussion
and questions from the audience.
An interdisciplinary showcase featuring student research posters, innovative ideas,
prototypes, digital solutions and artistic works related to artificial intelligence, sustainability,
environmental resilience and the relationship between technology, nature and society.
Programme
14:30–14:40 — Opening and introduction
14:40–15:25 — Poster, prototype and art exhibition
15:25–15:50 — Selected student presentations
15:50–16:00 — Jury remarks and recognition of selected works
24 November 2026 · All times CET (Podgorica)
Moderator: Ivan Jovetić
Prof. Srđan Krčo, DunavNET / University of Donja Gorica
Can AI and Robots Feed the World?
Prof. Lu Wei, University of Science and Technology of China
Corporate Finance and Green Entrepreneurship
Prof. Adam Sulkowski, Babson College
Law, Business and Sustainability: Building Accountability into Innovation Ecosystems
Prof. Stefania Zerbinati, Bayes Business School, City St George’s, University of London
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems for Sustainable and Responsible Innovation
Format: Four presentations of 15 minutes, followed by a moderated panel discussion and
questions from the audience.
Moderator: Andrija Leovac
An interactive discussion with business representatives and researchers on practical
sustainability challenges, digital innovation and opportunities for cooperation between
science and industry.
Programme
11:00–11:10 — Introduction and opening remarks
11:10–11:40 — Experiences from practice: challenges, needs and innovative solutions
11:40–12:15 — Moderated discussion on cooperation between science and business
12:15–12:30 — Questions from the audience and concluding remarks
Moderator: Bojana Mališić
A joint presentation of the research institutes, centres, laboratories and innovation
capacities of the University of Donja Gorica and the University of Science and Technology of
China.
Programme
13:30–13:40 — Introduction to the UDG and USTC research ecosystems
13:40–14:10 — Presentation of UDG institutes and centres
14:10–14:40 — Presentation of USTC institutes, centres and laboratories
14:40–15:00 — Questions and open discussion
Each institution will briefly present its mission, principal research areas, major projects,
available infrastructure and opportunities for international cooperation.
25 November 2026 · All times CET (Podgorica)
Moderator: Bogdan Malavrazić
Prof. Wei Jiuchang, University of Science and Technology of China
Disaster-Risk Governance and Sustainability in China
Prof. Aleksandra Martinović, FoodHub Centre of Excellence, University of Donja Gorica
/ FAO Expert
Science–Policy Interfaces for Sustainable Food Systems
Ilija Mugoša, EIT Community Officer for Montenegro
Leveraging EIT Instruments to Strengthen Sustainability Innovation and Cross-Border
Collaboration
Prof. Sandra Tinaj, University of Donja Gorica
University-Driven Innovation Ecosystems: The UDG Model for Connecting Research,
Entrepreneurship and Digital Policy
Dr Murat Güneş, Founder, Soleil MNT; Chair of the Bridging Science and Business
Working Group, Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA)
Overcoming Technology Transfer Barriers for Green and Blue Deep Tech Spin-offs
Format: Five presentations of approximately 10 minutes, followed by a moderated panel
discussion and questions from the audience.
Moderators: Miljana Rakočević and Andrija Leovac
The roundtable will bring together representatives of UDG, USTC and partner institutions to
identify common research priorities and define practical opportunities for future
cooperation.
11:00–11:15 | Plenary Introduction
presentation of the objectives and working method;
introduction to the proposed UDG–USTC cooperation framework;
allocation of participants to three parallel strategy sessions.
11:15–12:15 | Parallel Strategy Sessions
Strategy Session 1: AI, Data and Shared Research Infrastructure
Moderators: Sanja Nikolić and Prof. Li Yina
Discussion themes:
joint AI and data-intensive research;
HPC and shared digital infrastructure;
responsible data sharing and interoperability;
joint laboratories, research platforms and pilot activities;
researcher and doctoral-student mobility.
Strategy Session 2: One Health, Food Systems and Environmental Resilience
Moderators: Prof. Aleksandra Martinović and Amil Orahovac
Discussion themes:
integrated surveillance and early-warning systems;
food safety, nutrition, biodiversity and public health;
shared One Health research priorities;
data sharing and methodological development;
regional and international research projects.
Strategy Session 3: Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Funding and Market Uptake
Moderators: Ivan Jovetić and Zhou Zhengkai
Discussion themes:
ANSO, Horizon Europe, EIT and other funding opportunities;
university–industry cooperation;
sustainable entrepreneurship and startup development;
market uptake of research results;
joint educational and capacity-building activities.
12:15–12:30 | Preparation of Session Conclusions
Each strategy session will identify:
three common priorities;
two proposed joint actions;
relevant funding or cooperation opportunities;
responsible institutions and contact persons;
indicative deadlines for follow-up.
Moderator: Marija Orlandić
AI, Data and Research Infrastructure: report by Sanja Nikolić and Prof. Li Yina
One Health and Environmental Resilience: report by Prof. Aleksandra Martinović and
Amil Orahovac
Innovation, Funding and Market Uptake: report by Ivan Jovetić and Zhou Zhengkai
consolidation of proposed activities and priorities;
agreement on responsible partners and initial deadlines;
consideration of institutional mechanisms for future cooperation, including a
potential Memorandum of Understanding between UDG and USTC.
Expected outcome: UDG–USTC Cooperation Roadmap 2027–2028
Supported by the Alliance of National and International Science Organizations for the
Belt and Road Regions (ANSO)
Co-Moderators: Andrija Leovac and Prof. Wei Jiuchang
Programme:
14:15–14:25 — Summary of the main scientific and policy conclusions
14:25–14:35 — Presentation of the UDG–USTC Cooperation Roadmap
14:35–14:45 — USTC and ANSO perspectives on future cooperation
14:45–14:55 — UDG commitments and next steps
14:55–15:00 — Formal closing of the conference
Connecting science, public policy, business and innovation through an interdisciplinary programme.
University of Donja Gorica
University of Science and Technology of China
Ambassador of China to Montenegro
Minister of Education, Science and Innovation of Montenegro
University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China
University of Donja Gorica
University of Donja Gorica
Medical University of Innsbruck / UDG
Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade
Center for Ecological-Noosphere Studies, Armenia
ENSV-FVI, VetAgro Sup, France
DunavNET / University of Donja Gorica
University of Science and Technology of China
Babson College
Bayes Business School, City St George’s, University of London
FoodHub, University of Donja Gorica / FAO Expert
EIT Community Officer for Montenegro / Centre for Finance
University of Donja Gorica
Soleil MNT / Marie Curie Alumni Association
University of Science and Technology of China
23 November 2026 · 14:30–16:00 · UDG
Share your ideas with an international community of researchers and innovators. Individual and team applications are welcome.
Submit your work ↗Topics should connect to AI, sustainability, the environment or the relationship between technology, nature and society.
Submit an English title, an abstract of up to 200 words and supporting materials. Organisers will prepare, print and display the posters. Selected participants will give a short presentation in English.
Attend in Podgorica or join online. Complete the conference registration form to let us know how and when you will participate.
University of Donja Gorica
Oktoih 1, 81000 Podgorica
Montenegro
The conference is hybrid. Registered online participants will receive joining details by email. For attendance enquiries, contact the Conference Secretariat.
PowerPoint or PDF · 16:9 format.
Submit presentations before your session and arrive at least 15 minutes before it begins.
Podgorica Airport is the closest international airport. UDG is located in Donja Gorica and can be reached by taxi from the city centre.
Currency: euro (EUR).
Local time in November: CET (UTC+1).
Bring layered clothing and rain protection.
Electricity: 230 V, Type C/F plugs.
Discover Mediterranean and Balkan influences, local cheeses and priganice. Conference coffee breaks and lunches are included. Tell the Secretariat about dietary requirements or allergies in advance.
Chair · Prof. Veselin Vukotić
University of Donja Gorica
Co-Chair · Prof. Wei Jiuchang
University of Science and Technology of China
Chair · Prof. Sandra Tinaj
University of Donja Gorica
University of Donja Gorica · Podgorica, Montenegro