The President of Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today, at the ceremony held for the third time in a row, awarded the title "The Best Young Scientist" for top scientific achievements. Holder of the 2012 award is Katerina Baceva for her scientific-research work in the field of analytical and environmental chemistry, with special emphasis on research on heavy metals pollution of the environment in Republic of Macedonia.

As President Ivanov said, this recognition awarded to the best young scientist contributes to the development of the young Macedonian scientific thought, while the demonstrated creativity and achievements of young scientists encourage us to conclude that the Republic of Macedonia has great potential in all scientific fields.

"Therefore, we need to do our best to enable young scientists to be part of the education institutions, companies, where they can contribute most with their scientific work",President Ivanov stressed.

Congratulating Baceva for the recognition, President Ivanov said that her research topic, a healthy environment, is crucial not only in our country but in the world. Moreover, the Macedonian President commended the fact that Baceva has made her entire academic and scientific career in the Republic of Macedonia and that she sees her future in her homeland.

Katerina Baceva was born in 1984 in Kavadarci. Her was educated and acquired her MSc in Chemical Sciences at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University "Ss. Cyril and Methodius" in Skopje. Since 2010, Baceva works as a demonstrator at the Institute of Chemistry at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. In 2011, her doctoral dissertation on "Distribution of heavy and toxic metals in environmental samples in the vicinity of the mine Alshar" was accepted.

To be awarded with such recognition by the Head of State, for a young person who is at the very beginning of his research career, is of paramount importance. This would encourage me to continue and further intensify my scientific endeavors and contribute to the scientific research in the Republic of Macedonia", Baceva said, expressing satisfaction that the state, through such initiatives, encourages scientific research and finds a way to appraise and reward the efforts of young scientists.

As President Ivanov said that he expects, this recognition today, which coincides with the International Women's Day - March 8th, to be an incentive and motivation for all our young scientists.

MA Baceva is the author of two monographs and has published 20 scientific papers, 11 of which were published in impact factor journals. She has 28 presentations at conferences, 13 of which at international conferences.

Her scientific-research work is in the field of analytical and environmental chemistry with special emphasis on research on heavy metals pollution of the environment (air, water and soil) in Republic of Macedonia, with application of modern instrumental techniques such as atomic absorption spectrometry and atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. Katerina Baceva is also a member of the Association of Chemists and Technologists of Macedonia and of the Macedonian Ecological Society.

The recognition "The Best Young Scientist" awarded for top scientific achievements, is a traditional event, aimed at stimulating the development of the scientific and research thought, with special emphasis on young Macedonian scientists up to 30 years of age.