Dr. Katerina Baceva, holder of the recognition "2012 Best Young Scientist", awarded by the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, last night gave a lecture in the People's Office of the President of the Republic of Macedonia in Skopje.

The attendance heard Dr. Baceva's lecture on "Distribution of Heavy Metals in Environmental Samples in the Vicinity of the Mine "Alshar"" and some of the results of her doctoral dissertation research.

"Alshar site research for me was a challenge. In that small area, there are more than 45 different minerals of arsenic, antimony and thallium, 7 thallium minerals are found only in Alshar and nowhere else. In the vicinity of Alshar, there are seven endemic plant species, adapted to the specific environment there. It is, indeed, a specific topic that motivates me to further research", Dr. Baceva said.

The "Best Young Scientist" award, President Ivanov's initiative, aims to encourage development, stimulate investment in science, support scientific institutions and young scientists, and to reward the best scientific achievements.

"In my opinion, initiatives such as awarding the "Best Young Scientist" recognition are an incentive for many young people interested in scientific research. I am glad that by awarding the recognition, our entire efforts as young scientists are valued and rewarded", Dr. Baceva said.

The public call for the election of the "Best Young Scientist" in 2013 is open until December 31, for all young people up to 30 years of age who have achieved scientific results in their current scientific work that contribute to the positive development of the society and the environment in which they live.

Eligibility criterion is the interested candidates to have received an international award, international or domestic recognition for scientific research work, the results of the research to be published in relevant domestic or international journal and to have adequate applicability.

The application should include a CV, list of projects implemented in 2013 and proof of citizenship of the Republic of Macedonia.

Interested candidates should submit their documents to the Cabinet of the President of the Republic of Macedonia no later than December 31, 2013.