University of Banja Luka rector wins Global Fred Award

Dr. Ranko Škrbić, rector of the University of Banja Luka, received the Global Fred Award for International Excellence Contribution on Sept. 4 in Banja Luka. The honor recognizes his work in international medical exchange, public health development and cross-border academic collaboration.

Why it matters: - The award spotlights the role universities can play in advancing medical exchange, public health cooperation and international education. - Škrbić’s recognition signals growing attention to academic leaders who build cross-border institutional ties. - The Global Fred Award positions international collaboration as a measurable form of professional and social impact.

What happened: - Dr. Ranko Škrbić, rector of the University of Banja Luka, received the Global Fred Award for International Excellence Contribution on Sept. 4, 2026, in Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. - William Liu, co-founder and chief representative for China region of the Global Fred Award & Certification, presented the certificate, medal and trophy. - The presentation took place during the High-Level Forum on Investment and Project Cooperation between Republika Srpska and Chinese Enterprises. - The forum brought together representatives from government, business and academia. - Reported attendees included Siniša Karan, president of Republika Srpska; Savo Minić, prime minister of Republika Srpska; and Siniša Berjan, ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to China.

The details: - The Global Fred Award & Certification Committee recognized Škrbić for advancing global academic communication, international medical talent development and cross-border cooperation in public health. - The committee said Škrbić has shown notable achievements in global medical innovation, worldwide public health development and international educational cooperation. - His work is tied to stronger academic exchange and collaboration across national boundaries. - The award honors people whose work supports international cooperation, professional development and global engagement. - The Global Fred Award is an international recognition platform for individuals, organizations and institutions contributing to economic development, social progress, innovation and international cooperation. - The award uses a global nomination and evaluation system to identify work that creates lasting value and encourages further collaboration. - The forum was also framed as a platform for investment, project cooperation and institutional exchange between Republika Srpska and Chinese partners.

Between the lines: - The recognition reflects a broader trend of higher-education leaders taking on roles that extend beyond campus administration. - The timing links academic diplomacy with a forum focused on government-to-business and institution-to-institution cooperation. - The award adds visibility to the University of Banja Luka and to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s academic ties with Chinese partners.

What's next: - The award may help reinforce Škrbić’s profile in future international academic and public health cooperation efforts. - The forum’s focus suggests continued attention to investment and project partnerships between Republika Srpska and Chinese entities. - The Global Fred Award is likely to keep using its nomination and evaluation process to identify additional recipients in international cooperation fields.

The bottom line: - Škrbić’s award underscores how academic leadership can serve as a bridge for medical, educational and public health collaboration across borders. - https://www.instagram.com/the_gfa_/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet - https://www.facebook.com/share/1BGCd9XXq3/?mibextid=wwXIfr - https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalFredAward - https://x.com/globalfredaward?s=11