MK Group and the Palace of Science project have been awarded the prestigious “Đorđe Vajfert” Award for 2024, which the Serbian Chamber of Commerce has been awarding for the tenth time. This project secured first place.
Miodrag Kostić, founder of MK Group, was one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the region and a visionary businessman who will be remembered for his unwavering belief in the power of knowledge that pushes boundaries. Through the Palace of Science, he sent a message to young people that knowledge is the greatest value that no one can take away from them. With the goal of promoting and popularizing science, the Miodrag Kostić Endowment and the Palace of Science were established, opening their doors to the public at the end of last year in the center of Belgrade.
“We are pleased that the importance of establishing the Miodrag Kostić Endowment – Palace of Science has been recognized. By creating a space that celebrates the power of the human mind and inspires curiosity and passion for knowledge, Miodrag Kostić, like the great benefactors in Serbian history, has left a lasting legacy for the peoples of this region. Thanks to the largest individual and philanthropic donation of 25 million euros, the Palace of Science is the first center for research and popularization of science in Serbia and the largest of its kind in the region. We have provided young scientists and researchers with the opportunity to work in top conditions in their own country and to become leaders of Serbia’s technological progress,” said Aleksandra Stojanović, director of the Palace of Science project and director of corporate affairs at MK Group.
The “Đorđe Vajfert” National Award, which the Serbian Chamber of Commerce has been awarding since 2007, is the highest recognition for socially responsible business in Serbia. The award bears the name in honor of Đorđe Vajfert, one of the most significant industrialists, humanists, and governors in Serbian history. It is intended for companies that contribute to sustainable development, the advancement of the community, and ethical business practices. This award confirms the companies’ dedication to social responsibility and their long-term positive impact on the economy and society as a whole.
