The declaration was signed by Science Minister Dragan Primorac, the chairman of the National Science Council, Kresimir Pavelic, the chairman of the National Council for Higher Education, Frane Parac, and the deans of seven Croatian universities.
Expressing satisfaction with the results of the declaration signed at the first congress of Croatian scientists, held in Zagreb and Vukovar in 2004, the signatories pointed to the progress Croatia has made in the process of preparation for full EU membership.
They said that it was necessary to continue increasing investments into science and education, support foundations for science, higher education and technological development, encourage the integration of Croatian scientists working abroad into science projects in Croatia, and continue developing the quality and responsibility of scientists and scientific institutions.
The declaration called for determining by the end of 2007 a maximum of five priority science and technology areas and establish by 2010 interdisciplinary scientific excellence centres in those narrow priority areas.
The document also urged rejuvenating the system of science and higher education and creating conditions for autonomous work for outstanding young scientists, and called on Croatian scientists working abroad to participate in new research projects.