The Psychological Research Laboratory for  (hereinafter PRL) at the Bijeljina University  (hereinafter UBN), which was established in 2020 by the decision of the Rector of UBN, is one of the innovative entities and resources of UBN.

GENERAL GOALS OF ESTABLISHING PRL 

Initiation and development of scientific research work of students, assistants and young researchers at the Bijeljina University
At the Bijeljina University there is no permanent, organized, funded and planned scientific research, nor the Center for scientific research of students, assistants, young researchers and lecturers of the University, so there is a need to establish a Psychological Research Laboratory.

There is no single system for classifying scientific research work, nor a database of bibliographic units and scientific research projects, nor a pronounced precise methodology for evaluating scientific research work. In such a situation, young staff, students, assistants and young researchers who have yet to acquire references for their choice and references for participation in international projects have the greatest damage at the University. Therefore, the formation of the first scientific research LPI at the Bijeljina University is a significant and valuable contribution to higher education in Bijeljina, Republika Srpska, and beyond.

Involvement in the international scientific research network
 The way of organizing work provided by PRL to students and young researchers is defined by EU documents and programs that are applied at institutes and universities in EU countries and together with integrated projects represent one of the most important forms of organization of scientific research at these institutions.

The first PRL at UBN will be linked in a network of excellence project with compatible laboratories at European research institutes and universities.

This will enable students at all levels of study, assistants and young researchers to be able to participate in scientific research, projects and programs of the EU and to be a respectable creative intellectual force in the Republic of Srpska, the region and beyond.
Connecting university-educated staff through scientific research work with business organizations and public institutions
Students educated in the humanities and social sciences, such as psychology students, have great potential in the future development of a knowledge-based society, in understanding that society, and in the process of lifelong learning for that society.

Connecting PRL with social institutions and economic organizations will enable creative and purposeful connection of the University as a base of young and creative people with direct users of human resource in our country. From that relationship and such connection, during the studies, the interests of students for scientific research work will be profiled according to the needs of society.

FOCUSED GOALS OF PRL WORK

Orienting students towards creating their own projects
As an established practice in Europe and in the world, in terms of educational modules, it has proved useful for students in the early years of study to direct and develop their intellectual interest in a particular scientific research area through scientific research. This puts an end to the bad practice of devoting most of the time at universities to taking exams as a pedagogical obligation, instead of directing students towards the area of ​​their interest in scientific research work at different study levels.

Independent and team work in PRLwill help the participating students from the very beginning of their engagement to get the opportunity to develop their intellectual potential in the desired direction with the help of mentors and experts in certain fields. In that case, taking the exam should be just one confirmation of the quality of work in one area.

Strengthening interest in the study program
Raising students' awareness of the importance of a holistic approach to studies through all its levels: undergraduate, master's and doctoral studies to postdoctoral studies, which will be able to be organized at UBN in the future. This approach can only be based on the continuity of scientific research, and not on the mere acquisition of a diploma for the sake of a diploma.

Connecting study programs and research programs The PRL will emphasize the interactive communication of participants as well as their participation in individual and team research projects, which are significantly better than the quality of studies of isolated subjects. The quality of students, assistants and young researchers who pass through research laboratories in EU countries shows that the largest number of future university teachers, experts, experts and associates at scientific research institutes come from these staff.

Stronger and more purposeful connection of study programs of all three cycles with scientific-research programs through projects in the country and abroad ensures safer and faster mastering of university obligations, acquisition of references and involvement of researchers in the global scientific-research division of work.