Who we are
About the Patron Endower
Miodrag Kostić is recognised for always providing opportunities to people who have the will and
knowledge to change today and shape tomorrow. The Palace of Science was created thanks to his vision.
Believing in the power of knowledge that pushes boundaries and leads us forward, he founded the Miodrag Kostić Endowment, aimed at promoting science, encouraging innovation and supporting scientific and technological development. The desire to contribute to education motivated him to donate the Palace of Science, the first centre for research and the popularisation of science in Serbia.
The Palace of Science brings scientific discoveries and phenomena closer to the wider public, providing young scientists and researchers with the opportunity to work in supreme conditions as leaders of technological progress in Serbia. By creating a space that celebrates the power of the human mind and inspires curiosity and passion for knowledge, Miodrag Kostić, like the patron endowers in Serbian history, has left a lasting value to the people of this region.
A modern patron endower for modern times
The Palace of Science is the crown of decades of philanthropic activity of Miodrag Kostić, the president and founder of the MK Group, one of the most successful Serbian businessmen. A visionary and strategist, he has demonstrated the significance of knowledge, hard work and perseverance throughout his personal journey and the development of the business system that he built.
Supporting children and youth has always been at the core of his attention. Previously, in 2013, he handed over his family home in Novi Sad, as the “Kostić Family Foundation”, to the “Institute for Health Care Protection of Children and Youth from Vojvodina” for the purpose of providing treatment to children in collaboration with the NURDOR association.
Miodrag Kostić has left an indelible mark with his humanitarian deeds, recognized through numerous awards. He is the only person in Serbia to be awarded the Badge of Honour by the international organisation SOS Children’s Villages. He holds the Golden Red Cross of Serbia award, the prestigious title of “Family Friend” awarded by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and numerous acknowledgements for donations to vulnerable population groups.
Letter from the founder – The opening of the Palace of Science
It fills me with great excitement to imagine the moment when future generations will read this letter. I find myself wondering what the world will look like in 10, 20, or even 50 years, shaped by the discoveries we stand on the verge of today. I am hopeful that some of the innovations born within the research centers of the Palace of Science will become part of that future, and that many of their creators will be those who first fell in love with science while exploring our exhibits as children.
Over the decades I’ve spent in business, I’ve learned that true innovation comes from those brave enough to challenge the status quo and create something new. Personal initiatives often meet resistance, and individual achievements are questioned rather than celebrated. This is why I have always followed the motto: “Those who don’t try will never succeed; those who don’t start will never finish.”
The message I’ve shared most often with young people is this: knowledge is something no one can ever take from you, and it always holds value. For the past century, the Palace of Science has served as a bank; today, it transforms into a bank of knowledge – not something to lock away in vaults, but rather something to share freely and generously with all.
This is a place for the curious, for those unafraid to ask questions and push the boundaries of what we know. It’s a space for those who embrace innovation and shape tomorrow, no matter which generation they belong to. I invite today’s and future scientists, researchers, students, and anyone who loves science to join us in our mission to build a better world together. Because the future belongs to those who create it.
In its mission, the Palace of Science collaborates with one of our country’s most esteemed institutions, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the University of Belgrade. Its professors, distinguished by their scientific accomplishments, selflessly share their knowledge with students – future leaders in Serbia’s scientific and technological advancement. It’s an honor to be able to contribute to creating the best conditions for these brilliant minds and young scientists to carry out their work and research right here, in their homeland.
The torch has now been passed onto you. Carry it with pride and purpose, lighting the way for future generations. Always remember: a scientist is a benefactor to the society they serve. As Mihajlo Pupin wisely said, every great invention brings immeasurably more benefit to society than it does to the inventor or the corporation behind it. Let every step you take here be guided by a desire to contribute to the development and improvement of the world we all share.
