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Collaborative Agreement between the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Sciences of Albania

04 10 2023

The Union of European Academies (UEAA) is pivotal in fostering bilateral exchanges among various European academies. On September 26, 2023, in Vilnius, Lithuania, the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Sciences of Albania formalized their collaborative partnership through a momentous agreement. This accord reflects their commitment to enhancing research capacities and promoting knowledge […]


The Union of European Academies (UEAA) is pivotal in fostering bilateral exchanges among various European academies. On September 26, 2023, in Vilnius, Lithuania, the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Sciences of Albania formalized their collaborative partnership through a momentous agreement. This accord reflects their commitment to enhancing research capacities and promoting knowledge exchange, promising mutual benefits for organizations and their respective institutions.

The signing of this agreement was presided over by Prof. Jūras Banys, President of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences and Acad. Skënder Gjinushi, President of the Academy of Sciences of Albania.

Acad. Jūras Banys, the President of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences (LAS), inaugurated the ceremonial meeting and delivered an insightful address. He provided a concise overview of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, shedding light on its history, organizational structure, domestic and international collaborations with research institutions, and the contemporary challenges faced by scientific research in Europe. The Lithuanian Academy of Sciences holds a distinguished position among modern European academies, ranking as one of the most advanced institutions in the former Eastern Bloc.
Subsequently, Acad. Skënder Gjinushi, President of the Academy of Sciences of Albania (ASA), outlined the ongoing scientific research reform efforts in Albania and the crucial role played by his academy in shaping the regional scientific landscape. He highlighted important national projects led by the Academy of Sciences, as well as initiatives to establish new research centers in nanotechnology and biotechnology. Furthermore, Acad. Nazim Gruda and the Scientific Secretary, Acad. Shaban Sinani presented proposals for new collaborative projects in the fields of Natural Sciences and Social Sciences, respectively.

Photo, left to right: Dr. Dorian Koçi (ASA), Head of the foreign relations division (ASA); Acad. Anila Hoda (ASA); Acad. Nazim Gruda (ASA); President of LAS, Acad. Jūras Banys; President of the ASA Skënder Gjinushi (ASA); Acad. Shaban Sinani (ASA); Deputy President of LAS, Acad. Zenonas Dabkevičius (LAS), in Vilnius, Lithuania.

The Albanian delegation’s visit to Lithuania began on September 25, 2023, with a warm welcome from Prof. Zenonas Dabkevičius, Deputy President of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences. Subsequently, the delegation visited Vilnius University, where they met with Prof. Edita Sužiedėlienė, Vice-Rector and Vice-Rector for Research.
Continuing their journey, the Academy of Sciences of Albania delegation visited the Center of Life Sciences. Prof. Daumantas Matulis and Prof. Aurelija Žvirbliene, the Center’s directors, provided insights into the latest research developments, the centre’s functions, and organizational structure. This visit highlighted the centre’s pivotal role as one of Lithuania’s premier research and scientific institutions.
The Albanian delegation also explored the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, where they were greeted by Prof. Aidas Matijošius, the dean and Director Gintaras Valušis. Additionally, they visited the Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore, engaging in discussions with Prof. Dr. Aušra Martišiūtė-Linartienė, the director, focusing on shared interests between the two national academies.
On the second day of their visit, official meetings and visits were conducted at the Institute of Horticulture within the Lithuanian Research Center for Agriculture and Forestry. The delegation also visited the Veterinary Academy of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences and enjoyed a tour of Kaunas’ historic old town.
On their final day in Lithuania, September 27, the delegation from the Academy of Sciences of Albania explored the National Museum and the Palace of the Grand Duke of Lithuania, immersing themselves in Lithuania’s rich history and culture.
Notably, the Albanian delegation’s visit to Lithuania followed a prior visit from the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences on May 8-10, 2023, to the Albanian Academy of Sciences. This visit was led by Deputy President of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Zenonas Dabkevičius, the two academies engaged in productive discussions and hosted the “Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture in Lithuania and Albania” forum in collaboration with the Agricultural University of Tirana. This initiative strengthened connections between the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Sciences of Albania, facilitating broader cooperation in the field of agricultural sciences. The Lithuanian delegation also contacted the University of Tirana, discussing similarities and differences in research policies and educational management. The visit included a tour of the University Botanical Garden, providing insights into the country’s plant biodiversity.

In the photo (left to right): Acad. Vidmantas Stanys (LAS), Acad. Anila Hoda (ASA), Acad. Zenonas Dabkevičius (LAS), President of ASA Skënder Gjinushi (ASA), Acad. Giedrė Samuolienė (LAS), Acad. Nazim Gruda (ASA), Acad. Shaban Sinani (ASA) in Tirana, Albania.

Acad. Zenonas Dabkevičius and Acad. Nazim Gruda are members of the UEAA steering committee and represent their respective academies., LAS and ASA.

 

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