The event is organized by the European Biotechnology Thematic Network Association (EBTNA) with the support of the Academy of Sciences of Albania.
This event brings together 200 scientific researchers, lecturers, industry representatives (from the food, pharmaceutical, and medical sectors), and students from various fields, coming from countries across the European Union, the Western Balkans, Canada, Israel, Australia, China, and more.

The International Congress of Biotechnology 2025 will be held at the Academy of Sciences of Albania until September 13, taking place in the “Aleks Buda” and “Libri Akademik” halls.

The chairman of the Academy of Sciences of Albania, Acad. Skënder Gjinushi, expressed appreciation for the agreement between the Academy and EBTNA, highlighting the strategy for regional and international scientific cooperation in the fields of biotechnology, life sciences, and education.

Acad. Gjinushi emphasized the importance of collaborations in the field of biotechnology, which have expanded through the development and internationalization of the activities of the centers and units within the Academy of Sciences of Albania, whose areas of focus align with those of biotechnology.

The chairman of the Academy of Sciences of Albania highlighted that over the course of eight years of reform, the experience gained from hosting numerous conferences, conducting workshops with students and early-career doctoral candidates, and implementing several joint projects, ultimately led to the signing of this agreement. The Academy has reiterated its strong commitment and eagerness to continue advancing this collaboration.

A total of 30 scientific papers were presented on the first day of the congress.

The plenary session was opened by Acad. Anila Hoda, Scientific Secretary of the Academy of Sciences of Albania, who delivered a presentation on her research titled *“Biotechnology for Sustainable Development in Livestock and Aquaculture in Albania and Kosovo.”

Other speakers included Prof. Ariola Bacu (Academy of Sciences of Albania), organizer of the congress and Chair of the Molecular Biotechnology Group at the University of Tirana; Prof. Bashkim Ziberi from the University of Tetovo, North Macedonia; and Prof. Hysen Bytyqi, Vice-Rector of the University of Pristina, Kosovo, among others. /j.p/sm/