The Western Balkan Conference on Mathematics and Applications (WBCMA 2026) aims to provide a premier platform for academics and researchers to exchange ideas, present new research findings, and strengthen institutional cooperation in the field of mathematics.

Neki Frashëri, Head of the Natural and Technical Sciences Section, delivered the welcoming remarks on behalf of the Academy of Sciences of Albania (ASHSH). In his speech, he highlighted the event’s unique scientific value and underscored the vital importance of cooperation between the universities of Tirana and Pristina.

He also welcomed the international experts in attendance, specifically noting the participation of Academician David Kalaj from Montenegro—one of the region’s most renowned mathematicians specializing in complex analysis and harmonic mappings.

A highlight of the conference’s opening ceremony was the presentation of the certificate of foreign membership in the Academy of Sciences of Albania to Academician David Kalaj. The certificate was presented by the Academy’s President, Skënder Gjinushi.

Further on, Professor Kalaj presented one of his major scientific breakthroughs: solving two long-standing open problems in global mathematics—the Gauss Conjecture and the Nitsche-Hopf Conjecture on the curvature of minimal surfaces. Through an innovative geometric approach, the professor from Tuzi, Montenegro, succeeded in establishing the absolute curvature limits for these surfaces (famously visualized as soap films).

Published in the highly prestigious Duke Mathematical Journal, this groundbreaking discovery is an extraordinary contribution to global differential geometry that elevates Albanian science to the highest international academic heights. /p.s./

The conference brought together mathematicians, professors, and PhD students from Albanian and foreign universities and scientific institutions.

Chairman of the Academy of Sciences Skënder Gjinushi praised the fact that the conference is being held at a time when mathematical sciences have come to the forefront.

“Mathematics and language are the two main pillars of student education in school. It should be strongly emphasized that the role of mathematics in school is not simply to teach some formulas, but to strengthen rational thinking,” said Gjinushi.

Gjinushi emphasized that, “The development of mathematical research in Albania does not have an old tradition, however, it has managed to achieve its basic mission.”

Chairman of the Academy of Sciences emphasized the reform and strategies of scientific research in accordance with the new rhythms of science in Europe and beyond, as well as the need to multiply investments in scientific research, creating the proper sectors to absorb these investments.

On her part, Prof. Dr. Eglantina Kalluçi, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Tirana, spoke on the issue of the development of mathematical science in the era of artificial intelligence development.

During the session, there were presented scientific papers by acad. Davis Kalaj, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, external member of the Academy of Sciences; prof. Stefan Janaqi, National School of Minerals of Ales, France, as well as researchers from the universities of Tirana, Durrës, Elbasan, Vlora, Tetovo in North Macedonia, etc.

The conference will continue its proceedings on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the premises of the Academy of Sciences of Albania. /m.m/a.f/p.s./