The Albanian Academy of Sciences and the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities have signed a new cooperation agreement to strengthen institutional ties and expand scientific collaboration between the two countries.
The agreement followed a two-day official visit by an Israeli delegation led by Academy President David Harel. The President of the Albanian Academy of Sciences, Skënder Gjinushi, welcomed the delegation.
Gjinushi said the agreement would strengthen communication and open new opportunities for cooperation between the two academies.
During the meeting, he presented the history, structure and activities of the Albanian Academy of Sciences. He also highlighted three major projects currently underway: the Comprehensive Dictionary of the Albanian Language, the History of the Albanians and the Albanian Encyclopedia. More than 500 researchers are contributing to the encyclopedia.
Furthermore, Gjinushi highlighted the Academy’s organisation of around 150 scientific events and symposia each year, mainly in cooperation with partner institutions in Kosovo. He also outlined its contribution to addressing issues of national importance.
In particular, he highlighted the work of specialised research groups on Eurocodes, seismology and seismic microzonation maps following earthquakes.
For his part, David Harel presented the structure and operating model of the Israeli Academy. He stressed that the institution operates independently and does not answer to any government body.
He explained that this independence allows the Academy to provide impartial advice and expert assessments on scientific and educational development. Its main role is to offer independent expertise and guidance.
Unlike research universities, the Israeli Academy mainly serves as an honorary and advisory institution. Its members conduct scientific research in cooperation with universities and other research institutions, which provide the necessary infrastructure and human resources.
Both sides also stressed the importance of protecting scientific academies from political and government influence.
As part of the visit, the Israeli delegation met with heads of departments, research institutes and permanent research centres. They also held discussions with representatives of the Academy’s permanent committees and other research units.
Finally, the delegation visited the Archaeological Museum of the Academy of Sciences. The official programme concluded with a meeting with representatives of the Faculty of Natural Sciences.
/a.c/
The post Albania and Israel sign new scientific cooperation agreement appeared first on RTSH.
