Academician Jani Vangjeli, Renowned Botanist and Expert on Albanian Flora, Passes Away at 79

Academician Emeritus Jani Vangjeli, a distinguished botanist and specialist in the flora of Albania, has passed away at the age of 79.

Born on June 23, 1945, in Tirana, Vangjeli completed his studies at the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Tirana, graduating with a degree in Biology in 1967. From 1969 to 1982, he taught at the Department of Botany at the University of Tirana. He also worked as a research scientist at the Institute of Biological Research from 1980 to 2007, where he led the Flora Sector from 1990 to 1993 and served as director and chairman of the Scientific Council between 1993 and 1998.

As the head of the Institute, he spearheaded groundbreaking research in ecological studies of plant formations and vegetation dynamics.

Vangjeli’s exceptional scientific contributions earned him the title of Professor in 1994 and membership in the Academy of Sciences of Albania in 2008. He was also honored with the prestigious “Petrit Radovicka” Award from the Academy for his work in natural and technical sciences.

His research focused on the study of rare and endangered plants, biodiversity, and natural vegetation. The Academy of Sciences expressed deep sorrow over the loss of such a valued member, calling him one of its most distinguished members.

/k.s/