A Geographical Research Unit has been established at the Academy of Sciences of Albania.

“The creation of such a unit will advance the study of Albania’s geography and expand collaborations that existed until 2007 between the Center for Geographical Studies, departments, and geographers from Kosova,” said renowned geographer Prof. Dr. Vasil Kristo during the event.

Prof. Dr. Perikli Qiriazi further highlighted the need for the Geographical Research Unit.

He stated that the closure of the Center for Geographical Studies in 2007 was a significant mistake. As a result, geography departments at Albanian universities have struggled to lead and conduct in-depth national and international studies. This issue has become more pressing recently, with the decreasing number of students enrolling in geography programs.

Prof. Dr. Qiriazi outlined several key tasks for the new unit, including promoting new methodological approaches in contemporary global geographical studies. The unit will also offer scientific support and peer reviews for geographical articles in the Albanian Encyclopedia.

The unit’s scientific activities will also focus on updating and revising the “Physical Geography” monograph, the first major collective work published almost 40 years ago by the Center for Geographical Studies.

During the event, the internal regulations for the unit, the scientific activity platform, and the 2025-2026 work program prepared by the unit’s board were also presented.

According to the decision of the Academy’s Presidency, the Geographical Research Unit has a two-year mandate, with the option to extend it for another two years or to transition into a geographical research institute if it justifies success with its scientific studies and future potential.

/a.p./