Ministry of Education and Sports, through the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation (AKKSHI), has officially announced the call for applications for new projects in 2025. The three key programs include: Scientific Research Infrastructure Projects in Higher Education Institutions, National Research and Development Projects (PKKZH), and Technology and Innovation Projects (PTI).

These projects aim to support priority areas such as Biodiversity and the Environment, Agriculture, Food and Biotechnology, Healthcare and Medical Sciences, Information Systems and Technologies, Social and Albanological Sciences, as well as Water and Energy.

During the event marking the announcement, representatives from academic and research institutions discussed the challenges and opportunities for advancing scientific research and innovation in Albania. The conversations focused on the importance of international partnerships, support for doctoral programs, and the development of new initiatives for researchers.

Minister of Education and Sports, Ogerta Manastirliu, noted that this year’s announcement comes earlier than in previous years, with a specific reason behind the timing.

“This year, the announcement for new scientific research and innovation projects for 2025 is made earlier than ever before, in December, ahead of the 2025 budget. This allows universities, researchers, and scientific institutions to not only reflect on their achievements in research but also set the direction for new projects in the three programs we are launching today. The National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation, supported by the Ministry of Education and the Albanian government through increased annual budgets, creates the opportunity for partnerships not only among universities in Albania but also with businesses and international universities. Our programs promote internationalization, links to the labor market, and sectoral development. I believe we are at a very good moment,” said Minister Manastirliu.

She emphasized that these projects will foster collaboration not only among universities in Albania but also with businesses and international institutions.

She also highlighted the significance of new programs like READ Albania, which aims to co-finance projects and engage expertise both within the country and abroad. Additionally, programs to support and fund doctoral studies through inter-university partnerships will begin in early 2025.

“Scientific research is the heart of the university, but if it remains confined to the walls of the university, it cannot reach its full potential to benefit society. We have been leaders in introducing new projects and programs, and we will continue to do so. One example is a program finalized in the last call through a joint initiative by the Ministry of Education and the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation, in collaboration with READ Albania, to co-finance projects and bring together not only funds but also human resources, both within Albania and from the Albanian Diaspora, to contribute to scientific research. Another READ program, starting in early 2025, will support and fund doctoral studies and foster partnerships between universities and doctoral researchers, further enhancing collaboration among scholars in the third cycle of studies,” Manastirliu stated.

The Minister concluded by stressing the importance of the increased budgets for scientific research and innovation, describing them as a significant step forward in fostering knowledge development and creating new opportunities for Albanian researchers, both nationally and internationally.

“Funding for scientific research has increased. The budget for scientific research and innovation has reached 1.5 billion Lek for this year. For the projects we are announcing today for 2025, which will span 18 to 24 months, we will offer financial support of 6 million Euros, a significant increase compared to last year,” concluded Minister Manastirliu.

/a.p./