University of Tirana: Advancing Knowledge for a Sustainable Future
As the largest and most prestigious public university in Albania, the University of Tirana (UT) is recognized for its academic excellence and major contribution to higher education and research in the country. It fosters multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation across sciences, technology, and social development — connecting national expertise with international initiatives that address tangible environmental and societal challenges.
🧪 Chemistry for a Changing World
At the heart of UT’s involvement in the AquaBioNets project is the Department of Chemistry, part of the Faculty of Natural Sciences. Dedicated to advancing education and research in chemical sciences, the department’s activities span analytical, inorganic, organic, and environmental chemistry. In recent years, it has placed growing emphasis on sustainable and green chemical technologies, integrating teaching excellence with applied research in environmental monitoring and water quality assessment. Its work contributes to national and international initiatives focused on protecting ecosystems and promoting sustainable development.
The AquaBioNets team at the University of Tirana is led by Prof. Dr. Elda Marku, an expert in organic and environmental chemistry. Her research focuses on the monitoring of organic pollutants in environmental matrices and the development of sustainable analytical approaches for water and soil quality assessment. With extensive experience in coordinating international research projects, Prof. Marku and her team bring valuable knowledge and commitment to cross-border collaboration and environmental management, which will enrich the project’s scientific foundation and practical outcomes.
🧫 A Broader Research Horizon
Beyond AquaBioNets, the Department of Chemistry conducts a wide range of research activities in water ecology, riverine litter, macro- and microplastics in the environment, food safety, and pesticide analysis. Through these projects, UT contributes to advancing environmental knowledge, promoting innovation, and supporting better policy and practice at both national and regional levels.
🧩 Building Capacity and Connections through AquaBioNets
Through AquaBioNets, the University of Tirana expects to gain significant scientific and practical benefits — from access to innovative methodologies and data, to capacity building within its department. The project strengthens cooperation between public institutions, researchers, and SMEs, helping to translate research into action and inform policies that support sustainable aquaculture and marine ecosystem management.
Ultimately, AquaBioNets provides an important platform for UT to expand its impact — connecting knowledge, innovation, and community needs to foster a more resilient and sustainable future for aquaculture in Albania and across the Mediterranean.
