Tirana – The future of science gathered in Tirana. From September 11 to 13, 2025, the Albanian capital hosted the European Biotechnology Congress, an event promoted by EBTNA in collaboration with the Academy of Sciences of Albania and the University of Tirana.
Over three days packed with presentations, debates, and meetings, the congress offered one of the most extensive and structured overviews of contemporary biotechnology: from basic research to clinical applications, from environmental sustainability to industrial innovation, from personalized medicine to nanotechnologies.
A City at the Crossroads of Culture and Science
It was no coincidence that Tirana was chosen to host the event. The Albanian capital, positioned between the Mediterranean and the Balkans, has been named 2025 Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue—a title perfectly aligned with the congress’s mission as a space for global and multidisciplinary exchange.
The congress successfully combined the international vocation of scientific research with the promotion of local talent, underlining the increasing role of the Balkans in the European scientific landscape.
Voices of Leadership
The congress was led by key figures in the international scientific community:
- Prof. Ariola Bacu, chair of the local organizing committee, emphasized the potential of green and blue biotechnologies in Albania
- Prof. Munis Dundar, President of EBTNA, renewed the challenge of making biotechnological innovations accessible to all countries
- Prof. Tommaso Beccari, EBTNA treasurer and representative of the Perugia group, contributed the perspective of Italy’s long-standing biotechnology tradition
Alongside them were Dr. Matteo Bertelli, international president of the MAGI Group, and Dr. Natale Capodicasa, president of MAGI Balkan, which celebrated its 10th anniversary at the congress.
Ten Years of MAGI Balkan: Young Scientists at the Center
The 10th anniversary of MAGI Balkan was one of the most anticipated events. In a dedicated session chaired by Bertelli, Beccari, and Capodicasa, young researchers presented innovative studies:
- machine learning algorithms for polygenic risk prediction,
- genetic studies on rare diseases such as anorexia nervosa and lipedema,
- integrated models for multi-omics analysis,
- and in vivo experiments using Drosophila melanogaster.
This mosaic of contributions demonstrated both the scientific vitality of the group and its ability to train a new generation of biotechnologists.
A Global Congress: International Excellence
The congress confirmed its global dimension through a network of outstanding international guests:
- From Israel, Prof. Robert Marks presented microbial biosensors for environmental monitoring
- From the United States, Prof. Ratnesh Lal showcased progress in portable molecular biosensors for self-diagnosis
- From Canada, Prof. Burim Ametaj (University of Alberta) discussed probiotic alternatives to antibiotics
- From France, Prof. Tristan Cardon explored the “ghost proteome” in oncology
- From the United Kingdom, Prof. Iza Radecka presented microbial biopolymers for sustainable industrial applications
- From Turkey, Prof. Ercüment Ovalı gave updates on CAR-T cell therapy
- From Australia, Prof. Adam Mechler addressed biocatalysis and enzymatic microreactors
This international chorus clearly showed that biotechnology is a borderless science.
Thematic Sessions: Medicine, Environment, and Industry
The program addressed the most relevant fields of contemporary biotechnology:
- Personalized medicine and new therapies, with sessions on the microbiome and CAR-T cells
- Genomics and bioinformatics, focusing on rare diseases and the potential of artificial intelligence
- Environmental and marine biotechnologies, essential for the sustainability of Albania, Kosovo, and the Balkans
- Nanobiotechnologies and biosensors, a rapidly growing sector with wide-ranging applications
- Industrial and green biotechnologies, with attention to polymers, bioprocesses, and innovative materials
In addition to plenary sessions, the congress hosted workshops, training schools, and the third practical biotechnology course organized by MAGI Balkan, involving students from the University of Tirana.
A Growing Scientific Community
The congress showcased not only scientific progress, but also the growth of an international scientific community capable of dialogue, exchange, and long-term collaboration.
Tirana, with its energy and cultural openness, provided the ideal setting for this convergence of ideas, proving itself not just a host city, but a true crossroads of innovation and cooperation.
Conclusion: Science as a Bridge
The European Biotechnology Congress 2025 concluded with the shared understanding that biotechnology is one of the most dynamic and strategic fields for the future of humanity.
The work of Ariola Bacu, Munis Dundar, Tommaso Beccari, Matteo Bertelli, and Natale Capodicasa, alongside contributions from international guests, made the event not only a scientific success, but also a political and cultural manifesto:
science as a bridge between countries, cultures, and generations.
Tirana has shown that it can be not only a capital of culture and dialogue, but also a European capital of biotechnology.
