Welcome to the 5th International Conference on Agriculture and Life Sciences (ICOALS V 2025), taking place in Tirana, Albania. As one of the premier scientific events in the Western Balkans, ICOALS provides a dynamic platform for presenting cutting-edge research and advancements in agriculture and life sciences. The 2025 edition will spotlight the transformative power of digitalisation in agriculture and the critical role of innovation throughout the agrifood system, with a strong emphasis on enhancing food safety from farm to fork.
Key topics will include emerging technologies and smart solutions for plant protection, animal health and welfare, digital farm management, and sustainable productivity—all contributing to more resilient and safer food systems. Life sciences contributions will address a broad spectrum, with particular focus on biotechnology, food safety and quality assurance, nutrition, environmental health, and the sustainable use of natural resources. Strengthening food safety frameworks and scientific evidence to support policy and consumer protection will be a cross-cutting theme across many sessions.
The conference aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners committed to reshaping agriculture through innovation and technology, while safeguarding public health through improved food systems. As the Western Balkans align more closely with EU agricultural and food standards, the integration of digital governance and traceability systems becomes increasingly vital for ensuring compliance and elevating food safety standards across the region.
ICOALS V 2025 also marks the 74th anniversary of the Agricultural University of Tirana, reaffirming its commitment to advancing education, research, and advisory services to meet current and emerging challenges, including the transformation of agriculture and rural areas in the context of EU accession, climate change, biodiversity loss, and—critically—ensuring food safety and consumer trust.