This section highlights the institutions and organizations that play a vital role in the planning, execution, and support of the conference. From academic leadership to strategic collaboration and financial sponsorship, the “Organizers and Partners” page recognizes the contributions of all entities involved in making this event possible. It serves both to inform participants about the key stakeholders behind the conference, and to promote transparency, trust, and recognition of their support.
Organizers
Agricultural University of Tirana
The Higher Agricultural Institute (HAI) was established on November 1, 1951, just seven years after the end of the Second World War, at a time when Albania had only recently reasserted its sovereignty—albeit as part of the communist bloc. First lectures on agricultural sciences were delivered at the Faculty of Agronomy in 1951.
GIZ is an enterprise owned by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, providing services worldwide in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and education. The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is the main commissioning party, alongside partnerships with the private sector, EU institutions, the United Nations, and governments of other countries.
GIZ Albania has been active since 1988, implementing projects in economic development, climate and energy, rural development, and digitalization.
The Sustainable Rural Development Program (SRD) works with business and government to increase competitiveness and raise income in the rural areas of Albania. Together, we establish innovations in agriculture and rural tourism, scale them in the market and build a strong enabling environment. We focus on vegetables, fruits, and dairy in agricultural value chains, and promote outdoor sports, agritourism and destination management in rural tourism. We do this in the context of EU accession, promoting green growth, fostering digitization, and advancing diversity. In cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, SRD II is implemented by GIZ, on behalf of the German, Swiss and British Governments between 2023 and 2026.
GIZ has been co-organizer and has financially supported ICOALS since the first edition.
BOKU University
The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, or simply BOKU (derived from its German name, Universität für Bodenkultur Wien), founded in 1872, is an education and research centre for renewable resources in Vienna, Austria. BOKU combines expertise in the fields of natural sciences, engineering, biotechnology, and social and economic sciences. In research and teaching, it focuses on:
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- – the conservation and development of protection for habitats, economy, and living standards
- – the management of natural resources and environment
- – the protection of food and health
BOKU sees itself as an innovation leader in the green economy, with the goal of integrating sustainability into all processes in society. It is a member of the Euroleague for Life Sciences (ELLS), the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI), the European University Initiative (EPICUR), the Austrian-African Research Network (Africa UniNet), and numerous other international cooperations. There are currently 10,941 students from over 100 countries enrolled at BOKU.
Campus: After 27 years at Palais Schönborn, the City of Vienna decided in 1896 to build a new campus at Türkenschanzpark in the 18th district. The departments of sustainable agriculture, soil science, horticulture, animal husbandry, economics, and social sciences are still headquartered at this original campus. Another city campus, located at Muthgasse in the 19th district near the Heiligenstadt underground station, is the headquarters for the biotechnology, chemistry, plant sciences, water resource management, waste management, and food sciences departments. There is also a research facility complex in Tulln, north of the city, with biotechnology and agricultural sciences laboratories and facilities. Other important locations and testing fields are Groß-Enzersdorf (Lower Austria), Jedlersdorf (Vienna), Knödelhütte (Vienna), Heuberg/Rosalia (Burgenland), and the Water Cluster Lunz am See (Lower Austria).
Academy of Sciences of Albania
The Academy of Sciences of Albania, founded in 1972, is the most important scientific institution in Albania. In the 1980s, several research institutes began at the University of Tirana were transferred to the Academy’s jurisdiction. The institution includes the most distinguished scientists, also called “academics”, that are involved in research centres and other organisations inside and outside Albania. As of 2009, the Academy had 23 regular members, 10 associated members, one permanent member, and 26 honour members
The Academy was among several dozens of the world’s scientific academies which endorsed through signature the Summit Statement emerging from the New Delhi Population Summit of 1994.
The Academy is composed of two sections:
– Social Sciences and Albanological Section
– Natural and Technical Sciences Section
It also includes the following units:
– Projects of Technological and Innovation Development,
– Branch for Foreign and Public Relations,
– Library
– Publishing
The Academy of Sciences of Albania has the country’s largest academic library. Founded in 1975 starting with 10,000 volumes, it included 812,000 volumes by 1986.
In 2008, funding for most research functions of the academy was withdrawn, those research functions subsequently transferred to universities and research centres. Four research institutes which were separated from the Academy joined to form the Centre of Albanological Studies. http://akad.gov.al/
National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation
The National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation (NASRI) is the responsible institution for evaluating, funding, monitoring, and administering programs and projects in the fields of science, technology, and innovation, both at the national and international level.
NASRI’s mission is to support and advance scientific research by fostering collaboration between research institutions, universities, the private sector, and other relevant stakeholders. Through institutional and financial support, the agency aims to build a sustainable and advanced environment for the development of knowledge and innovation in Albania.
Our vision is to establish a research and innovation system aligned with national priorities that contributes to the country’s development and integration into the European Research Area. NASRI is committed to building modern research infrastructure, developing effective implementation instruments for R&D policies,
Co-organizers
University of Bari Aldo Moro
The University of Bari Aldo Moro (Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro) is a prestigious public university located in Bari, southern Italy. Founded in 1925, it is named after Aldo Moro, a distinguished statesman and former student who played a key role in modern Italian politics. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines including humanities, sciences, economics, law, medicine, and engineering. With a strong focus on research, innovation, and international collaboration, the University of Bari is recognized for its academic excellence and contribution to regional and global development.
Partners
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ministria e Bujqësisë dhe Zhvillimit Rural) in Albania is in charge of regulation of the economic activity in the agricultural sector of the country with a purpose of increasing the sector’s production capacity. The ministry is responsible for agriculture, rural development, food safety and consumer protection, fisheries and aquaculture, and waters administration.
Michigan State University (MSU)
Michigan State University (MSU), located in East Lansing, Michigan, USA, is one of the nation’s top public research universities and a pioneer among land-grant institutions. Founded in 1855, it began as the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan, the prototype for the land-grant university model established under the Morrill Act of 1862. This legacy set the stage for MSU’s commitment to accessible education, research that benefits society, and outreach that transforms communities. MSU offers more than 400 programs of study across undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels.
As a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), MSU ranks among the top research institutions globally. MSU annually receives over $700 million in research funding, driving innovations in health, sustainability, agriculture, and technology.Rooted in its land-grant heritage, MSU is deeply committed to public service, community engagement, and practical solutions to real-world problems. Its MSU Extension program brings research-based knowledge to all 83 counties of Michigan. Globally, MSU operates in more than 140 countries through partnerships, development projects, and educational programs, making it a leader in international research and collaboration.With over 50,000 students from more than 130 countries, MSU offers a dynamic and inclusive campus environment.
The MSU campus spans over 5,300 acres, making it one of the largest and greenest in the United States. Michigan State University continues to play a key role in addressing global challenges—from climate change and food security to social equity and technological innovation—through education, research, and outreach
Boston University School of Public Health
Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) is a globally recognized institution committed to advancing public health through education, research, and practice. Located in the heart of Boston’s renowned Longwood Medical Area, BUSPH offers a vibrant academic environment that brings together students, faculty, and practitioners from across disciplines to address some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.
The School offers a wide range of graduate programs, including a highly ranked Master of Public Health (MPH), as well as doctoral degrees and certificates in specialized areas such as epidemiology, health policy, environmental health, and global health. BUSPH emphasizes practical, real-world impact, encouraging students to engage with communities locally and globally through applied research, internships, and fieldwork.
Faculty at BUSPH are leaders in their fields, working on cutting-edge issues such as pandemic preparedness, health equity, climate and health, substance use, and the social determinants of health. The School fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture, driven by its mission to improve the health of populations—particularly the most vulnerable—through innovation and evidence-based solutions.
With strong connections to Boston’s extensive healthcare, academic, and policy networks, BUSPH is an ideal place for aspiring public health professionals to build skills, gain experience, and shape meaningful careers.