International plant biotechnology conference opens in Tirana, with 160 researchers from Europe attending

The three-day international conference on plant biotechnology “From Lab to Forest and Orchard – The Final CopyTree Conference,” organized by the Academy of Sciences of Albania, opened today in Tirana.

In the opening address, the coordinator, Prof. Dr. Valbona Sota, stressed the importance of the closing conference of the COST CopyTree Action, describing it as a culminating moment of European scientific cooperation in the field of tree biotechnology.

She expressed gratitude to the CopyTree community and the Academy of Sciences of Albania for supporting and organizing the event, highlighting the conference’s contribution to knowledge exchange, scientific discussion and the consolidation of the international network of researchers.

On behalf of the Presidency of the Academy, the conference proceedings were welcomed by the scientific secretary, Acad. Anila Hoda, who said it is a special honor for the Academy to host this meeting, which brings together researchers from different countries and institutions, united in the goal of turning scientific knowledge into concrete solutions for forests, orchards, agriculture and the conservation of plant genetic resources. She added that the very theme of the conference captures a fundamental trait of contemporary science: research cannot remain locked inside the laboratory, but fulfills its mission when it connects with society’s needs — helping preserve biodiversity, face climate change and new plant diseases, improve technologies and sustainably develop the economy.

Acad. Hoda stressed that the Academy gives primary importance to scientific research, an engagement also supported by the mission assigned by the Law on the Academy of Sciences: to encourage the creation of research units, support young scientists, cooperate with research and educational institutions at home and abroad, and attract joint projects.

She cited as an example the Research Center for Biotechnology and Genetics (RCBG), established as a long-term research unit which, through its specialized sectors and the Plant Biotechnology Sector, links scientific expertise with laboratories, projects and the training of the new generation of researchers. The Center’s organization aims to avoid fragmentation of research and encourage an integrated approach, supported by the principles of systems biology and the “One Health” initiative, enabling plant, animal, human and ecosystem health to be studied in their interdependence. In this way, the Center represents the shift from isolated initiatives toward building a permanent, interdisciplinary and collaborative research capacity at the Academy.

In this framework, Acad. Hoda mentioned the CRYOFRUIT, VITROBMA and VINECERT projects, fully funded and supported by the Academy, which show how institutional support can be transformed into scientific research with concrete results and lasting impact. The establishment of Albania’s first plant cryobank aims at the long-term conservation of the genetic material of native fruit species; research on medicinal and aromatic plants develops innovative in vitro methods for producing biomass and metabolites for pharmacological, food and cosmetic use; while the native grapevine project links diagnosis, sanitation and selection of plant material with the need for a certification system harmonized with European standards — as examples of research that preserves the country’s biological heritage and creates value for further development.

The conference proceedings were also welcomed by the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Tirana, Prof. Dr. Eglantina Kalluci, who stressed the importance of the CopyTree conference as a platform for intertwining scientific research, education, innovation and the application of knowledge in addressing challenges in agriculture, forestry, biodiversity and the environment. She praised the interdisciplinary character of the CopyTree field and underlined the need to prepare the new generation of researchers for international cooperation, the use of new technologies and turning scientific knowledge into solutions with direct societal impact.

Next, the floor was taken by the leader of COST Action CA21157 – CopyTree, Prof. Stefaan Werbrouck, who over the past four years has led the international CopyTree community through a period of intensive scientific cooperation, networking, training and knowledge exchange, contributing to stronger cooperation among European researchers and institutions in the field of woody plant biotechnology.

More than 160 foreign collaborators from various European countries are taking part in this event, representing universities, research institutes and international scientific networks, engaged within the framework of COST Action 21157.

Their participation ensures broad geographic and scientific representation, contributing to the exchange of experiences, the presentation of the most advanced practices and the strengthening of international cooperation in the field of plant biotechnology, giving the activity a high level of expertise and a consolidated European dimension.

The event will continue until September 16, 2026, with the exchange of scientific knowledge, the presentation of the latest achievements and discussion of current challenges in the field of in vitro biotechnology of woody plants, focusing on the propagation, conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources.

One of the important goals of the conference is also strengthening international cooperation between research institutions and European networks, encouraging new scientific partnerships and facilitating the transfer of contemporary knowledge and technologies into practice.