Final dissemination conference, Excellence in Research: Albanian Perspectives and the Contribution of Re@WBC Assoc. prof. Armela Panajoti, University of Vlora “Ismail Qemali” Dr. Elvana Shtepani, University of Tirana Final dissemination conference, 10-11 Sept 2018, Belgrade

Outline of the presentation Research in Albania – legal framework Research in Albanian HEIs – UT, UV The contribution of Re@WBC – new perspectives to research and improvements in the university’s bylaws and support services

Legal framework Two main documents regulating research in Albania: Albanian law on HE (no.80/2015), www.arsimi.gov.al/newsroom/ligje/ligj-nr-80-2015-per-arsimin-e-larte-dhe-kerkimin-shkencor-ne-institucionet-e-arsimit-te-larte-ne-republiken-e-shqiperise&page=1 Strategy on Science, Technology and Innovation 2017-2022 (no 710/1.12.2017), http://www.qbz.gov.al/Botime/Akteindividuale/Janar%202017/Fletore%20215/VKM%20nr.%20710,%20date%201.12.2017.pdf

Albanian law on HE Article 8 – governmental policies on HE and research, the Council of HE and Research, a body composed of renowned academic personalities Article 11 – National Agency for HE Funding, distributes funds to HEIs (teaching, research, administrative activities) based on certain criteria as laid down in bylaw no. 75/12.2.2018, http://qbz.gov.al/Botime/Akteindividuale/Janar%202018/Fletore%2022/VKM%20nr.%2075,%20date%2012.2.2018.pdf Article 12 – National Agency for Research and Innovation, governmental agency responsible for funding research and for distributing research funds based on certain criteria as laid down in bylaw no. in bylaw no. 75/12.2.2018 (chapter IV). Article 13: National database for research (list of PhD theses, publications, research projects by Albanian scholars

Albanian law on HE Chapter VIII makes an overview of the organization of research and of the bodies responsible for research in Albanian HEIs, namely a) integration of research with and in teaching (in line with one of the main missions of HE), research for quality education, research for advancement of academic career. b) institutions responsible for research (HEIs, institutes and R&D inter-institutional centres, R&D centres at the MESY) c) areas for research, priorities, programmes (national and international), services for third parties etc.

Strategy on Science, Technology and Innovation 2017-2022 A document that outlines the vision, policies, aims and strategic objectives for the development of science, technology and innovation 2017-2022 Based on the following documents UN Agenda 21 the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Europe 2020 strategy European Agenda for Innovation Union South East Europe (SEE) 2020 strategy for regional development & on the 5 priorities of the European Research Area ( http://ec.europa.eu/research/era/pdf/era-communication/era_final_report_2015.pdf ): 1. effective national research systems, 2. optimal transnational cooperation and competition, 3. open labour market for researchers, 4. gender equality, 5. optimal access to and circulation and transfer scientific knowledge)

Strategy on Science, Technology and Innovation 2017-2022 For each of the 5 priorities, the strategy foresees objectives and deliverables and activities for each objective In the following slides, how these objectives match the Re@WBC goals towards excellence in research

Towards excellence in research Albanian perspectives P1: maximizing research results Reforming the institutional system for research Increasing research funds and other sources for research Integration of the Albanian diaspora in research Increasing cooperation between the research community and business Monitoring quality of research Re@WBC goals Introduction of new bylaws regulating research and the status of researchers at Albanian HEIs. Establishment of awards for researchers Cooperation with scientific diaspora established regional cooperation through participation in the creation of the WBC regional science strategy Young researchers trained in various skills Plagiarism monitoring tools implemented

Towards excellence in research Albanian perspectives P2: Improved research infrastructure Assessing and improving research infrastructure P3: Facilitating practices for open labour market for researchers and mobility of researchers Improvements of recruitment practices of teachers and researchers Revision of the legal framework for mobilities of researchers, publication of a guide Re@WBC goals HR offices and centres equipped Establishment of awards for researchers Action plans for HE management reform HRS4R strategy created and adopted at partner universities Researchers and management trained on C&C and HRS4R

Towards excellence in research Albanian perspectives P4: Gender quality Increased number of job positions for female researchers and scholars by 30% by 2020 Increased number of research projects run by female researchers by 30% by 2020 P5: Optimal access to and circulation and transfer scientific knowledge Open access for publications funded by public funds Re@WBC goals Re@WBC has targeted primarily young researchers Webpages offer opportunity links

UT – Strategy for research (http://www. unitir. edu Strategic aims Qualitative recruitment and career development based on merit and competition under the slogan: “Towards excellence!” Increased funding for research Openness to labour market needs and demands Internationalization of research Research ethics and scientific integrity Objectives Enhancing HR capacity and quality of research Training researchers for a stimulating research environment Access to research publications, resources and infrastructure through effective management Connecting research with business and industry and other HEIs in the country, region and wider Improved access to scientific research results through an increased number of publications, transfer of information and knowledge Integration of UT in the ERA

UV – Strategy for research (https://univlora.edu.al/strategjia/) Aims and objectives UV aims to: become an important regional centre and point of reference for academic cooperation, research, publication and promotion of HE values. become an integral part of networks, organizations and structures in the framework of SEE region and the EU. be part of many development and research projects identify weak points and address shortcoming in research internationalize research. encourage research, development activities, cooperation with other research bodies at home and abroad. disseminate research results and ensure the increase of the impact of research carried out at UV integrate research into teaching. collaborate with the public and private sector to carry out research involve students and young researchers in research.

Concluding remarks Re@WBC has greatly contributed to meet the national and institutional aims and objectives for excellence in research in Albanian HEIs (UV, UT). It has shaped strategies and bylaws of both institutions. It has aided in the reinforcement of HR offices and centres. It has aided in the improvement of the quality of and approach to research (plagiarism tools, trainings, guidebook for young researchers, awareness of C&C principles). It has reoriented institutional policies (ethics, mentoring, career development, multidisciplinarity, continual training, R&D) It has enhanced networking among EU and WBC partner institutions. It has improved the international profile of partner institutions. It will thus help both UV and UT in creating the conditions for building a stimulating environment for excellent universities for the researchers and excellent researchers for the community.

Thank you very much for your attention!