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

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

3. Legal framework Two main documents regulating research in Albania:
Albanian law on HE (no.80/2015),
Strategy on Science, Technology and Innovation (no 710/ ),

4. 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/ ,
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/ (chapter IV).
Article 13: National database for research (list of PhD theses, publications, research projects by Albanian scholars

5. 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.

6. 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
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 ( ): 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)

7. 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 goals towards excellence in research

8. 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
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

9. 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
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

10. 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
goals
has targeted primarily young researchers
Webpages offer opportunity links

11. 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

12. 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.

13. Concluding remarks
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.

14. Thank you very much for your attention!