Tirana – The European Biotechnology Congress 2025, organized by EBTNA, the Academy of Sciences of Albania, and the University of Tirana, transformed the Albanian capital for three days into an international laboratory of ideas, research, and collaboration.
While the celebration of ten years of MAGI Balkan stood out as a central moment, it was the extraordinary international participation that gave true depth to the event, bringing to Tirana some of the most influential voices in global biotechnology.
The Role of the MAGI Group
The MAGI Group, under the leadership of Dr. Matteo Bertelli (International President) and Dr. Natale Capodicasa (President of MAGI Balkan), played a key role, organizing an entire session focused on medical biotechnology and bioinformatics applications.
The presence of Professor Tommaso Beccari and the team from Perugia further strengthened the scientific partnership between Italy and Albania, while young researchers from the MAGI network delivered cutting-edge presentations on genetics, genomics, and machine learning applied to rare diseases.
Israel: From Biosensors to Environmental Biotechnologies
The Israeli delegation, led by Professor Robert Marks, presented state-of-the-art results in the fields of microbial biosensors and environmental biotechnologies. These studies highlighted the application of synthetic biology in pollutant monitoring and rapid diagnostics, opening impactful new perspectives for public health and environmental sustainability.
Canada: Probiotics and Health
From Canada, Professor Burim Ametaj (University of Alberta) presented innovative research aimed at replacing traditional antibiotics with probiotic solutions — a crucial response to one of the greatest global health challenges: antibiotic resistance. His work offered sustainable and safe alternatives through advanced microbiome science.
United Kingdom: Biopolymers and Sustainability
The UK delegation, represented by Professor Iza Radecka, brought to Tirana her studies on microbial bioplastics and innovative biopolymers, capable of significantly reducing the environmental impact of conventional materials. The UK continues to be a leader in green chemistry and bioeconomy research.
Turkey: The Frontier of Cell Therapies
The Turkish team, with the participation of Professor Ercüment Ovalı, presented the latest advancements in CAR-T therapies, among the most promising innovations in cancer treatment. The Turkish contribution enriched the dialogue on clinical biotechnology, reinforcing scientific links between Europe and Asia.
Australia: Biocatalysis and Biopolymers
From Australia, Professor Adam Mechler shared his research on biocatalysis and enzymatic microreactors, with applications in sustainable chemistry and the development of new functional materials. His contribution brought to Tirana a perspective on biotechnology’s potential in both the medical and industrial sectors.
France: The Ghost Proteome and Molecular Oncology
Representing France, Professor Tristan Cardon addressed the topic of the ghost proteome in cancer—one of the most complex challenges in modern molecular biology. His presentation opened new paths for understanding oncogenic mechanisms and developing innovative therapies.
A Global Congress, United in Tirana
Beyond scientific contributions, the congress also hosted workshops, training schools, and practical courses, including the third biotechnology training course organized by MAGI Balkan for students of the University of Tirana.
The resulting picture was that of a global scientific network, where collaborations among researchers from Israel, the United States, Canada, France, Germany, the UK, Turkey, and Australia intersected with the academic and clinical experience of the Balkans and wider Europe.
Conclusions: Tirana as Capital of Scientific Dialogue
The European Biotechnology Congress 2025 demonstrated that biotechnology is now a truly global discipline, integrating research, industry, and education.
The presence of leading figures such as Ariola Bacu, Munis Dundar, Tommaso Beccari, Matteo Bertelli, and Natale Capodicasa, alongside international guests, made Tirana not only the venue of a scientific event but the capital of global biotechnological dialogue.
A congress that celebrated ten years of MAGI Balkan, but more importantly, traced a path forward: a vision of science that builds bridges, breaks down borders, and becomes a tool for global innovation and cooperation.
