Tirana – While personalized medicine and nanotechnologies attracted much of the attention, the European Biotechnology Congress 2025 also dedicated significant focus to plant and environmental biotechnologies, now recognized as essential tools in addressing the global challenges of sustainability.
Among the key contributors to this section was Prof. Óscar Vicente Meana, Vice President of EBTNA and professor at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, who coordinated sessions on plant innovation. His participation highlighted the leadership of Spanish research in advancing the green transition and the fight against climate change.
The Spanish Contribution: Biotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture
Prof. Vicente, internationally recognized for his research on plant resilience to environmental stress, presented the latest results from his group, which is working on the genetic improvement of crops under drought and salinity conditions.
His work demonstrated how plant biotechnology can be a vital tool to ensure food security in vulnerable regions, while also helping to reduce the environmental impact of intensive agriculture.
Albania and Kosovo: The Green Voice of the Balkans
Environmental themes were also strongly represented by contributions from Albania and Kosovo.
- Prof. Anila Hoda illustrated the potential of biotechnology to support more sustainable agricultural systems in the Balkans, with a focus on livestock farming and aquaculture.
- Prof. Ariola Bacu, chair of the local scientific committee, emphasized the development of both green and blue biotechnologies, with pilot projects already underway at the University of Tirana.
This approach directly connects scientific research with the real needs of the territory, in a region that is already experiencing the tangible effects of climate change.
International Research Groups: From the Lab to Global Sustainability
Beyond Spain and the Balkans, several international groups presented projects dedicated to environmental and plant biotechnologies:
- Polona Žnidaršič Plazl and Igor Plazl (Slovenia) discussed enzymatic microreactors for the sustainable valorization of bio-based materials
- Iza Radecka (United Kingdom) explored the potential of microbial polymers as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics
- Arjan Korpa (Kosovo) presented the development of a hybrid TiO₂-based nanocatalyst for environmental remediation
- Liridon Berisha demonstrated an electrochemical biosensor for detecting food and environmental contaminants
These presentations reinforced the notion that biotechnology goes far beyond healthcare—it is also a cornerstone of the circular economy and of the ecological transition.
Environment and Dialogue: Tirana as the Green Capital of Biotechnology
Within the framework of Tirana’s designation as 2025 Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue, the congress sent a powerful message: science can be a driver of dialogue and cooperation, starting with the shared challenge of environmental protection.
Green biotechnologies are no longer a niche topic—they are a shared priority, linking Spain, the Balkans, Europe, and the wider Mediterranean region within a common research agenda.
Conclusion: Toward a More Sustainable Future
The European Biotechnology Congress 2025 demonstrated that scientific innovation is not confined to laboratories—it directly speaks to the future of agriculture, food security, and environmental health.
From drought-resistant crops to pollution-monitoring biosensors, from bioplastics to biocatalysts, the message is clear:
Green biotechnology is set to become one of the most powerful tools to tackle the climate and environmental crises of our time.
And Tirana, through the contributions of researchers like Óscar Vicente and leading Balkan universities, is emerging as a key reference point in this sustainable revolution.
