The ceremony for awarding the certificates of appreciation "Honor of the Academy" to Prof. Munis Dundar and Prof. Robert Marks took place
The ceremony of awarding the certificates of appreciation “Honor of the Academy” to Prof. Munis Dundar and Prof. Robert Marks, two distinguished international personalities in the field of biology and biotechnology, took place today, September 25, at the Academy of Sciences of Albania.
The event was preceded by an office meeting with the President of the Academy of Sciences, Academician Skënder Gjinushi, where the possibilities of intensifying scientific cooperation were discussed.
Further, the activity was moderated by Prof. Dr. Ariola Bacu, National Coordinator and member of the Executive Committee of EBTNA and also part of the Standing Committee of Biology, Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine at the Academy of Sciences, who in her opening speech praised the valuable contribution and continuous dedication of the two professors in the development of international cooperation.
On this occasion, the President of the Academy of Sciences, Academician Skënder Gjinushi, delivered the welcoming speech and expressed his satisfaction for the appreciation of the two distinguished personalities, whom he now called friends of Albania.
Acad. Gjinushi announced the decision of the Academy Jury, which, at its meeting on July 8, 2026, based on the Regulation for the Award of Awards and Titles of Recognition, decided to award the title “Honor of the Academy” to Professor Munis Dundar and Professor Robert Marks.
This award was given to Prof. Munis Dundar for his contribution to the establishment and consolidation of the partnership between the Academy of Sciences of Albania and the Executive Committee of the European Biotechnology Thematic Network Association (EBTNA); the organization of international congresses, conferences and schools in Albania; the promotion of joint research projects and academic networks; the creation of opportunities for the involvement of Albanian researchers in European biotechnology initiatives; as well as the strengthening of scientific relations between the Academy of Sciences of Albania and international research institutions.
Prof. Robert Marks was honored for his contribution to the development of biotechnology, biosensors and innovation; his continuous support in the creation of strategic partnerships; the development of joint research projects; the organization of joint scientific activities; as well as his role in the internationalization of the activities of the Academy of Sciences of Albania, creating sustainable bridges of cooperation for the benefit of the development of scientific research, innovation and technology transfer.
Initially, Prof. Munis Dundar, President of the Executive Committee of the European Association of the Thematic Network of Biotechnology, expressed his deep gratitude to the Academy of Sciences, describing this appreciation as evidence of institutional friendship and long-term partnership through the European Thematic Network of Biotechnology.
Then, after receiving the certificate, Prof. Robert Marks, member of the EBTNA Executive Committee and leader of the Biosensors group at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel, expressed that he felt honored for this award and highly appreciated the opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation in the field of science and innovation between Albania and Israel.
The ceremony continued with the greetings of the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Eglantina Kalluci, who described this assessment as evidence of the successful cooperation over the years between the Academy and the FSHN.
The Chairman of the Standing Committee on Biology, Agriculture and Medicine, Acad. Ilia Mikerezi, expressed the committee’s pride in this assessment and in strengthening the bridges of cooperation in the life sciences.
At the end, there was a presentation of collaborative activities with Prof. Munis Dundar and Prof. Robert Marks over the years, accompanied by a photographic exhibition by Prof. Ariola Bacu.
This activity constitutes an important step in the appreciation of prominent figures in science and in strengthening the ties of the Albanian Academy of Sciences with the international scientific community.
