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March 17 – 19, 2025 _ Important Visit: EAEVE at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, AUT! 🇪🇺

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Agricultural University of Tirana (AUT) is honored to welcome the European Association of Veterinary Education Institutions (EAEVE) for the second time in a series of visits and supporting activities aimed at transforming veterinary education and strengthening the accreditation process. This visit is part of the BOKU and AUT 2030 Strategy, a long-term initiative to improve academic programs, research capacities, and institutional development at AUT.
This evaluation plays a key role in ensuring that veterinary education at AUT meets European quality standards, is updated with the latest scientific developments, and prepares future veterinarians excellently. Additionally, this visit supports the strategic development for the modernization of veterinary education and the strengthening of international cooperation.
Special Guests:
🔹 Prof. Dr. Petra Winter – President of EAEVE (VetmedUni, Austria)
🔹 Prof. Dr. Pierre Lekeux – Director of EAEVE (University of Liège, Belgium)
🔹 Prof. Dr. Gaetano Oliva – Vice-President of EAEVE, Representative of Region 3, and Director of the Veterinary Education Institute (VEE) at the University of Naples Federico II, Italy
Main Focus of the Visit:
🔹 In-depth analysis of veterinary education, research capacities, and practical training
🔹 Inspection of infrastructure and equipment to assess compliance with EAEVE accreditation standards
🔹 Meetings with students, academic staff, and external stakeholders to evaluate the curriculum content and market needs
🔹 Analysis of deficiencies and the support required for the development of the strategy to improve veterinary education, research, and clinical training
🔹 Final recommendations and a roadmap for accreditation and the long-term transformation of the program
This visit represents an important step toward improving veterinary education in Albania, ensuring that the next generation of veterinarians is trained according to the highest international standards. It also aligns with the BOKU and AUT 2030 Strategy, reinforcing AUT’s commitment to modernizing academic programs, fostering research collaboration, and international partnerships.
Stay informed for updates on this important event!

Empowering Scientific Research at AUT!

One of the main topics of the 7th BOKU mission at AUT (March 19–21) was scientific research. During this mission, dedicated meetings were organized with young researchers, faculty members, and administration staff supporting research processes. Significant steps were taken towards strengthening the research capacities at the Agricultural University of Tirana. The focus was clear: to build a stronger, more visible, and inclusive research environment that serves the development of the academic community and society as a whole.
• Doctoral students shared their challenges related to funding, publications, and access to infrastructure—emphasizing the need for more support and clear incentives.
• Professors discussed the importance of linking research with career development and teaching quality, highlighting the need for better research infrastructure and evaluation systems.
• University leaders and administration explored ways to improve the management of research projects to ensure transparency, compliance, and to build a modern research data foundation.
Key Priorities for AUT:
  • Establishment of a dedicated unit for scientific research services
  • Support for young researchers through grants and guidance
  • Connecting scientific research with teaching and societal impact
  • Providing real incentives for high-quality research
  • Promoting interdisciplinary and sustainable research

Digital Agriculture in Focus: AUT Gathers Experts to Shape the Future of Education in Smart Farming

On March 19th, following the 7th mission of BOKU in Tirana, members of the Smart Farming Working Group, the Study Program Committee (SCC), as well as representatives from all five faculties of the Agricultural University of Tirana (AUT) gathered to discuss the development of a new study program in Agricultural Technology and Digital Agriculture.

The Role of Technology in Smart Farming
The meeting began with a presentation that explored the current trends and perspectives in Smart Farming. This field has gained significant importance in the development of modern agriculture, with precision technologies, robotics, and data management playing a key role in increasing efficiency and sustainability in agricultural production. The growing demand for these technologies highlights the urgent need to prepare a new generation of professionals with interdisciplinary knowledge in agriculture, ICT, and engineering.

Strengthening AUT’s Capabilities
An important part of the discussion focused on analyzing the existing scientific capacities at AUT. Based on the scientific publications of the staff, implemented projects, and institutional experience, a solid foundation of competencies was identified, which offers strong support for the development of a study program tailored to meet the needs of the labor market and the agricultural sector.

Curriculum Model from Wiener Neustadt
Participants also reviewed a successful curriculum model from the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt (Campus Francisco Josephinum), which has successfully integrated engineering, digital technologies, and managerial skills in agriculture. This model serves as valuable inspiration for AUT’s approach to curriculum design and inter-faculty collaboration.

Aligning with the Digital Transformation Demands
This initiative is part of AUT’s broader vision to align education with the demands of digital transformation in agriculture, while contributing to national goals related to innovation, sustainability, and rural development. The discussion represents a concrete step forward in developing a study program that meets the needs of the agricultural sector in Albania and positions AUT as a regional leader in digital agriculture education.
AUT’s commitment is an important step in the direction of transforming agriculture and education in Albania, contributing to the creation of new opportunities for developing the skills and infrastructure necessary to prepare future professionals for a more sustainable and technologically advanced agricultural sector.

New Study Programs at the Agricultural University of Tirana (AUT)

A historic transformation is taking place at the Agricultural University of Tirana (AUT)! In collaboration with the University of BOKU in Vienna, one of the top institutions in Europe for natural sciences, agriculture, and the environment, AUT has developed eight new Bachelor’s degree programs, set to launch in October 2025. This major transformation has involved months of in-depth consultations and analysis with experts and key market actors, as well as study visits to both universities.

This is an incredible opportunity for students seeking a high-quality education, based on the best European practices and focused on the needs of the job market. The new programs will offer excellent career opportunities in various fields of sustainable development, agricultural innovation, environmental management, and the agro-food industry.

New Bachelor’s Programs in Preparation:

1. Agriculture and Food
2. Environmental Engineering and Water Management
3. Forest Management and Wood Science
4. Business Management and Economics
5. Food Technology and Nutrition
6. Veterinary Medicine (European Accreditation in Process)

What Does This Transformation Bring for Students?

• Modern and International Curriculum: The programs are designed based on the best European practices, making education at AUT comparable to top universities in Europe.
• Expertise and Collaboration with BOKU: The collaboration with one of the most advanced universities in natural and environmental sciences ensures a curriculum based on the latest scientific advancements and best practices.
• Preparation for International Careers: With a program focused on the job market and industry needs, students will be skilled and competitive in both the Albanian and European labor markets.

Why Choose AUT?

Agricultural University of Tirana is committed to offering advanced and sustainable education that prepares students for successful and innovative futures. Through these new programs, the Agricultural University of Tirana is shaping the future of higher education and sustainable development in Albania and beyond.

Stay informed and be part of the change!

29th-31st January 2025 – Survey Results and New Bachelor and Master Curricula