AUT Strategy 2030 Management Board
Oversees the strategic execution of AUT Strategy 2030, ensuring alignment with institutional and national goals.
AUT Strategy 2030 Management Board
The Management Board of AUT Strategy 2030 is responsible for overseeing the strategic execution of the project within the university. It ensures that the university’s organizational structure, academic programs, and research activities align with the project’s objectives and the broader institutional goals. Additionally, the board plays a key role in decision-making, resource allocation, and monitoring the progress of the project to ensure its successful implementation.
Chair:
• Prof. Dr. Fatbardh Sallaku – Rector of AUT, Chair of the Steering Committee
University Administration:
• Dr. Edmond Terthorja – University Administrator, AUT
• Prof. Dr. Ilir Kapaj – Vice Rector for Teaching, AUT
• Prof. Dr. Erinda Lika – Vice Rector for Research and International Relations, AUT
• Prof. Asoc. Dr. Romina Koto – Vice Rector for Public Relations and Institutional Cooperation, AUT
Faculty Leadership:
• Prof. Dr. Seit Shallari – Dean, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment
• Prof. Dr. Rezart Postoli – Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Prof. Dr. Remzi Keco – Dean, Faculty of Economy and Agribusiness
• Prof. Dr. Elvin Toromani – Dean, Faculty of Forestry Sciences
• Prof. Dr. Kapllan Sulaj – Dean, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food
Research and Academic Representatives:
• Prof. Dr. Valbona Hobdari – Director of the Plant Genetic Bank, AUT
• Prof. Dr. Myqerem Tafaj – Professor, AUT
BOKU Representatives (Non-Voting Members)
• Prof. Dr. Hubert Hasenauer – Program Coordinator
• Dr. Thomas Koller
• Mark Rupa
• Anika Stork
• Prof. Dr. Hans-Peter Kaul
Steering Committee – AUT Strategy 2030
Provides strategic guidance, engages key stakeholders, and ensures transparency in decision-making.
Steering Committee – AUT Strategy 2030
The Steering Committee acts as a consultative body, providing strategic guidance and recommendations to the Management Board while ensuring alignment with AUT’s institutional mission. It identifies and mitigates project risks, engages key stakeholders, and ensures transparency in decision-making processes. Furthermore, the committee oversees the project’s implementation, monitors progress against key performance indicators, and enhances visibility through communication with senior management and external partners.
Chairs:
• Prof. Dr. Fatbardh Sallaku – Rector of AUT
• Prof. Dr. Hubert Hasenauer – Program Coordinator
Institutional Representatives:
• Mrs. Mirela Cami – Representative of the Ministry of Education and Sports
• Mrs. Elona Gjata – Representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
• Mr. David Muckenhuber – Representative of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) in Albania
University Administration:
• Dr. Edmond Terthorja – Administrator of AUT
• Prof. Dr. Ilir Kapaj – Vice Rector for Teaching, AUT
• Prof. Dr. Erinda Lika – Vice Rector for Research and International Relations, AUT
• Prof. Asoc. Dr. Romina Koto – Vice Rector for Public Relations and Institutional Cooperation, AUT
Faculty Leadership:
• Prof. Dr. Seit Shallari – Dean, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment
• Prof. Dr. Rezart Postoli – Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Prof. Dr. Remzi Keco – Dean, Faculty of Economy and Agribusiness
• Prof. Dr. Elvin Toromani – Dean, Faculty of Forestry Sciences
• Prof. Dr. Kapllan Sulaj – Dean, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food
Research and Academic Representatives:
• Prof. Dr. Valbona Hobdari – Director of the Plant Genetic Bank, AUT
• Prof. Dr. Myqerem Tafaj – Professor, AUT
• Dr. Hans-Peter Kaul – Leader of Teaching Working Groups from BOKU
• Prof. Dr. Mathias Schreiner – Leader of Research Working Groups from BOKU
Project Leadership – AUT Strategy 2030
Leads the overall vision and implementation of AUT Strategy 2030, ensuring integration with global academic standards.
Project Leadership – AUT Strategy 2030
The Project Leadership ensures the strategic vision, implementation, and overall success of AUT Strategy 2030. Under the joint leadership of Prof. Dr. Hubert Hasenauer and Prof. Dr. Fatbardh Sallaku, the project benefits from a strong international academic partnership, institutional commitment, and a transformative approach to higher education and research at AUT. Their combined expertise and leadership drive the project forward, ensuring alignment with European and global standards in education, research, and institutional development.
Project Leaders
• Prof. Dr. Hubert Hasenauer – Overall Program Leader and Coordinator of AUT Strategy 2030, Prof. Hasenauer is a distinguished scientist in forest ecosystem management, silviculture, and sustainable resource management. He has served as Rector of BOKU University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (2018–2022) and has led major academic and research initiatives in forestry and environmental sciences. His extensive experience in higher education transformation and academic governance makes him a key figure in guiding the strategic implementation of AUT Strategy 2030, fostering innovation, and ensuring alignment with European and international best practices.
• Prof. Dr. Fatbardh Sallaku – Rector of AUT and Chair of the Steering Committee, Prof. Sallaku is a leading expert in natural resources management, agro-environmental policies, and land and water sustainability. He has held key academic leadership roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment (2016–2020), and has conducted extensive research at European universities such as Queen’s University of Belfast, the University of Padova, and Humboldt University of Berlin. With a strong background in scientific research and policy development, he ensures the successful integration of AUT Strategy 2030 within the university’s academic and institutional framework, supporting its modernization and internationalization.
Together, Prof. Hasenauer and Prof. Sallaku lead the AUT Strategy 2030, ensuring its impact on academic quality, institutional development, research excellence, and international cooperation.
Project Implementation Unit – AUT Strategy 2030
Manages day-to-day coordination, execution, and monitoring of all project activities.
Project Implementation Unit – AUT Strategy 2030
The Project Implementation Unit (PIU) is responsible for the day-to-day coordination, execution, and monitoring of activities under the AUT Strategy 2030. The PIU ensures that the project is implemented effectively, aligning with the strategic goals set by the Management Board and guided by the Steering Committee. It plays a key role in managing resources, facilitating communication among stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with project timelines and objectives.
Project Managers
The Project Managers oversee the execution of key project components, ensuring alignment with institutional and strategic priorities. They coordinate activities between AUT, its partners, and relevant stakeholders while managing risks and challenges associated with project implementation.
• Dr. Thomas Koller – Lawyer & Forester with expertise in Law and Forestry.
• Ing. MSc. Mark Rupa – Senior project coordinator with over 15 years of experience in managing international development projects.
• Anika Stork – External Advisor from TRIGON Company, with a background in Business Administration.
Support Staff:
• Klara Jahollari – Project officer, finance.
• Project officer – Communication.
This multi-disciplinary team ensures the efficient implementation of AUT Strategy 2030, bringing together expertise in law, Natural Resource Management, international project management, and business administration.
Working Groups under AUT Strategy 2030
The implementation of the AUT Strategy 2030 is structured around seven key Working Groups (WGs) (link to the green info below), ensuring the transformation of AUT into a research-driven university aligned with European academic standards.
WG 1 – Research
o Enhancing research workflows, monitoring systems, and research performance indicators.
o Strengthening AUT’s research strategy to foster innovation and scientific excellence.
WG 2 – Education and Academic Offer
o Developing and modernizing curricula to align with EU educational standards.
o Introducing new Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs and fostering academic exchange.
WG 3 – Knowledge Transfer & Third Mission
o Establishing AUT as a hub for knowledge exchange between academia, industry, and policymakers.
o Strengthening lifelong learning programs and extension services for professionals.
WG 4 – Digitalization
o Enhancing digital learning environments and administrative efficiency through digital tools.
o Implementing smart farming technologies and AI-driven solutions at the AUT Research Farm.
WG 5 – Internationalization
o Expanding AUT’s global network of academic partnerships.
o Facilitating international student and faculty exchange programs.
WG 6 – Administration and Management
o Optimizing university governance structures for efficiency and transparency.
o Developing a modern administrative framework aligned with European higher education models.
WG 7 – Human Resources
o Enhancing AUT’s faculty recruitment and professional development strategies.
o Implementing structured career paths and faculty performance evaluation systems.
These working groups play a crucial role in ensuring the successful realization of AUT Strategy 2030, linking academic development with governance reforms and institutional modernization.
Study Curricula Commission (SCC)
A dedicated body focused on modernizing AUT’s study programs, ensuring alignment with EU educational standards and industry needs.
Study Curricula Commission (SCC) at UBT – A Strategic Partnership with BOKU
The Study Curricula Commission (SCC) at the Agricultural University of Tirana (UBT) is a newly established academic body dedicated to modernizing study programs across all university levels. Formed as part of the AUT-BOKU Strategy 2030, this commission brings together esteemed professors and students from UBT and BOKU University (Vienna) to align curricula with labor market needs, EU standards, and international best practices.
This initiative marks a transformative step in UBT’s academic governance, ensuring innovation, interdisciplinary approaches, and high-quality education. The BOKU team plays a key advisory role, guiding UBT in curriculum reform and strategic alignment with European higher education standards.
Commission Members
UBT Representatives
• Prof. Ardian Maçi – Chair of Commission
• Prof. Asoc. Fatmir Guri
• Prof. Asoc. Ilir Kusi
• Prof. Asoc. Enkeleda Berberi
• Prof. Asoc. Leonidha Peri
• Bejan Tarja (Student)
• Mateo Lazri (Student)
BOKU Representatives
• Prof. Hans-Peter Kaul – Chair of Commission
• Prof. Johann Sölkner
• Prof. Erhard Halmschlager
• Prof. Matthias Schreiner
• Prof. Rainer Haas
• Prof. Thomas Ertl
• Prof. Christine Leeb
• Ms. Christina Seiringer (Student)
• NN (Student) – To be confirmed
The SCC is committed to enhancing academic excellence, fostering student-centered education, and ensuring that UBT remains a regional leader in agricultural and life sciences education.
Tasked with designing, evaluating, and improving Bachelor’s and Master’s programs across agriculture, forestry, food sciences, and biotechnology.
Study Working Groups
The Ad-hoc Working Groups for Study Programs at the Agricultural University of Tirana (UBT) play a crucial role in developing and improving Bachelor’s and Master’s curricula to align with EU standards, labor market needs, and interdisciplinary education. These groups operate under the Study Curricula Commission (SCC) and work in close collaboration with BOKU University mentors, ensuring an internationally competitive academic framework. Each working group consists of professors, student representatives, and interdisciplinary experts, responsible for drafting programs, ensuring quality assurance, and integrating practical training components. The groups also provide recommendations to enhance course structures, credit allocation (ECTS), and examination regulations, fostering student-centered education and modernized curricula. This initiative is a key step in transforming UBT into a regional leader in agricultural, forestry, environmental sciences, and biotechnology education.
Faculty of Agriculture and Environment (FBM)
• Prof. Dr. Ilir Kristo (Lecturer, FBM)
• Prof. Dr. Evan Rroço (Lecturer, FBM) – Chair
• Prof. Dr. Tokli Thomai (Lecturer, FBM)
• Prof. Dr. Etleva Delia (Lecturer, FBM)
• Prof. Asoc. Dr. Shpresim Domi (Lecturer, FEA)
• Klajdi Faqolli (Student, FBM)
• Arsia Saraçi (Student, FBM)
Faculty of Economics and Agribusiness (FEA)
• Prof. Dr. Ervin Zhllima (Lecturer, FEA) – Chair
• Prof. Asoc. Dr. Arif Murrja (Lecturer, FEA)
• Prof. Asoc. Dr. Jona Mulliri (Lecturer, FEA)
• Prof. Asoc. Dr. Albana Jupe (Lecturer, FEA)
• Prof. Asoc. Dr. Etleva Jojiç (Lecturer, FBM)
• Samanda Islamaj (Student, FEA)
• Genti Musagalliu (Student, FEA)
Faculty of Biotechnology and Food (FBU)
• Prof. Asoc. Alketa Shehaj (Lecturer, FBU)
• Prof. Asoc. Ariola Morina (Lecturer, FBU)
• Prof. Asoc. Rozeta Hasalliu (Lecturer, FBU) – Chair
• Prof. Asoc. Manjola Kulici (Lecturer, FBU)
• Prof. Asoc. Adrian Doko (Lecturer, FBM)
• Olta Jonuzaj (Student, FBU)
• Megisa Sulenji (Student, FBU)
Faculty of Forestry Sciences (FSHP)
• Prof. Dr. Vasillaq Mine (Lecturer, FSHP) – Chair
• Prof. Dr. Entela Lato (Lecturer, FSHP)
• Prof. Asoc. Dr. Doklea Quku (Lecturer, FSHP)
• Prof. Asoc. Dr. Alma Vigani (Lecturer, FSHP)
• Prof. Dr. Frank Gjoka (Lecturer, FBM)
• Edvisa Bajaj (Student, FSHP)
• Joana Dosti (Student, FSHP)