🔗 Click – UNESCO Recommendations on “Open Science”
Until the adoption of UNESCO’s Recommendation in 2021, there was no universal definition of open science. There were only certain standards at regional, national, or institutional levels. The adoption of the Recommendation brought together 193 countries, which agreed to adhere to common standards for open science.
UNESCO’s Recommendation on Open Science is the first international standardized instrument on science. It provides an internationally accepted definition, as a set of shared values and guiding principles for open science.
Open science refers to a set of principles and practices that aim to make scientific research accessible to all researchers and for the benefit of society as a whole. Its goal is not only to ensure that scientific knowledge is accessible, but also that its outcomes are inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.
Open science seeks to make the scientific research process more transparent, inclusive, and democratic, aiming to:
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increase scientific collaboration and information exchange for the benefit of science and society;
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ensure multilingual scientific knowledge is open, accessible, and reusable for everyone;
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open the processes of scientific creation, evaluation, and communication of scientific knowledge to social actors beyond the traditional scientific community.
KUQ Policies on Human Capacities
KUQ is an accredited institution (2024–2028). In its policies, KUQ has followed procedures for recruiting academic staff by combining different ages and academic titles. Currently, 9 full-time lecturers hold the title of Professor, 3 hold the title of Associate Professor, 19 hold the title of Doctor of Science in basic and main units, and 24 hold the title of Master of Science, of whom 4 are in the process of obtaining the title of Doctor of Science.
Within its institutional policies and in the framework of scientific research, KUQ encourages and supports academic staff in advancing and attaining higher scientific degrees. In this regard, the Academic Senate and the Board of Administration approve at the beginning of each year a dedicated scientific research fund for every main unit.
Legislation on Scientific Research in the Republic of Albania
Scientific Research Policies
Scientific research is an organic and strategic component of the College’s work, specifically within its threefold mission: quality education and teaching – scientific research – knowledge transfer. The scientific research policy at the College has aimed to be concrete and focused mainly on the following directions:
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Increasing the scientific content of courses/modules, the level of teaching, and improving study programs.
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Raising the scientific level of academic staff, through intensified research activity, qualifications, participation in conferences and symposia, and involvement in national and international projects.
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Strengthening cooperation between the College and similar higher education institutions inside and outside the country.
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Increasing the number and quality of publications by academic staff (scientific articles, monographs, textbooks, and support materials for students).
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Raising the theoretical and professional training level of students, involving them in scientific research, and encouraging individual tendencies in research and entrepreneurship.
The Rectorate, Board of Administration, and Deans have encouraged and supported the coordination of research centers’ work within the basic units. Departments determine priority study areas, coordinating them with teaching and extending them at faculty and wider levels.
Positive Results
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Academic staff and students are aware that the College has an institutionalized culture that supports research and scientific creation.
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Agreements have been signed with state and private institutions and organizations, inside and outside the country, for joint scientific programs.
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The level of teaching and academic development has increased, promoting a culture of critical thinking.
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Seminars, workshops, open lectures, roundtables, and discussions have been organized.
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Participation in conferences, forums, and joint studies by academic staff and students has increased.
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Study materials, papers, and books have been published.
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References and studies have also been reflected in the media.
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Practical application of scientific research results has been targeted, adapted to the country’s conditions.
Linking Scientific Research with Teaching
Teaching at Qiriazi University College is closely tied to scientific research, reflected in the realization of study topics and the experience gained through participation in conferences, seminars, and open lectures. Results are discussed in classrooms to motivate students toward scientific research.
Additionally, during the academic year, open classes are organized where students present scientific papers carried out with the support of academic staff. Results are summarized in overview tables (Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5).
Scientific research outputs include published articles and books, activities such as conferences, symposia, and workshops, as well as papers presented by academic staff of Qiriazi University College.
For carrying out scientific and qualification activities, Qiriazi University College has signed cooperation agreements with several HEIs inside and outside the country, as well as with other scientific and state institutions.
