On 4 April 2023, the University of Tirana and the Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH) signed a co-operation agreement, facilitated by the OSCE Presence in Albania, in the premises of the Greek university.
The memorandum of understanding aims at regulating the co-operation between the two universities on knowledge and technology exchange, through joint programmes and applied research, especially in the field of criminology. It also provides for academic and technical staff exchange, student exchange, internships and specializations, organization of study visits, seminars, conferences, publications and various scientific activities.
Tirana University Rector Prof. Dr. Artan Hoxha, who signed the agreement with his Greek counterpart Dr. Fotios Maris, said: "Thanks to the support of the OSCE Presence, this co-operation will contribute to the improvement of academic activities for students and staff of Tirana University's Law Faculty. This faculty plays a special role including with regard to the justice reform and the developments of strategies and activities in the fight against crime, especially organized crime and corruption. All this activities benefit from the increase of capacities through international co-operation".
The event was organized as part of the project "Establishing a Master's Programme in Criminology," which is financially supported by the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. The OSCE Presence implements this project in close co-operation with the Law Faculty, with the support of the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Interior.
Project manager Alba Jorganxhi said: "The Presence supports the co-operation between the University of Tirana and Democritus University to enhance the research capacities of Albanian criminal justice professionals, academics and policy makers in preventing and combating crime. Regional co-operation in both academic field and criminology enables attaining best international standards of rule of law and human rights."
The two vice rectors of DUTH, the deans of the law faculties of the two universities and other senior academic staff also attended the event, which was followed by joint meetings with academics and students of the Democritus University.
The Master's Programme in Criminology - launched in December 2020 with the initiative and support of the OSCE Presence - enables students to explore the inter-relationships between crime, justice and society in a comparative context, as well as promote restorative justice for victims and victim-centred responses. Its comprehensive, integrated curriculum allows for various career paths in the justice system. Through the Master's programme, the Presence aims at improving the research capacities of professionals, academics and policy-makers in Albania to identify root causes of crime.
