ANSO Delegation Visited Greece, Malta, and Albania

ANSO Secretariat

12 05, 2025

From March 21 to 30, 2025, Prof. Bai Chunli, Founding President of ANSO, led a delegation on a visit to Greece, Malta, and Albania, at the invitation of prominent local institutions.

During the visit, the delegation visited higher education institutions, research organizations, and ANSO member institutions in the three countries, holding discussions focused on strengthening interactions between the ANSO Secretariat and member institutions, promoting cooperation, and encouraging relevant universities and research institutions to join ANSO. The delegation also exchanged views with scientists and explored potential areas and approaches to future collaboration.

Strengthening Partnerships in Greece

In Greece, the delegation visited the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and held talks with Vice Rector Sophia Papaioannou, expressing hope for the university to become an ANSO member institution and receiving positive feedback. Subsequently, the delegation visited the ANSO member institution Academy of Athens, exchanging views with Vice President Nikephoros Diamandouros and expressing willingness to deepen cooperation in fields related to Greece’s academic traditions. Prof. Bai Chunli stated that as a highly respected European research institution, the Academy of Athens was expected to fully leverage its professional strengths and provide important support for ANSO’s strategic development in areas such as sustainable development and technological innovation. Additionally, the delegation visited the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, discussing with Scientific Director Constantin Tamvakopoulos for potential cooperation under the ANSO framework in basic research on biology and environmental health, while proposing enhanced exchanges between researchers.

Emphasizing Cooperation in Malta

In Malta, the delegation visited the ANSO member institution Xjenza Malta, holding discussions with CEO Silvio Scerri and other representatives. Mr. Scerri shared Malta’s research priorities and expressed support for strengthening cooperation with ANSO. Dr. Ning Bolun, Director of the Division of European Affairs, Bureau of International Cooperation (BIC), the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), introduced CAS and its cooperation with Maltese research institutions, as well as the relevant international cooperation programs. Furthermore, Prof. Ye Yang, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), provided updates on the ANSO-supported programs, including the development of the “Pan-Balkan Alliance of Natural Products and Drug Discovery Associations (PANDA)”, and expressed expectations for cooperation with Xjenza Malta under the ANSO framework. Prof. Bai Chunli expressed appreciation for Xjenza Malta’s support and welcomed Maltese researchers to utilize ANSO’s platforms to enhance personnel exchanges and practical cooperation. The delegation also visited the University of Malta and the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology to discuss academic exchanges and cooperation, particularly focusing on areas of shared interest such as environmental science and public health.

Expanding Networks in Albania

In Albania, the delegation visited the Academy of Sciences of Albania, holding talks with Vice President Prof. Anila Hoda and academician representatives. Prof. Hoda introduced the Academy’s history, main research areas, and international cooperation, expressing willingness to collaborate with ANSO. Subsequently, the delegation visited the University of Tirana, meeting with Vice Rector Prof. Anila Paparisto. Prof. Bai Chunli introduced ANSO’s mission, expressed hope for the university to join ANSO, and explored cooperation opportunities in environmental science, information technology, and sustainable development, receiving positive responses from the university representatives.

All visited institutions expressed willingness to maintain regular communication with the ANSO Secretariat and jointly promote cooperation in joint research, personnel exchanges, and capacity building.