A new chapter in European scientific cooperation is taking shape through the powerful alliance between MAGI-Euregio and the European Biotechnology Thematic Network Association (EBTNA). This partnership is at the heart of a landmark initiative: a high-impact theoretical-practical course on molecular diagnostics and bioinformatics for rare genetic diseases, to be held at the MAGI Balkans laboratory in Albania, in conjunction with the European Biotechnology Congress 2025, scheduled for September 11–13 in Tirana.
This course, designed for students, young researchers, and laboratory technicians, represents much more than a training opportunity. It is a statement of commitment to global scientific equity, reflecting EBTNA’s long-standing mission to foster research collaboration between resource-rich and resource-limited countries in Europe and beyond.
Founded in Perugia, Italy, EBTNA has for decades served as a beacon of excellence in biotechnology education, driven by the vision of creating a borderless scientific community. Under the inspirational leadership of its President, Professor Munis Dundar, EBTNA has played a pivotal role in nurturing the careers of young scientists, especially those from underserved regions. Professor Dundar’s tireless efforts have transformed EBTNA into an international platform for knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and ethical scientific development.
The upcoming course in Albania is organized with the essential contribution of Professor Ariola Bacu, a distinguished academic and key figure in Albania’s scientific landscape. Her leadership has made it possible to integrate this course as a satellite event of the European Biotechnology Congress, thereby giving it institutional recognition and scientific prominence.
The MAGI Group—particularly MAGI-Euregio, based in Bolzano, Italy—has established itself as a reliable partner of EBTNA in promoting science with a purpose. With over a decade of experience in genetics and rare disease diagnostics, MAGI-Euregio is now expanding its efforts through volunteer-based outreach and training initiatives in the Balkans. This initiative is further enriched by the active involvement of international volunteers, including Janina Heyke, a dedicated Master’s student in medicine from the University of Regensburg, Germany.
Janina represents the embodiment of EBTNA’s mission: to empower the next generation of scientists with tools, skills, and a global vision. Her voluntary work in Albania with MAGI Balkans exemplifies how European cooperation can empower students across borders.
“Scientific knowledge should be accessible to everyone,” she says, “and open access to research is crucial for global progress. Participating in MAGI-Euregio’s efforts allows me to contribute to a world where science transforms lives, regardless of geography.”
Her presence underlines the inclusive spirit of the course, which will train 40 participants divided into morning and afternoon sessions. The training combines foundational molecular biology techniques (such as DNA extraction, PCR, enzymatic digestion, Sanger sequencing) with hands-on bioinformatics using freely accessible tools like OMIM, ClinVar, and BLAST. The aim is to build local diagnostic capacity in underserved regions through affordable and replicable approaches.
This initiative would not have been possible without the support and scientific stewardship of Professor Beccari of the University of Perugia, Treasurer of EBTNA and one of the original architects of the association since its foundation. His work continues to bridge institutions and individuals, connecting scientific excellence with social responsibility.
As the world prepares to gather in Tirana for the European Biotechnology Congress 2025, the MAGI-Euregio course in Albania stands as a tangible symbol of what EBTNA represents:
A network of scientists committed to youth, education, ethics, and equality.
A platform where advanced research meets grassroots training.
A movement where science builds bridges, not barriers.
In an era of global uncertainty and persistent inequity in healthcare access, this project offers a hopeful and effective model: young minds, working together across nations, led by institutions that believe in science as a tool for peace, empowerment, and collective progress.
