On March 23, 2018, the cooperation agreement between the University of Tirana and the International Center for Relativistic Astrophysics Network (ICRANET) was signed in the University of Tirana Academic Senate Hall.

This activity was attended by the University of Tirana Rector, Prof. Dr. Mynyr Koni, Prof. Remo Ruffini, the ICRANET Director, Italy’s Ambassador to Tirana, His Excellency Mr. Alberto Cutillo, lecturers from the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Physics major students and many other guests.

The cooperation agreement aims at promoting theoretical and observational research activities in the field of Relative Astrophysics between the University of Tirana and ICRANet.

During his speech, the Rector, Prof. Dr. Mynyr Koni applauded the establishment of successful cooperation relations in the fields of astrophysics and relative astrophysics. The agreement will pave the way for new initiatives that will enable UoT students to study and conduct scientific research at the aforementioned center. Moreover, Rector Koni acknowledged the assistance that ICRANET and the Italian Embassy to Tirana will provide for the establishment of the Astrophysics Observatory Center at the University of Tirana.

Prof. Remo Ruffini acknowledged the furthering of the relations with the University of Tirana and expressed his commitment toward the development of joint programs between the two institutions, as well as toward the support of second and third-cycle students at the University of Tirana to conduct scientific research at the Center.

In his speech, Ambassador Cuttillo underlined the conclusion of the cooperation agreement that will strengthen relations and foster new forms of cooperation between the two countries. The Ambassador also acknowledged the launching of joint study programs funded by the European Union.

Following agreement signing, Prof. Remo Ruffini held a lecture titled “The moment of Black Hole formation from Gama Ray bursts”.