The Rector of the Agricultural University of Tirana, Prof. Dr. Fatbardh Sallaku, took part as a member of the evaluation committee in the doctoral defense of Aleksandër Peqini at Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) in Germany.
This doctoral thesis was carried out within the framework of a Cotutelle model between the Agricultural University of Tirana and Justus Liebig University Giessen, representing one of the first successful outcomes of this international doctoral model by a member of the new generation of academic staff at UBT.
The dissertation titled “Occurrence and Distribution of Selected Micropollutants in the Ishëm River Basin, Albania: Water Treatment Using Low-Cost Functionalized Magnetic Clay–Biochar Composites for the Removal of Naproxen, Carbamazepine, Cd(II), Cr(VI), and Cu(II)” addresses one of the most important environmental challenges of our time: the presence of emerging pollutants in aquatic ecosystems and the development of innovative, sustainable, and low-cost solutions for their removal.
The research combines environmental monitoring, advanced materials science, circular economy principles, and the protection of water resources, generating knowledge of significant scientific and societal importance, particularly in the context of Albania’s alignment with the European Union’s environmental standards.
A notable achievement of this study is that the doctoral dissertation was awarded “Summa Cum Laude,” the highest distinction conferred in doctoral studies, reflecting the high scientific quality, originality, and impact of the research.
Beyond the individual success of the researcher, the successful completion of this doctorate within the Cotutelle model contributes to strengthening UBT’s expertise in environmental sciences, water quality assessment, and the sustainable management of natural resources. This outcome also supports the university’s academic transformation and internationalization process, as well as its growing collaboration with international partners.
This success demonstrates the importance of investing in young academic talent and international research partnerships, reinforcing UBT’s commitment to building a strong culture of scientific excellence and addressing contemporary environmental challenges through high-quality research, innovation, and international collaboration.
Rector Fatbardh Sallaku expressed his congratulations to Dr. Aleksandër Peqini for this important achievement, as well as to his supervisory team and the Institute of Soil Science and Land Ecology at Justus Liebig University Giessen, for their continuous support, scientific guidance, and commitment to excellence.
According to him, this success represents an inspiring example of how international collaboration, scientific rigor, and a shared academic vision can generate tangible impact for higher education, scientific research, and sustainable development.
