The 5th edition of the NanoBalkan International Conference (NanoBalkan 2025) took place in Tirana, Albania, from 29 September to 3 October 2025. Organised by ICN2 in collaboration with the Phantoms Foundation, the NanoBalkan Centre and the Academy of Sciences of Albania, as well as the SUSNANO Project, the event brought together over 250 researchers, innovators and policymakers from Europe and the Balkans.

This international meeting highlighted the region’s emerging leadership in nanoscience and featured a rich scientific programme, including plenary and keynote lectures, invited sessions, poster presentations, workshops, and a NanoBiosensors School. The outstanding quality of the contributions underscored the NanoBalkan community’s role as a bridge between the Western Balkans and Europe’s leading nanoscience centres.

NanoBalkan 2025 was inaugurated with the participation of Albania’s top government and academic leaders. Prime Minister Edi Rama delivered the opening address, highlighting his administration’s ambition to position Albania as a regional leader in science, technology, and innovation, particularly in nanotechnology and artificial intelligence. Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro, alongside representatives from the Albanian Academy of Sciences and the broader scientific community, reaffirmed their commitment to advancing nanotechnology and supporting young researchers, highlighting the conference’s strategic importance for the nation’s scientific future.

ICN2's role and scientific delegation

The scientific programme was led by ICREA Prof. Arben Merkoçi, Co-Chair of the conference and leader of the ICN2 NanoBioelectronics and Biosensors Group. The institute was further represented by a distinguished delegation, including Prof. Jose A. Garrido (Vice-Director), Prof. Neus Gómez, Prof. Pedro Gómez, Prof. Gustau Catalan, Prof. Josep Nogués, and Prof. Jordi Sort. Across the scientific sessions, these delegates delivered engaging talks on graphene and 2D materials, biosensors, nanomedicine, energy nanomaterials, and nanoelectronics, while actively participating in discussions and workshops with peers from over 22 countries.

The NanoBioelectronics and Biosensors Group was also strongly represented. Dr Ruslan Álvarez and Dr Marianna Rossetti co-organised several key activities, including the NanoBiosensors School, the Nanomedicine Workshop (Italy–Spain–Albania) and the Tri-National Workshop (Spain–Japan–Albania), and served as session chairs at these events. They both took part in SUSNANO and 2D-BioPAD project meetings and delivered oral presentations. Dr Danilo Echeverri gave an oral presentation at the 2D-BioPAD workshop, and PhD students Ronaldo Challhua and Duygu Beduk presented their research in poster sessions. Project Manager Anna Puig provided invaluable on-site support, assisting with organisation, registration and coordination throughout the event

Strategic presentation for a "NanoBalkan Centre of Excellence" initiative

 A key moment occurred during a private roundtable with Albanian leaders. There, Prof. Arben Merkoçi presented the status of the virtual NanoBalkan Regional Centre, which connects 25 research groups across the region as well as partners from Spain and Italy. Prof. José A. Garrido of ICREA outlined ICN2’s governance, institutional evolution and collaborative strategies as a model for establishing a sustainable, independent Centre of Excellence in Albania, drawing on CERCA institutions as a reference. The meeting was also attended by Prof. Andrea Ferrari (University of Cambridge/Graphene Centre) and highlighted the initiative’s scientific significance and potential to foster future global partnerships.

In summary, NanoBalkan 2025 marked a significant step forward for nanoscience in the region, advancing the vision of a centre of excellence in Albania, strengthening cross-border collaborations between government, academia, and international research centres, and showcasing outstanding scientific research. The event fostered networking and bilateral exchanges, paving the way for future joint projects, researcher mobility, and collaborative grant proposals. On behalf of ICN2, we extend our sincere thanks to the Albanian government, the Academy of Sciences of Albania, SUSNANO, the Phantoms Foundation, and all participants for making the conference such a success, and we look forward to continuing to build a vibrant nanoscale science ecosystem across the region.