The International Congress on Natural Health Sciences, and Technology took place at the University of Tetova on May 15 and 16, 2024. This educational-scientific activity brought together a significant number of researchers from relevant fields, who with their scientific works, help advance knowledge, research, and technology.
On May 15, 2024, at the solemn opening of the event, the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli, welcomed all the participants in the congress. He stated that this large gathering of researchers and academics, through discussions, conversations, forums, presentations, and the exchange of ideas and experiences, would lead to significant conclusions in the fields of natural medical sciences and information technology. “We are confident that this will be a significant and valuable contribution from the University of Tetova and all of you as researchers. These conclusions will serve as official inspiration for us as a public institution of higher education in RNM. They will also benefit the country, society, and all institutions, particularly in the important processes that lie ahead”, said the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli.
Vice-Rector for Science, Prof. Dr. Agon Memeti, emphasized that while research has been the common denominator of the aforementioned fields until today, this narrative is changing. According to him, what now brings together even the most divergent thoughts is undoubtedly artificial intelligence (AI). “AI has profoundly transformed studies in the natural, medical, and technological sciences. It influences the analysis of massive data, improves the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, models’ complex relationships between variables, uses automation for laboratory processes, contributes to scientific research and the development of new technologies, and utilizes machine learning to create personalized AI models. Discussion about this impact will be essential at this congress. To shed light on our many questions, often accompanied by doses of fear—whether we are becoming overly computerized or whether we are ready to respond to the speed with which Generation Z demands results with little effort—we have been in contact with two of the many positive examples that have debunked the myth of “AI, Little Innovation”, – said the Vice-Rector for Science, Prof. Dr. Agon Memeti.
According to him, in our institutional understanding, the University of Tetova has always aimed for congresses not only to create an intellectual environment that enables the examination, argumentation, and debate of new ideas but also to serve as an arena for building connections that will stand the test of time. “This time, we managed to gather more than 450 scientific workers. We expect them to present new and innovative ideas, concepts, and solutions to the problems that arise from the complexity of the era we live in. Research is a collective effort, and 21 universities and other partner institutions have joined us in this congress without hesitation, contributing around 296 communiqués with a total of 450 authors and co-authors. The presentation of the works will be carried out in two plenary sessions and 18 parallel sessions,” emphasized the Vice-Rector for Science, Prof. Dr. Agon Memeti.
Following his speech, he also highlighted another important aspect, which is participation in cross-border research. ‘During 2023 alone, alongside some of the most modern universities and institutions, we contributed to more than 10 projects financed by the European Union, some of which are still in progress with a completion date set for 2027. For details on any other similar projects and contributions, please visit the official website of UT. On behalf of the entire university community, I want to convey our gratitude to the business community, especially the sponsors of this congress. Your contribution, through the provision of resources, time, and expertise, sets an excellent example of collaboration between the business sector and higher education to advance knowledge and innovation,” said among other things the Vice-Rector for Science, Prof. Dr. Agon Memeti.
At this solemn opening, the artificial intelligence expert from Finland, Lasse Rouhianen, who elaborated on the topic: “The Future of Teaching: How Generative Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence Agents Are Transforming Education”, was also present. Additionally, the researcher from Albania, Arjeta Puca, spoke on the topic “Driving Progress Through Partnership: How Timak’s Industry-Academia Collaboration Shapes Future Technologies”.
At this Congress were held six conferences: the 9th International Conference of Sports Sciences, the 8th International Scientific Conference of Applied Sciences, the 6th International Conference of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, the 4th International Technology Conference of Food and Nutrition, the 2nd International Conference of the Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology, and the 7th International Conference of the Faculty of Medical Sciences.
At this congress were also promoted Scientific journals such as Acta Medica Balcanica, International Journal of Food Technology and Nutrition, Journal of Applied Sciences, Journal of Natural Sciences and Mathematics of the UT, Sport and Health, and Journal of Agriculture and Sustainable Rural Development. Additionally, were organized workshops by the aforementioned academic units.
