(February 9, 2017) Doctor honoris causa for “scientific growth of the University and the enhancement of the natural environment”: a recognition that the University of Vlore (Albania) wanted to give to Professor Genuario Belmonte, Professor of Zoology at the Salento University in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies. The ceremony took place in recent days in Vlore, where the local university choose to reward the results of an educational-scientific collaboration that has lasted for 15 years. “We opened a small educational museum of Marine Biology – says Professor Belmonte – and a chemical-physical analysis laboratory; designed a public aquarium (already approved by the authorities and waiting to be realized) and the International Centre for Science for the marine environment. Thanks to this work, a three-year undergraduate degree in Biology has recently been established in Vlore. Scientific cooperation will develop further with the promotion and enhancement of the local coastal environment. In recent years we have taken care of itineraries, exhibitions, tours (educational and otherwise) even with the students of our university, and many international projects have led to scientific publications. All as part of a special framework agreement that links our universities in teaching and research activities. I am particularly impressed by this recognition, a sign of confidence in me and the University of Salento: an encouragement to continue the partnership, with the aim to bring our two countries closer and closer”. “Congratulations to Professor Belmonte – says dean Vincenzo Zara – for this recognition which demonstrates the importance of international cooperation not only from the scientific point of view, but also for the enhancement and development of our areas.” (Red)
