Youth Engagement in ORRI: Insights from CORYA Stakeholders Meeting in Tirana

On 7 February 2025, Beyond Barriers Association hosted a National Stakeholders Meeting at Europe House Tirana as part of the CORYA Project (Collaborative Open & Responsible Research on Youth Engagement in Albania), funded by the Horizon Europe Programme.

The meeting brought together representatives from scientific research institutions, universities, youth organizations, government agencies, businesses and civil society to discuss ways to enhance youth participation in scientific research and innovation in Albania. 

Key Highlights from the Meeting

Introducing the CORYA Project and Sharing Insights from Vienna Study Visit
Participants explored best practices from Austria’s well-established citizen science and youth engagement models, learning how these approaches could be adapted to the Albanian context. The study visit emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia, policymakers, and the public, reinforcing the need for participatory research methodologies that include youth voices.

ORRI Methodology: A Framework for Change
A key part of the discussion centered on Open & Responsible Research and Innovation (ORRI) and the Citizen Science methodology, and how it promotes:

• Transparency and openness in scientific research
• Inclusivity, ensuring marginalized groups, including youth, are actively involved
• Responsibility, fostering ethical research practices
• Collaboration, breaking silos between institutions, public entities, and citizens

Launch of the E-Learning Module
A major outcome of the meeting was the introduction of a new online training module designed to equip young researchers with ORRI-based methodologies and skills. This training aims to build capacity, raise awareness, and inspire action by giving youth access to modern research tools and frameworks.

Challenges and Opportunities in Albania

The discussions revealed several key challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed:

1. Limited Access for Young Researchers
   Albanian youth are eager to engage in science but lack spaces, resources, and opportunities. More inclusive initiatives in academia, public institutions, and civil society are needed.
2. Boosting Public Interest in Citizen Science
   Low public engagement in research calls for stronger science communication. Civil society must bridge the gap between researchers and citizens, fostering a culture of responsibility.
3. Advocating for ORRI in Research Standards
   Integrating ORRI guidelines into national research policies would ensure transparency, inclusivity, and responsibility, aligning Albania with European research standards.
4. Piloting Citizen Science in Public Institutions
   Stakeholders proposed testing citizen science initiatives in public institutions first, to enhance community engagement and data-driven policy decisions.
5. Creating a Collaborative Network
   A formal multi-sector network would:

• Facilitate knowledge exchange
• Encourage joint research & funding
• Support advocacy efforts
• Empower young researchers

Participants agreed on the importance of maintaining momentum, ensuring that the discussions and commitments made during the meeting translate into concrete actions and sustainable initiatives.

Next Steps: Turning Vision into Action

Needs for action were identified through the discussion, in several areas, such as:

• Expanding outreach and engagement efforts to bring more institutions and young researchers into the conversation
• Advocating for ORRI guidelines to be integrated into national research standards
• Launching a pilot citizen science initiative to test ORRI methodologies in practice
• Establishing a cross-sector network to sustain long-term collaboration and knowledge sharing

The National Stakeholders Meeting was an important reminder that open and inclusive research is a shared responsibility. The involvement of institutions, universities, businesses and civil society is essential to creating a research environment where young people have the access, skills, and motivation to contribute to scientific advancements.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all participants for their insights, collaboration, and commitment to making research more open, inclusive, and impactful.

*Funded by The European Union through the REINFORCING Project #ORRI