"Don't meddle in other people's business, like the fable of the fox and the grapes"/ Academician responds to Muka

2026-05-11 07:54:00, Aktualitet CNA

"Don't meddle in other people's business, like the fable of the

Albanian academic Arben Merkoçi has reacted to accusations by professor Taulant Muka that he receives payments from the Albanian state and in his scientific articles, identifies only with Spain, where he lives.

In response to Muka's accusations that he receives thousands of euros for conferences in Albania, Merkoçi states that he participates in these activities only at his own expense. According to him, these conferences have resulted in European Union projects, as well as other academic and scientific collaborations.

Meanwhile, he has denied being part of any board or private university in Albania. Further regarding the Regional Center for Nanotechnology at the Academy that he directs, Merkoçi says that he is working to establish it with colleagues from the region and the support of the government.

"Continue your work, honorable one, without interfering in the work of others and without spreading untruths, perhaps like in the fable of the fox and the grapes," his response states, among other things.

Full reaction:

The Albanian academic from Spain is proud to be part of the Academy in his country of origin, alongside former professors and esteemed colleagues, while continuing his work as a professor in Spain.

Although I am not currently part of any board or private university in Albania, it would be a pleasure for me to contribute even more to my country, if time permits.

I am also proud of those congresses that some call “pompous”. These activities bring to Albania the best nanotechnology experts from all over the world, including me, who participate at their own expense, creating real opportunities for collaboration for colleagues from Albanian universities. Thanks to these connections, European Union projects have been realized, as well as other academic and scientific collaborations.

My only benefit from these events is the pleasure of seeing friends and personalities in my field come to Tirana and contribute to the academic and scientific development of the country.

As I am a member of several foreign academies, I receive honoraria set by the state, just like other academic colleagues.

It is a pleasure to continue the work I have been doing for many years and to contribute, even a little, to Albania with everything I have been able to give to date. After all, this is what I know how to do best.

Read more, you and your followers, about the Regional Nanotechnology Center (currently virtual), near the Academy, which we are trying to establish together with colleagues from the region and beyond, with the support of the government.

It is a center that aims to bring to Albania the model of the center where I work in Spain and to foster the spirit of cooperation among researchers in the region, as well as their efforts to develop scientific work, despite the shortcomings that still exist.

Keep working, honorable one, without interfering in the work of others and without spreading untruths, perhaps like in the fable of the fox and the grapes.

I wish you health! / CNA