“The cooperation between the Georgian Technical University and the Polytechnic Institute of Beja (Portugal) has moved to a new, more productive stage to expand research capabilities, which is of particular importance for students and professors. They are allowed to conduct research in the laboratories of the Polytechnic Institute of Beja, which is an important basis for scientific development,” said Professor Nino Chkhartishvili, Head of the Department of Viticulture and Enology, GTU Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Biosystems Engineering. 

Within the framework of the Memorandum of Cooperation signed between the Georgian Technical University and the Polytechnic Institute of Beja, several students and researchers have benefited from exchange programs in the first stage. The second stage, which involves implementing joint scientific and research projects, has recently commenced.

According to Maria di Fatima Carvalho, President of the Polytechnic Institute of Beja, the partnership with the Georgian Technical University provides an opportunity to implement several successful projects.



“Food technology and viticulture-enology, along with other agricultural areas, are priority areas for the Beja Polytechnic Institute: “One of the priority areas of cooperation is food technology and viticulture-enology, which both higher education institutions consider as strategically important sectors. Joint scientific research, laboratory practices, and field expeditions are planned, which will contribute to the professional development and knowledge sharing of both parties,” says Maria di Fatima Carvalho.

According to Marika Zviadadze, representative of the Department of International Relations of the Georgian Technical University, cooperation with the Beja Polytechnic Institute is an initiative of strategic importance, which aims to share international experience and deepen academic synergy between universities.

“Partnership with the Beja Polytechnic Institute, first of all, promotes the exchange of innovative ideas and best practices and creates a sustainable platform for planning and implementing joint scientific-research projects. Such cooperation is crucial in the modern educational space, where the globalization of knowledge and multidisciplinary approaches are considered the most important factors in the process of developing quality education and science,” says Marika Zviadadze.

According to Professor Nino Chkhartishvili, Head of the Department of Viticulture and Enology at the GTU Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Biosystems Engineering, the cooperation between the Georgian Technical University and the University of Beja effectively combines education and science, which is reflected in both successful exchange programs and planned research projects in the fields of viticulture, enology and food technology.

Representatives of the Georgian Technical University and the President of the Beja Polytechnic Institute were on a working visit to the Jighaura base.

“During a meeting at the Jighaura base, the parties discussed the exchange of genetic resources and the directions for future cooperation. They planned to cultivate a trial vineyard using Georgian grape varieties at the Polytechnic Institute of Beja in Portugal. This initiative aims to promote Georgian grapes and facilitate the international dissemination of genetic resources. It is important to highlight the mutual value in the fields of viticulture and winemaking, where the unique traditions and practical knowledge of both countries naturally align. We believe that this collaboration will significantly enhance knowledge sharing and innovation. To further this goal, ongoing cooperation will be strengthened through a memorandum to be signed with the Scientific Research Center of Agriculture, the strategic scientific partner of the Georgian Technical University. Notably, cooperation has been particularly active in recent years through the Erasmus+ program, which has already facilitated successful learning and professional development initiatives. In particular, six academic staff members, four administrative staff, and four students from the Beja Polytechnic Institute visited the Georgian Technical University. Meanwhile, eleven academic staff members and fourteen students from Georgia traveled to Portugal for educational and practical experiences. This ongoing partnership establishes a strong foundation for sharing international experience and fostering joint innovative initiatives in which both students and academic staff will actively participate,” says Nino Chkhartishvili.