Department of Seismology (DS)

The Department of Seismology (DS) is a core research unit within the Institute of Geosciences (IGJEO), part of the Polytechnic University of Tirana (PUT). Its activity is carried out in accordance with the applicable legal and regulatory framework, namely Law No. 80, dated 22.07.2015, “On Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Republic of Albania”, the Statute of the Polytechnic University of Tirana (approved by Decision No. 10, dated 11.01.2019, of the Ministry of Education and Sports), as well as the relevant sub-legal acts. In line with its institutional mandate, the Department of Seismology is responsible for:

Monitoring and recording seismic activity throughout the territory of the Republic of Albania and the surrounding region;
Coordinating, maintaining, and effectively managing the Albanian Seismological Network (ASN);
Real-time assessment and immediate information dissemination on seismic activity and impactful earthquakes at both national and regional levels;
Providing operational and technical-scientific support to Civil Protection structures at all levels, in the context of preparedness, reduction of risk impact, and response to seismic emergency situations;
Conducting basic and applied scientific research in the field of seismology, contributing to the development and transfer of knowledge related to natural and/or induced seismic processes, the internal structure of the Earth, and the impact of earthquakes on the country's socio-economic environment;
Delivering professional services to third parties within its field of expertise.

Through its national monitoring infrastructure and the seismic data archive, the Department of Seismology represents the only specialized scientific-research unit in Albania dedicated to earthquake monitoring, seismological studies, and seismic risk assessment at the national level.

Mission

The Department of Seismology (DS), as a core scientific-research unit within the Institute of Geosciences (IGJEO), is mandated to continuously monitor seismic activity, study and evaluate earthquakes, and reduce their impact on the country’s socio-economic environment.

This mission is accomplished through the ongoing development and modernization of the seismological network, standardization and long-term preservation of seismic data, and the application of advanced technologies and methodologies, including real-time processing and artificial intelligence for seismic analysis.

DS ensures the real-time transmission of seismic data to the National Seismic Monitoring Center (QKMAS) and international partner institutions. It manages temporary seismic stations and conducts collaborative experiments with national and international scientists, fostering scientific exchange and expanding knowledge on seismic processes.

By combining automatic processing with continuous quality analysis, DS provides rapid parametric earthquake information to Civil Protection authorities, emergency institutions, the public, and the scientific community, while contributing to global databases through cooperation with EMSC and ISC.

At its core, the mission of DS is to characterize seismic sources and their impacts, supporting the long-term objective of building a safer and more earthquake-resilient society.

Vision

The Department of Seismology aims to establish itself as the national scientific authority in the field of seismology, leading scientific and technological advancement in earthquake monitoring and analysis, with the goal of building a safe, resilient, and well-informed society in the face of seismic risk. This vision is grounded in innovation, digital transformation, international collaboration, and the strengthening of national capacities for disaster risk reduction.

Contribution

The Department of Seismology plays a fundamental role in Albania’s national seismic monitoring system, in advancing scientific research, and in supporting seismic risk management, through a multifaceted contribution that includes:

Coordinating, operating, and maintaining the Albanian Seismological Network, which serves as the backbone for continuous seismic activity monitoring across the country;
Acting as the National Seismological Data Center, ensuring the security, quality, and long-term preservation of seismic data in accordance with international standards;
Serving as a hub for technological modernization and knowledge transfer in instrumental seismology, by integrating advanced technologies and digital processes;
Providing support services to national and local Civil Protection structures, including seismic hazard assessment, earthquake scenario development, and the generation of ground shaking maps (ShakeMap);
Conducting scientific research in the fields of earthquake seismology, seismicity, and seismic hazard assessment;
Participating in seismic experiments and applied seismology campaigns, in collaboration with national and international partners;
Delivering scientific and technical services to third parties, in accordance with the Department’s expertise and the needs of both the public and private sectors.