AADF Launches READ Fellowship Program, Boosting Scientific Research and Higher Education through the Contribution of the Albanian scientific diaspora.

Albania boasts one of the world’s most dynamic diaspora communities, comprising over 1.4 million Albanians residing overseas. Among this community, there are over 2,500 individuals of Albanian origin who hold Ph.D. degrees, dispersed across various countries.

While many may not have plans to return to Albania permanently, it does not diminish their potential to make a positive impact on the country. The AADF launched the READ Fellowship program (Research Expertise from the Academic Diaspora) with the objective of harnessing the expertise, resources, and networks of the Albanian scientific diaspora to make a positive impact on Higher Education Institutions and scientific research in Albania.

READ aims to award 100 fellowships and grants to Albanian scholars and scientists living and working abroad by the end of 2028. The program garnered the immediate support of Albanian HIEs who did not hesitate to sign collaboration agreements and who welcomed the valuable contributions of the Albanian scientific diaspora.