READ – Research Expertise from the Academic Diaspora

Establishing ties with the Albanian Scientific Diaspora to enhance Scientific Research in Albania

The Albanian scientific diaspora holds the potential to reverse the effects of the ‘brain drain’ that has impacted Albania due to high emigration rates. It also has the power to enhance capacities and bring about structural changes in the Albanian higher education system.

The AADF considers education as a strategic priority for the sustainable development of Albania. We launched the READ Fellowship program to make use of the untapped potential of the Albanian scientific diaspora.

The program’s primary objective is to foster sustainable collaborations between the Albanian scientific diaspora and Higher Education Institutions in Albania. The end goal is to involve 100 diaspora academics in contributing to four focus areas:

• Co-authored research papers,
• Joint supervision of PhDs,
• Curricula development,
• and co-teaching activities.

Albanian researchers and Higher Education Institutions will benefit from enhanced access to grants and resources and gain valuable training in grant application and project design skills.

The AADF has partnered with the Institute for International Education for this program, which brings extensive experience in international exchanges and offers a proven model for diaspora fellowships.