TIRANA, July 18 /ATA/ – The Albanian Academy of Sciences on Saturday congratulated environmental scientist Nikolla (Niko) Qafoku on his election to the Washington State Academy of Sciences (WSAS), describing it as recognition of his distinguished scientific achievements and contributions to society.
Qafoku, a Laboratory Fellow at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), was one of five PNNL researchers elected to the academy this year in recognition of his work in environmental science, soil and groundwater protection, contaminated-site remediation, sustainable agriculture and decarbonisation.
His research on the transport and long-term behaviour of radioactive elements and metals in soils and groundwater has contributed to environmental remediation strategies, risk assessment and the protection of water resources, the academy said.
In addition to his role at PNNL, Qafoku serves as an associate professor at the University of Washington, an adjunct faculty member at Washington State University and a professor at the Agricultural University of Tirana.
The Albanian Academy of Sciences highlighted Qafoku’s longstanding collaboration with the institution, saying he has played an active role in its efforts to strengthen international scientific cooperation through conferences, research forums and initiatives organised with the Alb-Shkenca academic network.
Qafoku also serves on the editorial board of the Albanian Journal of Natural and Technical Sciences and is editor-in-chief of its environmental sciences section.
The academy said its Section of Natural and Technical Sciences has approved a proposal to elect Qafoku as a foreign member of the Albanian Academy of Sciences, with the appointment expected to be finalised in accordance with the institution’s statutes.
In its statement, the academy wished Qafoku continued success in his scientific career and expressed confidence that his collaboration with the institution would continue to strengthen Albanian science and its links with the international research community.
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