In her greeting remarks at the conference, Kumbaro praised READ as a program whose results go beyond mere statistics. The Minister of Education announced the continuation of the collaboration between the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF) and the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation for the READ program during the period 2026-2030, promising more opportunities for researchers both within the country and abroad.

“Being a scientist, researcher, or educator is undoubtedly a choice and a deep commitment. However, when this knowledge and commitment are combined with a strong connection to one’s homeland, it takes on a unique value that goes beyond any scientific research. I am pleased to share positive news about the continuation of the collaboration between AADF and the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation: we are preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding for the period 2026-2030, confident that READ will remain an outstanding program for advancing scientific research in Albanian universities. This serves as a clear example of how we can build bridges between Albania and the global Albanian academic community. Our vision for higher education is straightforward: Albania must become an open hub for international knowledge,” Kumbaro said.

Further in her remarks, Minister Kumbaro presented an overview of the READ program’s achievements over the past four years.

“In just four years, READ has funded 121 research projects, involved 122 diaspora fellows, and improved 69 university curricula. More than 1,200 hours of teaching and training have been delivered by experts from the Albanian diaspora. Most importantly, a vibrant network of academic cooperation has been established, bringing the experience and energy of the diaspora back into our universities. I’m very pleased that the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation is part of this program. In the most recent call, we received 363 applications from diaspora scholars and 114 from resident Albanian academics. In the end, 55 research projects—submitted by individuals or research groups—were selected for funding,” said Minister Kumbaro.

With both in-person and online participation, the conference has brought together 667 participants — 214 from the diaspora and 453 from Albania. The 10 best papers will be published in reputable scientific journals.
The conference focused on promoting collaboration, knowledge exchange, and addressing global challenges and opportunities, with a primary emphasis on six key areas shaping Albania’s future development: Education, Innovation and Technology, Agriculture and Rural Development, Sustainable Development, STEAM, and Social Sciences.

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