Attending were the Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro and the Chairman of the Board of the Albanian-American Development Foundation, Michael Granoff.

Kumbaro praised READ as a program whose results speak beyond statistics. The minister announced continuation of cooperation between the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF) and the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation for the READ program in the period 2026-2030, offering more opportunities for scientific researchers at home and abroad.

Furthermore, during her speech, Minister Kumbaro also presented an overview of the results of the READ program in four years.

“In just four years, READ has funded 121 research projects, involved 122 diaspora scholars and improved 69 university curricula. There have been conducted over 1,200 hours of teaching and training by experts from the Albanian Diaspora and, above all, there has been built a vibrant academic cooperation network, which brings the experience and energy of the Diaspora back to our universities. I am very happy that the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation is part of this program, where in the last year’s call we had 363 applicants from the Diaspora (diaspora scholars) and 114 Albanian academics (resident scholars). In the end, 55 projects applied by individuals or research groups have qualified for funding”, said Minister Kumbaro.

Between physical and online participation, this conference has gathered 667 participants, 214 from the Diaspora and 453 from Albania, while the 10 best papers will be published in scientific journals with a high impact factor.

The conference focused on fostering cooperation, knowledge exchange and addressing global challenges and opportunities, with a main focus on six key areas that shape Albania’s future development: Education, Innovation and Technology, Agriculture and Rural Development, Sustainable Development, STEAM and Social Sciences. /e.i/r.e/p.s./

Minister of Education Ogerta Manastirliu said that through this cooperation we are creating an important bridge between academics of the diaspora and Albanian universities, which not only brings international experience, but helps to increase our research capacities.

The Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF) will finance and administer the implementation of the READ Program, including covering costs for diaspora academics and monitoring the implemented projects.

The first call for projects funded by the READ program opens today, inviting academics to present their proposals by December 16 of this year and to be involved in this important initiative for the development of scientific research in Albania. /k.s//a.f/p.s./