NanoKos Project Concluding Workshop – Two Days of Reflection, Cooperation, and Scientific Research

On October 16 and 17, 2025, the concluding workshop of the NanoKos Project was held at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Prishtina. This initiative, funded by the European Union, was designed to strengthen research capacities in Kosovo in the field of nanoparticles applicable to health and the environment.

The two-day event brought together international partnersfrom the University of Milan, the University of Parma, and King’s College London, as well as the academic and administrative staff of the University of Prishtina, to reflect on their achievements, experiences, and future collaboration.

Day One – October 16, 2025

The first day commenced with inspiring presentations from the project's interns and research grant winners, who shared their experiences and results achieved during their mobility programs and research work.

Presentations by Interns:

• Liridon Sopaj – University of Parma

• Erze Cocaj – King’s College London

• Ilir Berisha – University of Milan

Presentations by Research Grant Winners:

• Prof. Dr. Mimoza Basholli: Nano-based platforms and Phytochemicals for Enhanced Drug Delivery and Therapeutic Efficacy

• Prof. Dr. Mirsade Osmani: Investigating the impact of metal nanoparticles from Trepça smelter emissions on soil, water and crops in the Mitrovica region

• Dr. Rona Mustafa: Epigenetic Profile of Patients with and without Coronary Restenosis after Coronary Stenting: The Role of PM2.5 and Environmental Factors

• PhD cand. Vllaznim Mula: Assessment of Volatile Organic Compounds in Indoor and Outdoor Air of Prishtina, Kosovo

The presentations showcased the successful cooperation between partner institutions and the project's impact on the development of scientific research and the training of a new generation of researchers.

Day Two – October 17, 2025

The second day was dedicated to discussions with stakeholders, sharing experiences from academic and administrative mobility, and reflecting on the future of NanoKoscooperation.

Opening remarks were delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rozafa Basha, Vice-Rector for Internationalization and Academic Exchange; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aurora Bakalli, Vice-Dean for Teaching and Student Affairs at the Faculty of Medicine; Lucia Parducci from the European Union Office in Kosovo; and the project leaders, Professors Giuseppe Danilo Norata, Giangiacomo Beretta, and Michele Miragoli.

A presentation of key achievements and recommendationswas delivered by Prof. Armond Daci and Dr. Driton Vllasaliu, who highlighted the project's impact on scientific research, academic mobility, and the strengthening of institutional cooperation.

The experience-sharing session featured presentations from the academic and administrative staff of the University of Prishtina: Dr. sc. Rina Limani (University of Milan), Prof. Dr. ZeqirVeselaj (King’s College London), Prof. Dr. Laura Leci Tahiri (University of Milan), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zana Ibraimi (University of Parma), Prof. Dr. Bahtir Hyseni, Vice-Rector, University of Mitrovica, and Fitim Seferi, Office of Scientific Research – UP (King’s College London).

The event concluded with the panel discussion “From Research Data to Policy Impact: The Future of NanoKos,” where the project leaders and international partners discussed ways in which research results can influence public policy and scientific development in Kosovo.

Following the panel, the “Meet the Students” session provided an opportunity for direct meetings and discussions between UP students and international partners.

The University of Prishtina extends its gratitude to all partners, presenters, students, and stakeholders for their engagement and contribution to this important project. NanoKoshas been an extraordinary journey of cooperation, research, and academic development, paving the way for new scientific and international initiatives in the future.