UP Forum “Together in Science”: Three Renowned Professors Outline How to Unite Kosovo’s Global Academic Potential

During the thematic presentations of the “Together in Science: University of Prishtina and the Academic Diaspora” Forum, speakers proposed ideas on how to connect the substantial scientific potential of the academic diaspora with the University of Prishtina (UP).

The Vice Rector for Teaching, Academic Staff, and Publications, Prof. Naim Jerliu; Prof. Bajram Berisha from the UP Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, previously of the Technical University of Munich; and Prof. Gëzim Visoka from Dublin City University, who is also affiliated with the University of Oxford and the University of Prishtina, discussed the necessary pathways to unite Kosovar academic expertise from across the globe with that of UP.

In his address, Vice Rector Jerliu provided attendees with details on the Regulation on Transfer, the ‘Brain Gain’ program, and provisions for the exceptional recruitment of academic staff, approved by the UP Senate on April 30, 2025.

As the head of the committee that prepared this regulation, Prof. Jerliu explained that its goals are to attract competitive international faculty to UP, elevate the academic standards of teaching and scientific research, and harness the scientific potential of the academic diaspora.

Prof. Berisha, who worked for 15 years at Europe's leading institution, the Technical University of Munich, before returning home, stated that networking, cooperation with foreign universities, and internationalization are key to connecting UP with global knowledge.

He noted that such joint international publications and conferences would significantly improve the University of Prishtina’s ranking on prominent global platforms. He also emphasized the importance of identifying and creating a list of Kosovar individuals who are part of academic life at prestigious world institutions.

The “Together in Science” Forum also connected via distance-enabled platforms with Prof. Gëzim Visoka from Dublin City University, who became affiliated with the University of Prishtina in September 2025.

Prof. Visoka, who is also affiliated with the University of Oxford, stated that the University of Prishtina should aim to recruit new Kosovar PhD graduates from around the world who maintain strong ties to their homeland.

He noted that “brain circulation,” the return of new graduates from the diaspora, and the renewal of teaching staff are three processes that will strengthen institutional capacities, improve rankings, and position UP as a European university serving the job market.

According to Prof. Visoka, the arrival of professionals from the diaspora should not be viewed as a threat to the university’s current staff, but rather as an opportunity that will help UP professors gain international experience, build capacities, and conduct research.

The “Together in Science: University of Prishtina and the Academic Diaspora” Forum continued with panel discussions following the presentations.