"Warm UP" Winter School Launches as Major International Achievement for University of Prishtina

The first edition of the "Warm UP" Winter School opened today in the University of Prishtina Senate Hall. This event marks a partnership between the University of Prishtina and the University of Luxembourg.

Held for the first time in UP's history, the WARM UP Winter School, officially the Winter Academy of Research Methods, focuses on best practices for managing doctoral programs and strengthening scientific research. Organizers hope it will become a regular yearly event on the academic calendar.

During the opening, speakers highlighted how the Winter School will raise UP's profile, expand its global presence, and grow its international partnerships. They also emphasized the strong ongoing relationship between Kosovo's leading university and both the University and country of Luxembourg.

The "Warm UP" School began with welcoming remarks from Vice-Rector for Internationalization and Academic Exchange, Rozafa Basha. She was followed by UP Rector Prof. Arben Hajrullahu, and His Excellency Eric Dietz, Ambassador of Luxembourg to Kosovo.

Speakers noted the successful cooperation between the University of Prishtina and the University of Luxembourg, which includes student and faculty exchanges and joint efforts toward a shared scientific and technological ecosystem. They stressed that connecting talent with opportunities is essential for driving innovation, especially in today’s fast-moving era of artificial intelligence.

Following the opening addresses, Vice-Rector for Scientific Research, Projects, and Innovation, Prof. Avni Hajdari, shared that UP currently runs eight accredited doctoral programs with 170 active doctoral students.

Professors from the University of Luxembourg’s SnT Centre, Prof. Markus Voelp and Prof. Carlo Duprel, explained how doctoral programs are structured and managed at their institution and praised UP students who have collaborated with them.

Shkëlzen Gërxhaliu, Director of the Department for Monitoring and Post-Accreditation Procedures at the Kosovo Accreditation Agency, outlined the agency's standards for accrediting doctoral programs.

Supported by the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency (LuxDev) and the Embassy of Luxembourg in Kosovo, the "Warm UP" Winter School continues today, as well as on Thursday and Friday, with a full schedule of sessions.