Sustainable Higher Education and Research - SHER

On 18–19 June, SHER supported the University “Kadri Zeka” in Gjilan (UKZ) in the revision of its Statute. A two-day workshop brought together university management, academic staff, and representatives of the SHER Programme to review the existing Statute and discuss amendments needed to support the University's further development.

The workshop was opened by the Rector of the UKZ, Prof. Assoc. Dr. Artan Dermaku, who expressed the importance of the revision process in ensuring that the statute reflects the University’s current needs and strategic priorities. While, Mr. Nehat Dervishi, Thematic Coordinator shared SHER’s commitment to supporting the University throughout the revision process.

Facilitated by SHER Expert, discussions focused on existing provisions, areas requiring revision, identified challenges, and proposed amendments to individual articles. The framework for these discussions was the comprehensive analysis prepared by the SHER international expert, which served as the basis for the workshop deliberations. The workshop concluded with a summary of key discussion points and follow-up steps for the continuation of the statute finalization process.

SHER is funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), co-financed by MES, and implemented by WUS Austria, Zentrum für Soziale Innovation - ZSI, and OeAD.

On 19 June 2026, SHER supported the Universiteti i Prishtinës (UP) in the official presentation of its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, following its approval by the UP Steering Board.

SHER contributed to the strategic planning process through expert support, workshops, and consultations with university management, academic and administrative staff, students, and other stakeholders. Through expert support, facilitated working group sessions, workshops, and consultations, SHER contributed to the development of a strategic document that reflects the University’s priorities, development needs, and vision for the coming years. The new strategy focuses on six key areas: academic excellence, student-centered learning, research and innovation, internationalization, governance and sustainability, and digital transformation.

SHER remains committed to supporting higher education institutions in Kosovo in strengthening strategic planning, institutional development, and alignment with European higher education practices

SHER is funded by Austrian Development Agency and co-financed by MES and implemented by WUS Austria, Zentrum für Soziale Innovation - ZSI and OeAD

Thank you University ‘Isa Boletini’ in Mitrovica for your great cooperation!

SHER is funded by Austrian Development Agency and co-financed by MES and implemented by WUS Austria, Zentrum für Soziale Innovation - ZSI and OeAD

Takim për shqyrtimin e mundësive të avancimit të platformës KRIS Prorektori për Kërkime dhe Hulumtime Shkencore në UIBM, Prof. asoc. Bahtir Hyseni, së bashku me Prorektorin për Cilësi, Prof. dr. Sabri Avdullahi, mirëpritën në takim ekspertin z. Felix Gajdusek, anëtar i konsorciumit dhe ekspert i fushës, si dhe përfaqësuesen e…

On 11 June 2026, the SHER Programme, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science (MES), successfully organized the Second National Contact Points (NCP) Workshop on the Horizon Europe Promotion Plan.

The workshop was opened by Ms. Qamile Sinanaj, Head of the International Cooperation in Higher Education and Science Division at the Ministry of Education and Science and NCP Coordinator, who highlighted the importance of strengthening Kosovo's engagement in Horizon Europe and fostering collaboration among NCPs and relevant stakeholders. Mr. Aqim Emurli, Team Leader of the SHER Programme, also addressed participants, emphasizing the Programme's continued commitment to supporting Kosovo's research and innovation community.

During the workshop, Ms. Qamile Sinanaj further provided an overview of Kosovo entities' participation in Horizon Europe, current statistics, and the support opportunities available through WIDERA.
Participants also benefited from the expertise of Mr. Gorazd Weiss, Senior Expert and Head of the Department for Research Policy and Development at the Zentrum für Soziale Innovation - ZSI, Austria, who facilitated an interactive session on improving promotional activities for the Horizon Europe 2026 Work Programmes and presented recent updates for NCPs related to changes in the impact section of Horizon Europe application forms.

The workshop served as a valuable platform for exchanging experiences, strengthening collaboration, and jointly developing approaches to enhance outreach and engagement within Kosovo's research and innovation community. We thank all speakers and participants for their active contributions and continued commitment to advancing research and innovation in Kosovo.

SHER is funded by Austrian Development Agency and co-financed by MES and implemented by WUS Austria, Zentrum für Soziale Innovation - ZSI and OeAD

On 10 June 2026, SHER organized a workshop at the Universiteti i Prishtinës (UP) focusing on future governance and organizational models. The event brought together the UP Rectorate, faculty deans, the SHER team and an international expert to discuss opportunities for strengthening UP’s governance and organizational structures in line with European higher education practices.

The expert mission also included back-to-back consultations with other relevant stakeholders within the UP, including steering board members, heads of centers and institutes, administrative and academic staff, and students. The collected inputs will contribute to the development of a roadmap with recommendations for strengthening institutional governance and long-term development of the UP.

SHER is funded by Austrian Development Agency and co-financed by MES and implemented by WUS Austria, Zentrum für Soziale Innovation - ZSI and OeAD

From 1 to 4 June 2026, a joint delegation of the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) and the Kosovo Accreditation Agency (KAA), supported by SHER completed an important and successfully official visit to Brussels, to strengthen cooperation with European institutions in the field of higher education quality assurance. This visit marks a significant milestone in the ongoing journey to align Kosovo’s higher education system with European and international quality assurance standards.

The delegation held high-level meetings with representatives of the ENQA, EQAR, VLUHR-QA, AEQES, EURASHE, EUA-IEP and ESU. Discussions focused on Kosovo’s progress in reforming its quality assurance system, strengthening professional capacities, and ensuring full alignment with ESGs. These conversations are vital for ensuring that Kosovo’s HEIs continue to grow in excellence and competitiveness on the international stage.

By providing guidance, resources, and a platform for cooperation, SHER has supported the KAA by ensuring that they continue meeting European benchmarks and also contributing to the broader mission of fostering trust, integrity, and innovation in higher education

SHER is funded by Austrian Development Agency and co-financed by MES and implemented by WUS Austria, Zentrum für Soziale Innovation - ZSI and OeAD

Thank you Ministry of Education and Science for your great cooperation and continues support!

SHER is funded by Austrian Development Agency and co-financed by MES and implemented by WUS Austria, Zentrum für Soziale Innovation - ZSI and OeAD

Thank you Kosovo Accreditation Agency for your great cooperation!

SHER is funded by Austrian Development Agency and co-financed by MESTI and implemented by WUS Austria, Zentrum für Soziale Innovation - ZSI and OeAD

On 29 of May 2026, the 5th Annual Scientific Conference at the Public University “Kadri Zeka” in Gjilan (UKZ) brought together academics, researchers, and institutions from across the region and beyond under the theme “The Impact of Science on Sustainable Development." Over two days, participants exchanged knowledge, shared innovative ideas, and strengthened bridges of cooperation in academia, technology, economics, and society.

Among the keynote speakers was Mr. Aqim Emurli, SHER Team Leader who delivered an insightful address on the challenges and perspectives of higher education. He emphasized the importance of raising academic quality, empowering scientific research, and ensuring that universities remain engines of sustainable progress. His reflections resonated strongly with the conference’s mission to advance knowledge and foster collaboration across borders.

A highlight of the event was the awarding of the prestigious “Marin Barleti” Prize to the SHER Programme, presented by Rector Prof. Assoc. Dr. Artan Dërmaku and Prof. Dr. Xhevdet Thaqi. This recognition honors outstanding contributions to academic achievement, international cooperation, and the promotion of innovative ideas in higher education. In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Emurli expressed deep gratitude to the UKZ and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing international partnerships that create new opportunities for students and researchers alike.

SHER is funded by Austrian Development Agency and co-financed by MESTI and implemented by WUS Austria, Zentrum für Soziale Innovation - ZSI and OeAD

On 25 May 2026, SHER participated in the closing roundtable event of the project “EmpowerHER: Bridging Gender Equality, Mental Health, and Entrepreneurship for Female Students” implemented in the Universiteti "Isa Boletini"-Mitrovicë, supported through the Social Dimensions Grant Scheme.

The event was opened by Project Coordinator Prof. Ass. Dr. Filloreta Kunoviku Demiri and addresed by SHER Office Manager Ms. Donjeta Ibra. Ms. Kunoviku-Demiri thanked SHER for its support and highlighted the successful implementation of the project, while Ms. Ibra emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives that promote social inclusion and gender equality in higher education.

Through the project activities, students strengthened their entrepreneurial skills, developed business ideas and plans, and increased their awareness of mental health and well-being in a supportive environment.

SHER is funded by Austrian Development Agency and co-financed by MESTI and implemented by WUS Austria, Zentrum für Soziale Innovation - ZSI and OeAD

U mbajt tryeza përmbyllëse e projektit “EmpowerHER” Bridging Gender Equality, Mental Health, and Entrepreneurship for Female Students Në ambientet e Universitetit “Isa Boletini” në Mitrovicë, u mbajt tryeza e rrumbullakët përmbyllëse e projektit “EmpowerHER”, aktivitet që shënoi përmbylljen e një iniciative të rëndësishme të dedikuar fuqizimit të grave dhe zhvillimit të kapaciteteve profesionale të tyre p....