In 2021, Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), in coordination with the Institute of International Education (IIE), has established the Albanian Diaspora Fellowship Program called Research Expertise from the Academic Diaspora (READ) Program. READIn 2021, the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), in coordination with the Institute of International Education (IIE), founded the Research Expertise from the Academic Diaspora (READ) Program to connect Albanian higher education institutions (HEIs) in Albania with the Albanian scientific diaspora and their respective academic institutions.

READ was created to foster sustainable collaborations between Albanian higher education institutions (HEIs) and the Albanian academic diaspora by providing a formalized and structured fellowship program through which the Albanian academic diaspora can contribute to the development of HEIs in Albania and the overall development of scientific research in the country through four main activities:  collaborative research, joint supervision of PhDs, curricula and course development, and co-teaching.

In READ’s 4^th year, AADF signed an agreement with the National Agency for Scientific Research, Technology and Innovation (AKKSHI), Ministry of Education of Albania to co-finance the READ Program.  This cooperation creates new opportunities for academic exchanges with the Diaspora and increases the scientific capacity in the country.

In 2025, the READ Board of Trustees approved “READ 2.0” to extend and enhance the READ Program.  The updated program will include new and revised components designed to address the sector’s most pressing needs and align with the best international practices, including:

• Applied Research Grants will support projects that directly tackle Albania’s development challenges, making sure academic work has a real-world impact. This addresses a clear gap in the system, where local research often struggles to get funding unless it is closely linked to teaching duties. By focusing research on national priorities, READ can help close the gap between academia and development policy.

• The Diaspora Fellowship Program will bring highly qualified Albanian scholars from abroad to work at local universities for extended periods of up to 12 months. These fellows not only teach courses and mentor students but also immerse themselves in the academic life of the institution, building long-lasting ties that persist beyond their stay. Their presence has been shown to enhance educational standards, diversify curricula, and inspire both faculty and students.

In this way, READ will evolve from a program that connects Albania with its academic diaspora into a larger ecosystem that nurtures talent, strengthens institutions, and links knowledge with action. This expansion presents an opportunity not only to build on what has worked but also to expand its reach and lasting impact.