The first talk in the new academic initiative “Lunch Lectures” was held at the University of Prishtina’s Faculty of Philosophy, officially launching a new platform for communication and intellectual exchange within the university and with the wider public.

This initiative was launched by Faculty of Philosophy professors Njomza Llullaku, Arsim Canolli, and Tahir Latifi, with the aim of creating a more open space for presenting and discussing academic work and ongoing projects.

At the event’s opening, Arsim Canolli introduced the idea behind “Lunch Lectures,” stressing the need for the university community to communicate more, both internally and with the public. He noted that this initiative seeks to highlight the ongoing—and often unseen—work that academic staff carry out for the community. In that context, he announced that this year’s theme is “University, Research, and Community.”

The first lecture was delivered by professors from the Department of Social Work: Prof. Njomza Llullaku, Prof. Avdyl Gashi, and Assist. Prof. Dr. Rita Selimi. They presented the department’s professional practice program and discussed its sustainability and its role in building students’ professional skills. They also highlighted a distinctive feature of the social work program: practical placements in Social Work Centers across all municipalities, a long-running program that gives students the chance to gain practical experience in institutions and earn academic credit for it. The program has created various practical engagement opportunities, including paid internships, and has helped improve students’ job prospects by bridging academic learning with field experience.

After the lecture, an open discussion with attendees took place, reflecting the interactive and informal atmosphere the series aims to foster.

It was also announced that the lunch lectures will be supported with refreshments by “Terre des Hommes” in Kosovo, helping create a relaxed setting for discussion over the lunch hour. Among those attending were Director Mr. Pajtim Zeqiri and other representatives of the organization.

To close the event, it was announced that the next lecture will be held on April 14 from 12:00 to 13:00. Professors from the Department of Anthropology will present their project documenting the Great Krusha Massacre, which was carried out between 2020 and 2024. 

“Lunch Lectures” are set to become a new academic tradition at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Prishtina, strengthening interdisciplinary dialogue and the university’s connection with society.