At the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Prishtina, during the presentation of findings from a study on the Kosovan scientific diaspora, it was mentioned that one-quarter of the respondents (33%) from this diaspora plan to return to Kosovo. Meanwhile, 44 percent of them are still undecided about whether they will return or not.

The study titled “The New Scientific Diaspora from Kosova: Size, Characteristics, and Possibilities for Return and Cooperation,” was conducted by Professor Emeritus of Geography at the University of Sussex in the UK, Russell King, and Ilir Gëdeshi, Director of the Center for Economic and Social Studies in Tirana. It involved 492 individuals who completed an online questionnaire, as well as interviews with 14 individuals conducted remotely via electronic platforms.

Supported by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung organization and the Center for Economic and Social Studies, the research found that the Kosovan scientific diaspora includes around 1,000 individuals with completed PhDs. This represents about a quarter of the current scientists in Kosovo holding doctoral degrees.

In his speech to those present, Rector Prof. Arben Hajrullahu emphasized the importance of building relationships with the Kosovan scientific diaspora. He pointed out that, these scientists should not feel that they are only giving back, but also receiving in return.

According to Rector Hajrullahu, this diaspora can help elevate the University of Prishtina onto the global stage and, at the same time, bring the world to UP. He stressed that the great potential of the scientific diaspora should be actively used for the benefit of the university and Kosovo now, because this close connection between the diaspora and their homeland or their parents’ homeland won’t last forever.

He also mentioned that within a year, nearly ten professors, professionals, and researchers from the diaspora have become affiliated with UP through the Regulation on Transfer, the 'Brain Gain' program, and provisions for extraordinary academic recruitment needs, which was approved by the UP Senate on April 30, 2025. They are working at some of the world’s most renowned universities.

During the presentation of the study, moderated by Rudina Nallbani-Hoxha, Program Manager at the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Office in Kosovo, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Liza Gashi, and Program Manager at the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Office in Albania, Jonida Smaja, also spoke. Experts on education and diaspora issues shared their insights as well.

Professors affiliated with the diaspora at UP have already started their lectures. Last year, UP also organized the forum “Together in Science: University of Prishtina and the Academic Diaspora.”