Research Expertise from the Academic Diaspora (READ)
Research Expertise from the Academic Diaspora (READ) supports diaspora and resident scholars in collaborative research and teaching to strengthen higher education and scientific research in Albania.
Funder: Institute of International Education
Due Dates: December 4, 2026 (Resident Scholar projects for 2027–28)
Funding Amounts: Resident Scholars: 500,000 ALL, or up to 2,500,000 ALL for qualifying applied research; Diaspora Scholars: travel, stipends and honoraria for 1–6 months
Summary: READ supports Albanian diaspora and resident scholars collaborating on research, teaching and capacity building at Albanian higher education institutions.
Key Information: Applications require both a Resident Scholar’s project and a Diaspora Scholar’s credentials submitted to the roster.
Description
Research Expertise from the Academic Diaspora (READ) was founded in 2021 by the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), which funds the program in cooperation with the Institute of International Education (IIE). It provides a structured way for the Albanian academic diaspora to contribute to higher education and scientific research in Albania through partnerships with scholars based there.
READ supports collaborative research, curriculum and course development, joint supervision of Ph.D. candidates, and co-teaching. Projects combining co-teaching with other supported activities are encouraged. Diaspora Scholars submit credentials to a candidate roster, while Resident Scholars submit projects for matching. Prior collaboration is welcome but does not improve selection chances. During its first four years, READ brought 121 researchers of Albanian heritage living in OECD countries to work with Albanian institutions; AADF extended the program for seven more years in 2025.
