Research Expertise from the Academic Diaspora (READ)
Research Expertise from the Academic Diaspora (READ) supports Albanian diaspora and resident scholars in joint research and teaching to strengthen higher education and scientific research in Albania.
Funder: Institute of International Education
Due Dates: December 4, 2026 (Resident projects, 2027–28; matched diaspora applications also due) | November 4, 2026; November 11, 2026; November 24, 2026; December 2, 2026 (Webinars)
Funding Amounts: 500,000 ALL resident research grant; budgets up to 2,500,000 ALL for eligible applied research; diaspora benefits for 1–6 months
Summary: READ connects Albanian diaspora and resident scholars for collaborative research, teaching, and capacity-building at Albanian higher education institutions.
Key Information: Applications are two-sided: a resident scholar submits a project, and a diaspora scholar submits credentials to the roster.
Description
Research Expertise from the Academic Diaspora (READ) is funded by the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF) and administered in cooperation with IIE. Founded in 2021, it provides a structured opportunity for Albanian academic diaspora scholars to strengthen higher education and scientific research in Albania.
Supported collaborations include joint research, curriculum and course development, joint Ph.D. supervision, and co-teaching. READ encourages combining co-teaching with other supported activities. Resident scholars propose projects at eligible Albanian institutions, while diaspora scholars submit credentials for matching. Applicants may already know a collaborator, but prior cooperation does not increase selection chances. READ prioritizes team projects, including collaborations across Albanian institutions.
