Institute Alb-Shkenca (IASH), a scientific organization, has its roots in the online forum bearing the same name, founded in October 2002. During the period January 2005 - November 2006 a group of Albanian academics living abroad (members of Alb-Shkenca Forum) worked intensively to develop a platform and establish the Institute Alb-Shkenca. At the beginning of the year 2007 the Institute’s establi
shment was first approved in Albania and later in Macedonia and Kosova. The Institute is a volunteer-based initiative of Albanian Diaspora scholars from different fields, educated and trained abroad, who joined their efforts with their colleagues living in Albania, Macedonia and Kosova to contribute towards social and economic progress of their society. Voluntary contribution and the use of the modern information technology have been of primary importance for the Institute’s development in the past years. The Institute’s Objectives
The goals of Institute Alb-Shkenca, defined in its statute, are:
1. Support the development and the improvement of the educational system at university and post-university level by cooperating and acting in concert with the relevant institutions of higher education.
2. Offer scientific expertise and extend cooperation to state or private organizations upon specific agreements arranged with them.
3. To encourage and facilitate the cooperation between Albanian scholars through the creation or the facilitation of their communication in different ways.
4. To organize trainings on different topics of scientific or of a professional qualification nature.
5. To help in creating a cooperative environment with institutions of its kind in countries of our region to contribute in the advancement of science and in the creation of a spirit of dialogue and understanding between the pertinent societies, through debate, bilateral or multilateral meetings, and the organization of common scientific activities. Structure & Organization
In order to achieve the short and long- term goals, the Institute’s activities are directed by:
• The Board of Directors - Both the eighth Chairmen of the Scientific Divisions and the General Secretary are the regular members of the Board of Directors.
• General Administration
• Administration of the three Branches in Albania, Macedonia, and Kosova
• Supervisory Board
Institute Alb-Shkenca operates in three geographical areas: Albania, Macedonia and Kosova. The scientific work of the Institute is divided into the following Divisions according to their directions of scientific research: Albanology, Legal Sciences, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Economic Sciences, Natural Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, Engineering Sciences and Information Technology, and Social Sciences. Annual Activities
Institute Alb-Shkenca organizes Annual Meetings which are a venue to present and promote the most current findings of its members and non-Albanian researchers, scientists and experts, as well as to strengthen the cooperation among Albanian scholars living all over the world. In addition, these meetings aim at creating an atmosphere of cooperation amidst Albanian and International Universities and Academic Institutions, by engaging them effectively into projects of mutual benefit. Past Activities
1st Annual Meeting, August 2006 (Tirana, Albania)
2nd Annual Meeting, August 2007 (Prishtina, Kosova) – over 200 scholars participated in the sixth conferences held in Prishtina, where they presented their findings and achievements in their respective fields.
3rd Annual Meeting, September 2008 (Tirana, Albania) – almost 500 scholars participated in the eight conferences held in Tirana, where they presented their findings and achievements in their respective fields.
4th Annual Meeting, September 2009 (Tetova, Macedonia) – almost 500 scholars participated in the eight conferences held in Tetova, where they presented their findings and achievements in their respective fields.
5th Annual Meeting, September 2010 (Tirana, Albania) – almost 700 scholars participated in the nine conferences held in Tirana and presented their findings and achievements in their respective fields. Publications of Institute Alb-Shkenca
• "ANASH - Approaching Science" - An informative magazine, published periodically every six months. The first edition was published in June 2006.
• "Aktet - Proceedings of the International Annual Meeting of Institute Alb-Shkenca" – A Journal promoting scientific achievements presented during the Annual Meetings of the Institute. (ISSN 2073-2244)
• "Albanian Journal of Legal Studies" – The first online Albanian legal journal, first issued in 2009. Financial Sources
• Annual membership fee;
• Conference fee (upon participation at the Annual Meetings);
• Projects;
• Sponsors;
• The Institute welcomes any form of donation that supports both its periodicals publication and its day-to-day activities. Projects
Institute Alb-Shkenca encourages projects at international level, proposed by European and non-European Institutions which foster the social and economic development in Albania, Kosova and Macedonia.
