I strongly believe that every investment in knowledge is a good investment in the future. Whenever I teach in Kosovo, I meet young people eager for knowledge. They are keen to engage with experts from abroad who bring different perspectives and ideas to their studies and lives.

Eshref Januzaj

With over 25,000 students, the University of Pristina is Kosovo’s leading public higher education and research institution. It plays a crucial role in shaping the future workforce which is essential for the country's economic growth.

Eshref grew up in Kosovo. He is currently a postdoctoral researcher, lecturer and scientific researcher at the Munich University of Applied Sciences. Eshref has maintained strong ties to Kosovo, regularly returning to share his knowledge and expertise. During this assignment as diaspora expert, he focused on the latest developments in digitalisation and AI methodologies. He collaborated with university staff, particularly scientists, advising them on integrating AI into the curriculum and daily operations. One tangible outcome of this collaboration is the adaptation of ChatGPT for the Albanian language. Eshref also gave lectures on AI methodologies and applications, discussed the legal and ethical aspects of AI, and organised workshops and panel discussions. Key topics included the use of AI in teaching and the creation of scientific papers.

Together with the university staff, Eshref developed guidelines on how to leverage AI, taking into account both the required openness and the scepticism associated with new technologies. He also advised students on the use of AI applications across fields such as energy efficiency, biomedicine, finance, digital humanities. Furthermore, he gave insights into how the students can use AI as part of their research on improving traffic flow in Pristina.

With this visit, Eshref had two main goals: bridging the gap between theory and practice, and laying the groundwork for innovative research projects and sustainable interdisciplinary collaborations across borders.

Even the most beautiful and colourful fireworks display needs an initial spark. I like to think of myself as the initial spark, whereas the fireworks are the young students I teach. The future and the sky are theirs. I'm just giving them a nudge in the right direction.

Eshref Januzaj