Projects 2026

Winning Projects under the National Scientific Research Infrastructure Programme (PIKSH) for 2026, Funded by AKKSHI

Within the framework of the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation (AKKSHI) call for proposals, "Call for Applications for Scientific Research Infrastructure Projects (PIKSH) for 2026," the project entitled "Modernizing Neurosurgical Infrastructure and Healthcare Technology through the Use of an Operating Microscope to Improve the Quality of Surgical Interventions and Preserve Postoperative Quality of Life" was selected for funding. The project is led by Prof. Arsen Seferi.

The project aims to improve the quality of neurosurgical services in Albania through the acquisition of an advanced operating microscope, the implementation of innovative surgical techniques, the strengthening of scientific research, and the development of professional capacities of medical staff.

Winning Projects of the National Research and Development Programme (PKKZH) for the Year 2026, Funded by AKKSHI

Within the framework of the AKKSHI call “Call for Applications for National Research and Development Projects” (PKKZH) for the year 2026, and following Decision No. 19, dated 18.06.2026 of the Board of Administration, the project entitled “Development of Professional Competencies in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Techniques through an Integrated Training Programme” has been awarded funding. Project Leader: Prof. Dr. Eljona Demaliaj.

The aim of this project is to develop and strengthen the professional competencies of medical staff in the field of infertility and assisted reproductive technologies (ART), through the implementation of an integrated training programme and the standardization of clinical practice.

Within the framework of the AKKSHI call “Call for Applications for National Research and Development Projects” (PKKZH) for the year 2026, and following Decision No. 19, dated 18.06.2026 of the Board of Administration, the project entitled “National Epidemiological Study on the Prevalence of Hepatitis D Virus Infection among the HBsAg-Positive Population in Albania” has been awarded funding. Project Leader: Prof. Dr. Adriana Babameto.

The aim of the project is to assess the prevalence of Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection among HBsAg-positive individuals in Albania through a national, multicenter epidemiological study. The project seeks to provide reliable data on the distribution of HDV, improve the diagnosis and clinical management of patients with HBV/HDV co-infection, and support the strengthening of surveillance, the establishment of a national Hepatitis D registry, and the development of evidence-based health policies.

Within the framework of the AKKSHI call “Call for Applications for National Research and Development Projects” (PKKZH) for the year 2026, and following Decision No. 19, dated 18.06.2026 of the Board of Administration, the project entitled “Assessment of the Relationship Between Systemic Autoimmune Diseases and Oral Mucosal Pathologies” has been awarded funding. Project Leader: Assoc. Prof. Silvana Bara.

The overall aim of this project is to systematically assess the relationship between
the overall aim of this project is to systematically assess the relationship between systemic autoimmune diseases and oral mucosal pathologies, by analyzing their prevalence, clinical characteristics, and the impact of these manifestations on patients’ health status and quality of life.

Within the framework of the AKKSHI call “Call for Applications for National Research and Development Projects” (PKKZH) for the year 2026, and following Decision No. 19, dated 18.06.2026 of the Board of Administration, the project entitled “Exposure to Digital Technology and Its Problematic Use: Impact on Sexual Health and Psychosocial Well-Being of UMT Students” has been awarded funding. Project Leader: Assoc. Prof. Rozeta Shahini.

The main objective of the project is to comprehensively assess exposure to and problematic use of technology (screen time, social networks, communication applications, and digital platforms) as a risk factor for the sexual health and psychosocial well-being of students at the University of Medicine, Tirana (UMT). The project also aims to develop and pilot an institutional health surveillance model for monitoring adverse effects, identifying and classifying risk signals, and establishing applicable recommendations for risk reduction within the university environment.

Within the framework of the AKKSHI call “Call for Applications for National Research and Development Projects” (PKKZH) for the year 2026, and following Decision No. 19, dated 18.06.2026 of the Board of Administration, the project entitled “The Role of Comprehensive Molecular Profiling of Brain Tumors in Guiding Precision Therapy in Neurosurgical Oncology” has been awarded funding. Project Leader: Prof. Dr. Artur Xhumari.

The aim of this project is to assess the role of comprehensive molecular profiling of brain tumors in improving therapeutic decision-making and guiding precision therapy in neurosurgical oncology, through the integration of molecular data with clinical and histopathological parameters in the Albanian population.

Within the framework of the AKKSHI call “Call for Applications for National Research and Development Projects” (PKKZH) for the year 2026, and following Decision No. 19, dated 18.06.2026 of the Board of Administration, the project entitled “Early Biomarkers of Target Organ Damage in Cardio-Reno-Metabolic Syndrome: An Integrative Approach for Screening and Risk Stratification” has been awarded funding. Project Leader: Prof. Margarita Gjata.

The aim of this project is to evaluate the clinical value of a selected panel of novel biomarkers in the early identification of target organ damage (cardiac and renal) in individuals with cardio-renal-metabolic risk factors, as well as to develop a practical early screening algorithm applicable to clinical practice in Albania.