Research Expertise from the Academic Diaspora (READ)

Review and Selection

Application Process

READ is a two-sided application process requiring a project submitted by an Albanian Resident Scholar at an Albanian higher education institution (HEI), and the credentials of an Albanian Diaspora Scholar submitted to the Roster. 

Diaspora Scholar applications to the Roster are accepted on a rolling basis. 

Albanian Resident Scholars at Albanian HEIs submit projects during each call for applications. These projects contain the academic discipline, activities, and timing, and may identify a specific Diaspora Scholar with whom the Resident Scholar wishes to collaborate.

Diaspora Scholars who submit complete applications for the Roster are notified by READ if matched to a project after the close of a call for applications.

Roster candidates are not required to accept the matched project, and in the case of multiple matches, the Albanian Resident Scholar may choose from among several possible candidates. Resident Scholars can host more than one Diaspora Scholar (if the project requires it) but in each cycle, a Diaspora Scholar can be attached to only ONE project. READ encourages team collaborations among scholars and even among institutions in Albania, so multiple partner can collaborate on one project to host the Diaspora Scholar from whose expertise they would benefit.

In many cases, READ anticipates that Diaspora Scholars and Albanian Resident Scholars who already have a working relationship will collaborate on the project details submitted by the Albanian Resident Scholar.  READ encourages this kind of cooperation, although it does not increase the likelihood of selection in comparison to projects without such prior cooperation.

Selection Process

Only Diaspora Scholar Applications on the Roster which are successfully matched to a project are sent into the Review Process.  Learn more about the Review Process and Review Criteria used to evaluate projects and scholars.

Selected Diaspora Fellows will be provided with orientation sessions and asked to develop a work plan with the Albanian Resident Scholar and host institution before the arrival in Albania.