On 20–21 October2025, Dr. Mirela Alhasani (Dubali), Lecturer at the Center for European Studies, EPOKA University, represented the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) at the Western Balkan Ministerial Meeting for Research and Innovation, held in Podgorica, Montenegro. 

Dr. Alhasani participated as part of the official COST delegation, led by Prof. Åse Gornitzka  President of COST, Katalin Alfoldi- COST Policy Advisor, Dr. Albulena Shala- COST Member from Kosovo, Dr. Masa Zdralevic- COST Member from Montenegro, Assoc. Prof. Dr Vancho Adjiski- COST Member for North Macedonia, Dr. Vladimir Mrkajic- COST Member from Serbia, and Dr. Adna Asic – COST Member from Bosnia & Herzegovina.

During the Ministerial Meetingon 20 October, ministers from the WesternBalkan countries and senior EU officials discussed key regionalpriorities in research, innovation, and scientific cooperation. The impactof COST in fostering competitive and resilient societies was particularly acknowledged by the European Commissioner, who reaffirmed the European Commission’s continued support for COST initiatives. As part of the delegation, Dr. Alhasani shared her personal success story within COST, highlighting the organization’s strong commitment to gender inclusion. She underscored that Albania currently has one of the highest rates of female participation in COST, with women comprising over 80% of national members— setting a positive example for the region.

On 21 October, alignedwith the Ministerial Meeting agenda, Dr. Alhasani was invited as a featuredspeaker at the Business & Science Conference, titled “From Knowledge to Impact: Nurturing Research and Innovation in Southeast Europe.” This event was hosted by the University of Montenegro, in collaboration with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), Policy Answers, SciDev, and COST, bringing together EU and regional leaders, policymakers, academics, and industry representatives to exchange insights and propose strategies for enhancing the regional impact of EU instruments in research and innovation, particularly amid currenteconomic and geopolitical uncertainties. In her greeting message, Dr. Mirela Alhasani (Dubali) emphasized the transformative role of COST Actions, noting that their interdisciplinary nature is helping reform and modernizeuniversity curricula in Albania to better align with evolving regional labor market demands and innovation trends.

EPOKA University gratefully acknowledges the support and contribution of COST in the scientific growth of its academicstaff by engagingin European researchnetworks and bringinghome valuable expertise that fosters innovation and excellence in research and education.

Official News link European Commission: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/news/all-research-and- innovation-news/eu-and-western-balkans-further-strengthen-cooperation-research-and-innovation-2025-10-20_en )

Official COST newsletter: https://www.cost.eu/shaping-the-future-of-research-and-innovation-in-the-western- balkans/

Official news Science/Business link : https://sciencebusiness.net/events/knowledge-impact-nurturing-research-and-innovation-southeast-europe