We proudly hosted the Women in Science Network (WISN) Conference Event on our campus under the theme “A Network for Women Empowerment,” reaffirming our strong institutional commitment to advancing the role of women in science, leadership, and academic development. This important gathering brought together distinguished representatives from governmental institutions, universities, and international academia, creating a meaningful platform for dialogue, cooperation, and inspiration. Through this event, we once again demonstrated our dedication to fostering inclusive academic spaces where women’s achievements, perspectives, and contributions are recognized as essential to societal progress and innovation.

The conference featured prominent speakers, including Kaltrina Zekolli Shaqiri, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elisabeta Bajrami Ollogu, President of the Women in Science Network (WISN); Prof. Dr. Lütfi Sunar, Rector of International Balkan University; Prof. Dr. Bekim Fetaji, Rector of Mother Teresa University; and Prof. Dr. Birnur Akkaya from the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Cumhuriyet University, who addressed the audience via online video message. The panel discussion was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Igballe Miftari-Fetishi, Dean of the Faculty of Education at IBU, and included an esteemed panel composed of Prof. Dr. Marina Nacka, Prof. Dr. Diturije Ismaili, Prof. Dr. Merita Zulfiu-Alili, and Assoc. Prof. Katerina Mitevksa Petrusheva, whose expertise enriched the exchange of ideas and strengthened the regional academic dialogue on women’s empowerment in science and higher education.

As part of the program, we also celebrated excellence and achievement by awarding outstanding participants, recognizing Hana Selmani with the first prize, Mia Kostovska with the second prize, and Zehra Hajrulai Musliu with the third prize. Through this recognition, we highlighted the importance of encouraging young talents and supporting the next generation of women leaders in science and academia. By organizing and hosting this conference, we further reinforced our strategic vision of quality education, innovation, international collaboration, and community engagement, and we remain committed to expanding such initiatives that empower women and strengthen our academic ecosystem for the future.