As part of the ChallengeEU Talent Academy, South East European University successfully organized (6th December) the “Meet the Researchers” training session, designed to inspire and empower early-career researchers. The goal of this session was to encourage socially relevant research and strengthen participants’ ability to effectively translate scientific findings into real-world impact.
During the Meet the Researchers event with coffee in hand and plenty of motivation, attendees enjoyed a series of insightful presentations showcasing three socially impactful research case studies – along with valuable guidance on scientific writing and research design.
The training session was opened by Pro-Rector for Planning, Research, and Entrepreneurship, Prof. Dr. Veland Ramadani, who shared practical strategies and key steps for navigating the publication process with confidence.

The session was followed by the Director of the Max van der Stoel Institute, Prof. Veli Kreci, who provided clear guidance on crafting strong, testable hypotheses that lay the foundation for robust research. The three case studies that followed the session were mainly on topics aligned with the Challenge EU three Smart Specialisation Areas, that of Smart Digitalisation, Sustainable Futures, Health and Well-being.

Fortesa Asani, a researcher at the Max van der Stoel Institute, presented findings on how social perceptions influence individual well-being, highlighting implications for policy and practice. Lejla Ademi Shaqiri, a researcher at the Max van der Stoel Institute, demonstrated methods for assessing indoor air quality and discussed its importance for public health.

Lastly, Shqipe Salii, a teaching assistant at the Faculty of Contemporary Sciences and Technologies, introduced an innovative machine-learning approach that enhances accuracy while protecting patient data privacy.
The event brought together curious minds, meaningful discussions, and inspiring ideas.


