NanoKos project strengthens research capacity and international collaboration in Kosovo

Led by Dr Driton Vllasaliu from the Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, the NanoKos project, funded by EuropeAid, brings together King’s, the University of Prishtina (Kosovo), and partners at the University of Milan and University of Parma (Italy). Since 2022, this three-year initiative has focused on medical and environmental research, with a particular emphasis on nanoscience — a field that underpins both nanomedicine, for medical applications, and nanotoxicology, for studying environmental impact.

Creating lasting impact on researchers and research infrastructure

Through NanoKos, more than 30 Kosovo-based researchers and staff have completed internships and short placements at King’s and in Italy. These opportunities have given Kosovan researchers hands-on experience in advanced laboratory techniques and nanomaterials research, strengthening both their skills and their career prospects.

Other support provided through the project included enabling 40 staff visits and delivering 13 workshopsfor the purpose of knowledge exchange and training in specific research skills. Additionally, the project invested €180,000 in state-of-the-art nanomaterial characterisation and imaging equipment for the University of Prishtina, building important nanoscience-related laboratory infrastructure in Kosovo and delivering long-lasting impact. Training covered both practical experimental skills and broader topics such as grant funding. The project embedded a highly active public engagement campaign to raise the awareness of nanomedicine and nanotoxicology, focusing on educating the public on the harmful effects of air pollution (nanoparticulates).

Dr Vllasaliu, who is originally from Kosovo himself, described the enduring impact the project will have in Kosovo, at King’s, and the partner institutions.

The project has significantly elevated the research focus by Kosovo’s research community on environmental nanotoxicology. Nanotoxicology examines how extremely small particles interact with the body and the environment, making it an important focus for regions facing pollution-related challenges. Given that Kosovo is one of the most polluted countries in Europe, the project’s impact on greatly increasing research capacity in this field, such as the study of environmental toxins and airborne particulate matter, is especially important. By training researchers in nanotoxicology, building the research infrastructure and international collaborations, NanoKos has enabled local researchers to investigate the pollutants affecting their own communities, contributing to long-term efforts to reduce the harmful effects of environmental pollution on public health.

Supporting Kosovo’s brightest talent

While King’s led the project, a key element of NanoKos has been the direct investment in Kosovo's research . “Kosovo has so many talented people, but it struggles to attract EU funding,” explains Dr Vllasaliu. Around two-thirds of the €1 million funding went directly to the University of Prishtina, ensuring that local researchers were the main beneficiaries.

The project also highlighted the exceptional talent of these researchers. For King’s, a clear benefit is that they have been trained to a high standard and are now well placed to return and contribute to ongoing and future research projects, including collaborative projects with us. Notable examples include a NanoKos intern contributing to a publication and another returning to King’s for employment, a direct outcome of their internship.

Others have secured PhD positions in Italy or returned to Kosovo to advance local research initiatives. Collectively, these outcomes demonstrate how NanoKos has strengthened Kosovo’s research capacity while creating a pool of skilled collaborators for King’s and future international projects.

The innovative NanoKos project has been praised by Kosovo’s researchers and its government, as well as the funder, for its impact. The project kick-off meeting was attended by senior officials of the Kosovo government (Ministers and Deputy Ministers) and the EU.

Building a sustainable research network

Although the NanoKos project officially concludes in December 2025, the network of researchers will remain active through various online channels and annual alumni meetings. Future plans include joint research projects, internships, and EU funding applications, ensuring that collaboration continues to benefit researchers in Kosovo long term.

For more information, visit the NanoKos website.