On April 24, 2026, the official launch of the Institute of Pharmacy took place at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina, marking an important milestone in strengthening the connection between pharmacy education, industry needs, and innovation in Kosovo.
The event, organized in cooperation with the 4InnoPipe2 – Strengthening Innovation Pipelines for Impactful Universities 2.0 project, gathered over 100 participants from academia, government, and the pharmaceutical industry.
The opening remarks were delivered by Arben Hajrullahu, Rector of the University of Prishtina, together with Hajrulla Çeku, Minister of Education, highlighting the strategic importance of aligning higher education with innovation and labor market needs.
Key contributions also came from Sefedin Muçaj, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, as well as international partners including Titta Pirkola from the University of Helsinki and Russell Ganim and Donald Letendre from the University of Iowa. The initiative was further supported by Adnan Bozalija, Head of the Pharmacy Division, together with representatives of leading pharmaceutical institutions and industry stakeholders in Kosovo.
The event and panel discussions were moderated by Pranvera Breznica Selmani, Director of the Institute. Among the panelists, But Dedaj contributed to the discussion on how digitalization, artificial intelligence, evolving business models, and higher professional standards are reshaping the pharmaceutical sector, emphasizing the role of the Institute of Pharmacy in preparing a competitive, adaptable, and future-oriented workforce.
In addition to the panel discussions, Mjellma Carabregu Vokshi, together with Denis Raka, facilitated two interactive workshops focused on developing future projects in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the areas of innovation, skills development, and system transformation.
A central outcome of the event was the identification of several promising ideas that will now be further developed into concrete projects, with continued support from the 4InnoPipe2 initiative.
The event exceeded expectations, generating significant national media coverage and reinforcing the visibility of the initiative under the branding of the Ministry of Education. It also demonstrated strong engagement from all key actors within Kosovo’s pharmaceutical ecosystem.
The launch of the Institute of Pharmacy represents a crucial step toward building a more connected, innovative, and future-oriented higher education and research system in Kosovo.
