Prof. Asst. Dr. Blerta Shehu
Vicedean for Science and Development
+38338229201
Asst. Prof. Dr. Blerta Perolli Shehu has been a faculty member at the University of Prishtina since 2006. She completed her doctoral studies in Psychology at Clemson University (USA), with a research focus on examining the effects of social competencies and attitudes toward school on children’s academic performance.
Her primary field of expertise relates to typical and atypical development in early childhood, early childhood intervention, and inclusive education. She brings over 20 years of professional experience working with marginalized children and in the field of child protection in Kosovo, including contributions to the drafting of legislation and social and educational policies, as well as the design, management, and implementation of community-based programs for marginalized children.
She also has extensive experience as an internationally engaged expert in evaluating the impact of programs in education, health, and social protection. She is certified as an REBT psychotherapist by the Albert Ellis European Institute and holds a certification in academic teaching from the University of Bedfordshire (UK).
From 2017 to 2020, she served as Coordinator for Academic Development and, for a two-year period, also led the Institute for Research and Development in Education at the Faculty of Education. From 2020 to 2024, she held the position of Vice Dean for Academic Affairs – Master’s Studies.
The main responsibilities of the Vice Dean include:
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Management and development of the Double Degree PhD Programme, currently with 20 active students, including academic coordination, support to the Doctoral Council, ensuring research standards, and monitoring candidates’ academic progress.
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Organization of doctoral academic life through scientific seminars, research forums, and presentation sessions in which doctoral candidates present their progress to academic staff and peers, with a focus on fostering a culture of scholarly debate and strengthening methodological rigor.
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Management of accreditation and reaccreditation processes for all Faculty programmes, as well as leadership of the Office for Quality and Academic Development, in accordance with national and international higher education standards.
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Ensuring and further developing the internal quality assurance system, in alignment with the system managed at Rectorate level, including: periodic review of study programme quality; analysis of the quality of pedagogical practice; monitoring the quality of research and publications; analysis of student and alumni perceptions; and evaluation of the quality of administrative and support services.
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Preparation of institutional analytical reports, based on empirical data and performance indicators, aimed at informing strategic decision-making and supporting continuous institutional improvement.
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Management and development of the Institute for Research and Development in Education (IRDE/IHZHA), including: professional development of in-service teachers; coordination of national and international research projects; management of donor-funded projects; and linking research with education policy and systemic reform.
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Organization of symposia, conferences, and scientific seminars, focused on institutional development, advancement of pedagogical practice, and contribution to the education system at national and regional levels.
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Support and management of academic and scientific publications, including journals, conference proceedings, monographs, and thematic volumes, with the aim of strengthening the Faculty’s research profile.
The Vice Dean leads and coordinates interdisciplinary research clusters, structured around the Faculty’s strategic priorities, such as: Inclusive Education and Equity; Early Childhood Education and Child Development; Teacher Professional Development and Professional Identity; Digital Transformation, AI and STEAM in Education; Governance and Education Policy. These clusters function as thematic units for the development of research projects, joint publications, and applications for competitive research funding.
In cooperation with the Dean, the Vice Dean coordinates the drafting and implementation of the Institutional Research Agenda, which defines research priorities in alignment with national and international needs; ensures the integration of research, teaching, and policymaking; promotes evidence-based research to inform education reform; strengthens international partnerships and inter-university collaboration; and upholds high ethical and methodological standards in scientific research.