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Professor Shqiponja Telhaj giving a speech

Group of awardees with the President and the Prime Minister of Albania

Shqiponja Telhaj, Professor of Economics at the University of Sussex Business School, has been awarded the prestigious Knight of the Order of the Academic Oak by the President of Albania—one of the country’s highest state honours for contributions to education, research, and public policy.

Conferred in April 2026 in a national ceremony, the honour recognises Professor Telhaj’s contributions to scientific research and her significant role in the design and advisory of public policies in Albania’s education and economic sectors for sustainable development.

Reflecting on the award, Professor Telhaj said:

“I’m honoured to receive this recognition from my home country. Strengthening higher education is key to expanding opportunity, building a skilled workforce, and supporting long-term development. I remain committed to contributing to this work in Albania and beyond.”

Driving reform in higher education

Professor Telhaj’s work over the past six years has focused on strengthening the quality of higher education and economic development across Albania. Her efforts have centred on ensuring high standards in universities and other higher education institutions, as well as in the design and delivery of study programmes nationwide.

She has advanced this work through a series of senior policy and advisory roles. Since December 2020, she has served as an advisor to the Higher Education and Scientific Research Council at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports in Albania, where she advised the Albanian government on higher education policies.

In July 2021, she was appointed as the Chair of the Albanian Higher Education Accreditation Board, with her mandate renewed in November 2025. In this role, she worked to uphold and improve quality standards across the sector.

In January 2024, she was also appointed as a member of the Albanian National Economic Council, contributing to broader economic policy discussions and ensuring that education reform aligns with national development priorities.

This recognition highlights the national and international impact of research from the Business School. Professor Telhaj’s work demonstrates how academic expertise can inform policy, strengthen institutions, and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable development.