Based in Tirana, Albania, SCiDEV is a think tank working on democratisation and sustainable social and economic development in Albania and the wider region, in collaboration with partners in the Western Balkans and European Union.39 Its work combines policy and action-oriented research with advocacy, capacity building, mentoring, science communication and engagement with public, private and civil-society stakeholders.11
SCiDEV’s activities span four areas: democracy and governance; media and communication; links between research and society; and innovation and digital transformation. Across these areas, it works on issues including democratic institutions, media freedom and literacy, research cooperation, digital rights and women’s representation in STEM.912 The organisation works with academia, civil society, media, and public and private institutions, and supports the use of evidence in legal and regulatory initiatives.11
A notable initiative is the Network of Albanian Women in STEM, which SCiDEV hosts to advance women’s social and economic empowerment through greater representation in STEM.8 Its youth-focused work has included more than 60 grants for youth empowerment in 2022 and a regional youth leadership mobility programme launched that November.9 In 2023, SCiDEV also launched a call for the fifth edition of its University Debate Laboratory.12
Dr. Blerjana Bino is SCiDEV’s executive director and co-founder.58 The available sources establish its Tirana base and regional partnerships, but do not state a founding year.38