During the autumn semester of the 2026/27 academic year, the Ludovika University of Public Service (LUPS) will once again welcome distinguished international guest professors and experts as part of the Ludovika Scholars Program. Between 12 and 16 October, five esteemed academics and professionals from Albania, Georgia, Serbia, and Türkiye will visit the University to share their research findings, professional expertise, and international perspectives with members of the LUPS community through a series of public lectures.
The invited scholars will address a range of topical issues closely related to the University's educational and research activities. Professor Aleksandar Životić of the University of Belgrade will examine the history of Serbia–NATO relations and their development over recent decades.
Georgian scholar Giorgi Kakashvili, Professor at Caucasus International University in Tbilisi and Associate Professor at the David Aghmashenebeli National Defence Academy in Gori, will explore current issues concerning the application of artificial intelligence in defence and security. His lecture will examine how artificial intelligence is transforming modern warfare and shaping the future of security and defence.
Professor Dragana Čvorović of the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies and Vice-President of the International Criminal Geographical Association will focus on joint investigation teams, an important instrument of international criminal cooperation. Particular attention will be given to Serbia's cooperation with other countries in this field. Her lecture will address issues of central importance to combating cross-border crime and strengthening international law enforcement cooperation.
Turkish scholar Laçin İdil Öztiğ, Professor at Yıldız Technical University in Istanbul and a Faculty Associate of University of Arizona, will examine key challenges and developments in contemporary space exploration. Her lecture will focus on robotic and crewed missions to Mars, as well as the complexities associated with the emerging new era of space exploration.
As part of the programme, LUPS will also welcome Gerta Lubonja, Chair of the National Regulatory Commission of the Water Regulatory Authority of Albania (ERRU). Her lecture will examine the interconnections between water resource management and the regulation of water supply and wastewater services, with particular emphasis on the Albanian experience and the challenges of sustainable water management.
The lectures delivered as part of the Ludovika Scholars Program provide a unique opportunity for members of the University community to engage with distinguished international experts, gain first-hand insight into some of the key issues shaping our time, and explore international perspectives on fields of education and research represented at LUPS.
Text: Éva Sőregi-Vilén
Program Director, Ludovika Scholars Program