Kosova Academy of Sciences and Arts

The Kosova Academy of Sciences and Arts (Akademia e Shkencave dhe e Arteve e Kosovës, Academia Scientiarum et Artium Kosoviensis) is the national academy of Kosova.

History & Organization
The Kosova Academy of Sciences and Arts is the highest institution of science and art in Kosova, with headquarters in Prishtina, established by decision of the Assembly of Kosova on December 20, 1975. By law and other by-laws, ASHAK is defined as an independent institution, which unites its membership of scientists and artists from the most prominent in the country. The activity of the Academy is of special public and national interest, the purpose of which is the development and promotion of research-scientific and artistic work in Kosova, care for the implementation of scientific achievements and the cultivation of artistic values in the country, as well as the development of cooperation international scientific and artistic. ASHAK is an honorary institution, without executive powers, only with moral and intellectual influence on general social developments, particularly in the development of scientific thought, in public, educational, cultural and artistic activities. It is financed from the budget of the Government of Kosova.

Members
The academy has 23 regular and 14 associate members. The current president of the academy is Mehmet Kraja, while the vice-president is Justina Shiorka-Pula. Luan Mulliqi was the last general secretary of academy. The heads of the divisions include Sabri Hamiti, Gjyljeta Mushkolaj, Fetah Podvorica and Rauf Dhomi. Honorary members include personalities like Albanian-American Nobel prize winner Ferid Murad and Mother Teresa.