List of Albanian inventions and discoveries

This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (December 2023)

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Albanian inventions and discoveries are objects, processes or techniques invented, innovated or discovered, partially or entirely, by Albanians or individuals of Albanian descent.

Invention/discovery  | Inventor/discoverer  | Field  | Notes

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Discovered Nitric Oxide's role in relaxing blood vessels, transforming heart disease, erectile dysfunction, and aiding premature infants breathing struggles. Murad's discovery contributed to the invention of Viagra as well.  | Ferid Murad[1][2][3] | Pharmacologist and Biochemistry | Ferid Murad won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1998 for his independent study of the metabolic pathway of nitric oxide in smooth muscle vasodilation. Alongside Robert F. Furchgott, and Louis Ignarro.
Discovered a novel process governing the clustering of gold atoms on crystal surfaces.  | Afërdita Veveçka Priftaj[4][5] | Physicist | Priftaj's discovery of the mechanism governing gold atom clustering on crystal surfaces is highly significant, offering critical insights for catalysis, nanotechnology, and material science.
Pioneering research on the effects of dietary mercury and arsenic on humans and the ecosystem's health. | Carol Folt[6][7][8] | Biological Sciences | Dr. Folt's pioneering scientific investigations significantly influenced national and global policies while prompting advisories on consumption, particularly in relation to human health and ecosystem well-being impacted by dietary factors.
Pioneering role in the research and development of methods for utilizing ethanol as an alternative engine fuel. | Savo Gjirja[9][10][11] | Engineer and Research engineer |
Actively Participated in the Apollo Space Program and Contributed to the  Apollo 11 Mission. Kokalari helped design the Apollo 11 spacecraft, had a crucial key role as the final tester of the system, and wrote the 2-year-long testing project engineering report.  | Wilson Kokalari[12][13][14] | Astronautics and Aerospace engineering | Wilson Kokalari was honored by having his name included on a plaque carried to the Moon by the Apollo 11 astronauts, commemorating everyone who was behind this historic achievement.
Discovered a main belt asteroid, 2020 SS13 and 2000 EK140 = 1998 YE31 to be officially named by the International Astronomical Union 45687 Pranverahyseni to recognize her efforts in astronomy outreach.  | Pranvera Hyseni[15][16][17][18] | Astronomy, Earth science and Planetary science | Pranvera Hyseni is a Ph.D. candidate in Earth and Planetary Sciences at UC Santa Cruz and the founder of Astronomy Outreach of Kosovo (AOK), the largest astronomy outreach program in Eastern Europe. She has been instrumental in establishing the National Observatory and Planetarium of Kosovo, which features a 50-seat planetarium equipped with advanced telescopes, funded through collaborative efforts and donations. Hyseni has received multiple awards for her contributions to science education and outreach. Her work has significantly impacted scientific literacy in Kosovo, engaging over 25,000 individuals annually through AOK's initiatives.
Invented the "Gjota generators and electromotors" Gjota worked on the discovery of the electric motor with more advanced properties than the current one. Which saves electricity significantly and the amount of copper needed for construction. In 2005 Gjota published a book about his findings "Complementary-Complex Electric Machines".  | Rifat Gjota[19][20] | Electrical Engineering and Teacher | In 1965 Gjota graduated from the Electrotechnical Faculty of the University of Skopje. Then completed his master's degree at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the University of Zagreb, and obtained his doctorate at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the University of Pristina. He then worked as a professor at the University of Pristina.
Invented and developed Tungsten Filament Lights for Color photography at MIT. Mili discovered further innovations in Stroboscopic and Stop-action images through his work.  | Gjon Mili[21][22][23] | Electrical engineering, Photography and Cinematography | Mili collaborated with various artists and performers, including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Igor Stravinsky, and Duke Ellington, capturing their work and performances in innovative ways through his photography and film.
As the founder and CEO of Thinking Machines Lab, Murati is leading the development of cutting-edge AI technologies, focusing on creating customizable, multimodal AI systems that collaborate with users. This new innovation seeks to make AI more accessible and adaptable, bridging gaps between advanced AI capabilities and real-world applications, enabling broader customization to meet diverse needs.  | Mira Murati[24][25][26][27][28] | Mechanical engineering, Computer science and Artificial intelligence.  | Murati pursued computer science at the University of Tirana graduating with honors. After completing her undergraduate studies, she moved to the United States and enrolled as an engineering student at Dartmouth College, where she built a hybrid race car. She was the former CEO of OpenAI, where she played a key role in developing AI systems like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Codex. She oversaw their evolution, guiding research to improve AI's functionality and accessibility. Murati's leadership focused on advancing AI technologies and shaping future directions in machine learning and human-AI collaboration.
Mersini is a proponent and is pioneering for the multiverse hypothesis, proposing that our universe is chosen by quantum gravitational dynamics, positing anomalies as gravitational pulls from other universes. Her theory on the universe's origin suggests our universe is one among many, selected through quantum gravitational interactions of matter and energy.  | Laura Mersini-Houghton[29][30][31][32][33] | Cosmology, Theoretical physics and Teacher |

Laura Mersini-Houghton has held a distinguished academic career, teaching both graduate and undergraduate Quantum Mechanics courses at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill while making groundbreaking contributions to the multiverse hypothesis and proposing theories on the origin of the universe. Her work has been widely recognized and discussed in scientific circles, including through appearances in documentaries and scientific programs.

Invented and developed an armoured military vehicle named "Shota".  | Grigor Andoni[34][35][36] | Military | The Albanian vehicle structure manufacturer Timak has completed designing and assembling the country's first armored military vehicle prototype, an infantry mobility vehicle.
Innovated railway design as the designer and creator of the Semmering railway. Which was the first mountain railway in Europe built with a standard gauge track. Referred to commonly as the world's first true mountain railway.  | Karl Ritter von Ghega[37][38] | Civil engineering and Architect | Ghega received the title of (Ritter) for his exceptional contributions to the country and was made the chief of planning for the whole railway network of the Austrian Empire.
Innovated bridge building by designing the Real Ferdinando Bridge over the River Garigliano, completed in 1832. This bridge was the first iron catenary suspension bridge built in Italy and one of the earliest in continental Europe It was technologically advanced for its age.  | Luigi Giura[39][40] | Civil engineering and Architect | Giura was born in Maschito, an Arbëreshë village in Basilicata. He received his education at the school of the Fathers of St. Joseph Calasanz and later attended the seminary in Melfi before moving to Naples to pursue engineering. Giura's innovative use of iron in bridge construction allowed for greater spans and enhanced durability compared to traditional materials. By implementing the catenary principle, he significantly advanced the engineering practices of his time, influencing the design of future bridges in Europe and demonstrating the potential of iron as a primary construction material. His work set new standards for structural design, safety, and functionality in civil engineering.
Major pioneering research on the Ichthyology of Albania | Sabiha Kasimati[41][42] | Biologist and Ichthyologist | Sabiha Kasimati made major contributions to the field of Ichthyology. Thanks to her comprehensive research documented in "Fishes of Albania," where she systematically cataloged and analyzed 257 species of fish, providing valuable insights into the ichthyofauna of Albanian lakes, rivers, and seas. Even till today, her work remains a very significant resource for understanding the Ichthyology and the diverse aquatic life in the region.
Invented the Wheat Variety named “Dajti”.  | Mentor Përmeti[43][44][45][46] | Agronomist | Përmeti earned prestigious accolades such as the Republic Award for his agricultural innovation, the Grand Master of Work medal, and recognition as a Citizen of Honor by the city of Përmet.
Discovered Epimedium alpinum subsp. albanicum | Lulzim Shuka, Kit Tan and Besnik Hallaçi [47][48][49] | Botanical |

A newly discovered subspecies of Epimedium alpinum, named Epimedium alpinum subsp. albanicum, has been identified in Kosovo's Albanian Alps. Found in serpentine substrates, this unique plant grows in hilly areas, displaying its presence mainly in subalpine zones, and requires conservation attention due to its limited distribution and potential threats from mining activities and overgrazing.

Discovered Tulipa albanica | Lulzim Shuka, Besnik Hallaçi and L. Vata[50][51] | Botanical | Tulipa albanica, a newly discovered species from northeastern Albania, boasts vibrant yellow and scarlet flowers, distinct for their absence of a black basal blotch on the perianth segments. This tulip's habitat in serpentine areas alongside rare endemic species adds to its uniqueness and ecological significance in Albania.
Invented the Elbasan alphabet | Gregory of Durrës[52] | Scholar, Printer, Typographer, and Teacher, and an Eastern Orthodox Christian monk and Cleric |
Invented the Todhri alphabet | Theodhor Haxhifilipi[53] | Teacher and Linguist |
Invented the Gjirokastër alphabet | Veso bey[54] | Linguist |
Invented the Vithkuqi alphabet | Naum Veqilharxhi[55] | Lawyer and Scholar |

## See also

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* List of Albanian inventors and discoverers

## Notes

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## References

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1. ^ "The Nobel Prize - Ferid Murad". Retrieved 2023-12-05.
2. ^ "In Memorarium: Honoring the Life of Nobel Laureate Ferid Murad, MD, PhD". 19 September 2023. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
3. ^ "Ferid Murad, who won Nobel Prize for cardiovascular discovery, dies at 86". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
4. ^ "Leaky atomic traps: Upward diffusion of Au from nanoscale pits on ionic-crystal surfaces". Retrieved 2023-12-08.
5. ^ "Ndahet nga jeta fizikantja dhe akademikja e njohur shqiptare". Archived from the original on 2018-10-19. Retrieved 2023-12-08.
6. ^ "Biography Carol Folt, PhD". Retrieved 2023-12-23.
7. ^ "ABOUT CAROL L. FOLT". Retrieved 2023-12-23.
8. ^ "USC President Carol Folt's Mission to Put Students and Discovery First". 9 October 2019. Retrieved 2023-12-23.
9. ^ Gjirja, Savo; Olsson, Erik (1994). "Development of an Ethanol Fueled Version of the Volvo TD73 Diesel Engine". Vti och KFB Forskardagar: 53. Retrieved 2023-12-23.
10. ^ "Savo Gjirja Publications". Retrieved 2023-12-23.
11. ^ "Savo Gjirja". Retrieved 2023-12-23.
12. ^ "A (space) walk among giants". Retrieved 2023-12-05.
13. ^ "Farewell to Wilson Kokalari, distinguished engineer of Apollo program". Archived from the original on 2019-09-15. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
14. ^ "Wilson Kokalari, an Albanian engineer leading the Apollo program". Retrieved 2023-12-05.
15. ^ "Explore Alliance Ambassadors - Pranvera Hyseni". Retrieved 2024-10-18.
16. ^ "Pranvera Hyseni Earth and Planetary Science Educator". Retrieved 2024-10-18.
17. ^ "Ph.D. student leads effort to open Kosovo's first observatory". Retrieved 2024-10-18.
18. ^ "Small-Body Database Lookup". Retrieved 2024-10-18.
19. ^ "The Albanian scientist and pedagogue Rifat Gjota died". Retrieved 2023-12-05.
20. ^ "Gjota generators and electromotors". Retrieved 2023-12-05.
21. ^ "Artist Gjon Mili". Retrieved 2023-12-05.
22. ^ "Howard Greenberg Gallery Gjon Mili". Retrieved 2023-12-05.
23. ^ "Slide Show: Gjon Mili and the Science of Movement". The New Yorker. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
24. ^ "ThinkingMachines". Retrieved 2025-02-27.
25. ^ "Mira Murati Is Ready to Tell the World What She's Working On". Retrieved 2025-02-27.
26. ^ "OpenAI's Former Chief Technology Officer Starts Her Own Company". Retrieved 2025-02-27.
27. ^ "Mira Murati's new AI startup is set to be valued at $9 billion, sources say". Retrieved 2025-02-27.
28. ^ "Former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati finally unveils her Thinking Machines Lab startup—and a leadership team stacked with former OpenAI colleagues". Retrieved 2025-02-27.
29. ^ "Cosmologist Laura Mersini-Houghton: 'Our universe is one tiny grain of dust in a beautiful cosmos'". TheGuardian.com. Retrieved 2023-12-06.
30. ^ "Into the void: a glimpse of our tiny place in the scheme of things". Retrieved 2023-12-06.
31. ^ "Planck Space Data Yields Evidence of Universes Beyond Our Own". Retrieved 2023-12-06.
32. ^ "Cosmic map reveals first evidence of other universes". The Sunday Times. Archived from the original on 2013-11-23. Retrieved 2023-12-06.
33. ^ "Could Big Bang ripples prove the existence of a PARALLEL universe? Gravitational wave discovery paves the way for the 'multiverse'". Archived from the original on 2014-08-16. Retrieved 2023-12-06.
34. ^ "'Shota' arrives, the first Albanian armored beast (PHOTO)". Retrieved 2024-06-12.
35. ^ "Timak unveils Albania's first armored military vehicle prototype". SeeNews. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
36. ^ ""Shota", the first armored military vehicle "Made in Albania"". Retrieved 2024-06-12.
37. ^ The Architect, Volume 3. 175 Strand W.C. 1870. p. 184.`{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: location (link) CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
38. ^ Paar, Rinaldo (2019). "Carl Ritter von Ghega – 2018 Surveyor of the Year". Kartografija I Geoinformacije. 18 (32): 64. doi:10.32909/kg.18.32.5. S2CID 214043118.
39. ^ "Ponte Real Ferdinando II di Borbone sul Garigliano". Retrieved 2024-10-14.
40. ^ "The suspension bridge by iron chains on the Garigliano Real Ferdinando. An example of innovative construction technique in Naples and Italy in the Bourbon Age in 1832" (PDF). Retrieved 2024-10-14.
41. ^ "Museum of Natural Sciences "Sabiha Kasimati": Past and present". Retrieved 2024-01-13.
42. ^ "Who was Sabiha Kasimati". Retrieved 2024-01-13.
43. ^ "NDAHET NGA JETA NE NEW YORK AKADEMIK MENTOR PËRMETI". Retrieved 2023-12-06.
44. ^ "Akademik Mentor PËRMETI". Retrieved 2023-12-06.
45. ^ "Albania: A lesson in localism". Retrieved 2023-12-06.
46. ^ Bacu, Ariola; Comashi, Kristjana; Hoxhaj, Markeljana; Ibro, Vjollca (2017). "GSTF1 gene expression at local Albanian wheat cultivar Dajti under salinity and heat conditions". The Eurobiotech Journal. 1 (3): 253–257\. doi:10.24190/ISSN2564-615X/2017/03.10.
47. ^ "Epimedium alpinum subsp. albanicum new subspecies for the flora of Kosovo". Retrieved 2023-12-06.
48. ^ "Epimedium alpinum subsp. albanicum new subspecies". Retrieved 2023-12-06.
49. ^ "The rare endemic plant in the Albanian Alps is discovered, the biologist: Kukësi is unique". Retrieved 2023-12-06.
50. ^ "Tulipa albanica (Liliaceae), a new species from northeastern Albania". Retrieved 2023-12-06.
51. ^ "Tulipa Albanica Habitat Designated Natural Monument". Retrieved 2023-12-06.
52. ^ Mahir Domi (1965). Rreth autorit dhe kohës së dorëshkrimit elbasanas me shqipërim copash të ungjillit. In: “Konferenca e parë e Studimeve Albanologjike,” Tiranë, 15-21 nëndor 1962. Tiranë, p. 170–177
53. ^ Stefanaq Pollo (1983). Historia e Shqipërisë: Vitet 30 të shek. XIX-1912. Akademia e Shkencave e RPS të Shqipërisë, Instituti i Historisë. p. 169.
54. ^ "Münchner Zeitschrift für Balkankunde". Münchner Zeitschrift für Balkankunde (in German). 4. München: R. Trofenik: 204. 1984. ISSN 0170-8929. OCLC 5784326.
55. ^ Everson, Michael (2020-12-07). "Proposal for encoding the Vithkuqi script in the SMP of the UCS" (PDF). L2/20-187R2. Retrieved 2023-12-06.

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