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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Murati, as OpenAI's Chief Technology Officer, played a very crucial role in developing the AI in ChatGPT, DALL-E as well as Codex and overseeing the future developments to come, actively guiding research initiatives and implementing innovative strategies to enhance ChatGPT's functionality and adaptability across various domains. | Mira Murati[24] [25] [26] | 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. |
| 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[27] [28] [29] [30] [31] | 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". | Timak[32] [33] [34] | 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[35] [36] | 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[37] [38] | 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[39] [40] | 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[41] [42] [43] [44] | 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 [45] [46] [47] | 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[48] [49] | 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[50] | Scholar, Printer, Typographer, and Teacher, and an Eastern Orthodox Christian monk and Cleric | |
| Invented the Todhri alphabet | Theodhor Haxhifilipi[51] | Teacher and Linguist | |
| Invented the Gjirokastër alphabet | Veso bey[52] | Linguist | |
| Invented the Vithkuqi alphabet | Naum Veqilharxhi[53] | Lawyer and Scholar | |