At the University of Tetova, on February 11, 2026, was held a masterclass on the use of particles and the development of treatment plans for the radiation therapy of various types of cancer. The activity was conducted by Prof. Dr. Bashkim Ziberi of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Nermine Muradi, Assistant at the Department of Physics of the UT, and Yiota Foka from GSI Darmstadt. This workshop was organized within the framework of the “International Masterclasses for High School Students”, as part of the International Particle Physics Outreach Group (IPPOG), a program that in 2025 included more than 53 different institutions across more than 20 countries worldwide.
The one-day training was attended by students from the high schools of Tetovo, the medical high school, and “Maarif” College, accompanied by their teachers. They had the opportunity to learn about particle therapy for cancer as a highly successful example of basic research that has been further developed to the point of providing direct benefits to patients. The students learned how physics is connected to medicine, spending a day in the role of a scientist in the field of heavy-ion therapy physics. Present at this event were the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli; the President of the Student Union, Leart Ibraimi; the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and, Prof. Dr. Florim Idrizi; along with faculty professors.
Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli, in his welcoming speech, emphasized that this masterclass, thanks to the dedication and commitment of Professor Bashkim Ziberi, has become a traditional event, which has now taken an important place in the calendar of activities of the University of Tetova. “You, as students, had the opportunity to become more closely acquainted with the work, organization, and functioning of our University, a center of knowledge and science, a public institution of higher education whose mission is to prepare new generations. This activity served as a preparatory phase, a genuine introduction to our institution, giving you the opportunity to continuously advance your knowledge. We eagerly look forward to many of you becoming our future students, with the aim of gaining the best possible knowledge and excelling in the future in the practice of your profession,” said the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli.
During this workshop, high school students had the opportunity to listen and learn about innovative methods of cancer therapy using different particles, starting from the medical and physical principles of ion beam therapy. During the hands-on exercises, the students created their own treatment plans using different types of radiation (photons, protons, ions) through the free professional software called matRad, and presented them to their peers. This masterclass coincided with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. On this occasion, a motivational speech about the scientific journey was delivered to the participants by Sara Mustafi, a former physics student at UT, now a PhD graduate from the Paul Scherrer Institute and the University of Zurich. In her message, she encouraged students to dream and dare, to strive for greater involvement in science and innovation, emphasizing that with hard work and determination, everything is possible.
At the conclusion of this activity, certificates were awarded to the participating students as recognition of their engagement and as additional motivation for their further academic journey.
