Prof. Assoc. Ilda Kazani is an Associate Professor at the Textile and Fashion Department and since 2024 serves as Vice Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Tirana. She holds a Diploma in Textile Engineering (2002) from the same institution, where she began her academic career immediately after graduation.
From 2009 to 2012, Prof. Kazani was a member of the Smart Textiles Research Group at the Department of Textiles, Ghent University (Belgium). Her research focused on “Screen-printed electroconductive textile materials”, contributing to the development of innovative smart textile applications. In 2012, she completed her Doctoral School Diploma and earned a PhD in Textile Engineering from the Faculty of
Engineering and Architecture at Ghent University.
Since returning to the Polytechnic University of Tirana in 2012, her academic and research work has been centered on smart textiles, sustainable materials, and innovation in textile and fashion design. Her expertise bridges engineering, design, and sustainability, with a strong emphasis on applied research and real-world impact.
Prof. Kazani has been actively engaged in scientific and professional organizations. She served as President
of the BASTE Association (2022-2024), was a member of the Youth Academy of the Academy of Sciences (2017–2023), and since 2019 has been a member of the Engineering Commission and the NANOALB Unit at the Academy of Sciences. Since 2022, she has been certified as an expert in Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) in-plant assessment, and since 2025 she has been a member of the Wool Institute of Montenegro in Nikšić.

In addition to her academic responsibilities, Prof. Kazani is deeply committed to mentoring students and fostering international exposure through Erasmus+ mobility programs. She actively encourages students to explore creativity, sustainability, and innovation by creating platforms where their ideas can be developed and showcased. Important initiatives include the participation of the students at the:
Annual workshop “All Colors of Montenegro – Dyeing Wool with Vegetable Dyes”​, featuring a new theme each year. The 2025 edition focused on “Traditional Textiles in a Contemporary Interior – Luminous Objects”, merging heritage craftsmanship with modern design and technology.

Annual BASTE Student Festival, organized by the BASTE Association, dedicated to “Sustainability in Textiles and Fashion”, providing students with an international platform to present innovative and responsible design concepts.

Through her academic work, research excellence, and dedication to sustainable and creative practices, Prof. Assoc. Ilda Kazani contributes significantly to the advancement of innovation in textiles and fashion.