Edlira Pajenga is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biology, University of Elbasan “Aleksandër Xhuvani”, since 1999. She obtained Doctor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Tirana State University investigating the influence of hormonal and reproductive factors on the risk of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer in the Albanian population. Her research interests encompass environmental toxicology focusing on cytotoxic effects of natural plant extracts and pollutants, and the application of biological models for evaluating environmental and human health-related effects. She has participated in several international research projects and scientific collaborations as READ project (2025–2026), supported by AADF, Western Balkans Fund project (2025), European COST Actions and serves as a Management Committee Member of two COST Actions. Her scientific achievements include receiving a Susan G. Komen for the Cure award for research on breast cancer by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). She has contributed to the organisation of international scientific conferences, and scientific committees of Alblakes 3 (2017) and Alblakes 4 (2022). Her academic career combines university teaching, experimental research, and international scientific cooperation, with an interdisciplinary approach connecting molecular and cellular biology, environmental health, and ecotoxicology.