Meet our Chevening Western Balkans Cyber Security Fellows 2023-24

This fellowship, delivered at Cranfield University at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, provides fellows with an understanding of policy and legislative approaches in cyber security and its implications for national security, commercial opportunity, crime prevention, and the right to privacy.

""

Vladislav Bidikov

Senior System Engineer, Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering

Main fields of research and expertise include computer networks, DDOS protection, IOT, Cloud computing, Security Compliance, and International Regulatory Frameworks. Coauthor of S7 Security Framework and now working with European NREN entities on NIS2.

""

Maja Bjelos

Senior Researcher, Belgrade Centre for Security Policy

Maja is a political scientist with 15 years of experience in conducting research and policy analysis, focusing on Serbia's foreign and security policy, women, peace and security. She works at the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy and has experience as a consultant.

""

Srdan Rajcevic

Independent Cyber Security Consultant

Srdjan is an independent cyber security consultant with over 15 years experience in government-related cyber security matters. He has been IS Agency Director, national CERT head and S&T Minister, dealing with both strategic and technical aspects of cyber security in the Western Balkans region.

""

Fernala Sejmen-Banjac

Executive Director, DISTI Doo

An active member of the IT community with 30 years of experience, leading crucial system integration projects emphasising cyber security. President of Women4Cyber Bosnia & Herzegovina. Passionate about telecoms, electronics, and mentoring in IT.

Rajko Sekulovic

Director of Operational Risk Management, Information Security and Business Continuity Directorate, Central Bank of Montenegro

Cyber security, risk management, business continuity and privacy professional with 20 years of experience. ISACA Platinum Member, holding the CISM, CISA and CDPSE certifications. Ten years of experience as a university lecturer, participates in both national and international cyber security conferences.

""

Valdet M. Shehu

Chief Information Security Officer, NLB Banka sh.a.

Valdet has over 20 years of IT and security expertise. He is certified with CISM, ISO 27001 LI, CC and CCNA. He is also an active member of the Kosovo cyber security community. Hailing from the historic town of Kaçanik, Valdet blends extensive expertise with a strong sense of history, dedication, and professionalism.

""

Angelina Stanojoska

Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, University St. Kliment Ohridski, Bitola

Dr Angelina Stanojoska PhD is an Associate Professor in Criminology at the Faculty of Law, University St. Kliment Ohridski in North Macedonia. Stanojoska is a Fulbright Alumna and researches GST, substance abuse and the pathways of female murderers.

""

Taulant Stublla

Account Manager, Cisco Systems

Taulant has over 12 years experience in Information and Communications Technology in international companies. His current position is Cisco Account Manager, overseeing the Kosovo and North Macedonia market. Since 2022, he has served on the AmCham Kosovo Board of Governors.

""

Lejla Trokic

Security Solutions Lead Architect, Moore

Lejla loves challenges in cyber security. Inspired and dedicated, Lejla has developed a passion for cyber security through various roles in leading organisations that process digital payments. Her practical approach is enhanced by academic/industry research in the cyber security domain.

""

Orkidea Xhaferaj

Digital and Innovation Policy Expert, Center Science and Innovation for Development

Orkidea leads SCiDEV's Digital and Innovation Policy pillar, focusing on research, advocacy, capacity building, and awareness of digital democracy, governance, digital rights, AI, and emerging tech. She founded the Albanian Women in STEM Network to increase women's representation in STEM for socio-economic empowerment.

Zvonimir Ivanović

Full Professor, University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies

Zvonimir is full professor at UCIPS and Law Faculty of University of Kragujevac, and is a part of CERIS of DG Home of EU, working for section of Fighting Crime and Terrorism. He also is a father of four.

""

Enkli Hoxha

System Administrator, Albanian State Police

Enkli, a dedicated system administrator at the Albanian State Police, orchestrated a rapid and successful response to a cyber incident in 2022. His leadership in implementing a robust infrastructure demonstrated unwavering commitment and collaborative skills, fostering a culture of continuous learning. Specialised training from Microsoft and CompTIA enhanced Enkli's expertise in cybersecurity.

Western Balkans Cyber Security Fellowship

Find out more about the programme

LEARN MORE

2022 fellows

See last year's Chevening Western Balkans Cyber Security Fellows

MEET OUR 2022 FELLOWS