EMUNI Annual Scientific Conference 2026
Euro-Mediterranean Higher Education, Research and Innovation (EM-HERI 2026):
Sustainability, Open Science and Green Careers
Tunis, Tunisia
23 June 2026
Conference Rationale
The Euro-Mediterranean region is undergoing major environmental, social and economic change. Higher education, research and innovation systems are key to advancing sustainability, open science and future-oriented skills.
EM-HERI 2026 will convene policymakers, academic leaders, researchers, employers and civil society from across the Mediterranean to foster dialogue, knowledge exchange and cooperation for sustainable development, research excellence and inclusive innovation.
Objectives
The conference seeks to:
- Strengthen Euro-Mediterranean cooperation in higher education, research and innovation (HERI)
- Explore policy and institutional responses to sustainability and climate challenges
- Promote open science as a driver of quality, inclusiveness and impact
- Discuss the role of universities and research in shaping green skills and careers
- Provide a scientific forum for researchers to present recent findings and best practices
- Facilitate networking and partnership building among institutions and stakeholders
Target Audience
- Policymakers and public authorities (education, research, innovation, environment)
- University leadership and academic staff
- Researchers and doctoral candidates
- International and regional organisations
- Employers, industry and innovation actors
- Civil society organisations and youth representatives
09:00 – 09:30 Registration
09:30 – 10:30 Opening Session & High-Level Plenary
- Welcome addresses by the organisers (EMUNI, ALESCO, IEMed)
- High-level keynote interventions (international organisations, ministries, leading experts)
- Setting the scene: Euro-Mediterranean HERI in times of sustainability transition
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee Break
11:00 – 12:30 Panel 1: Higher Education and Sustainability in the Euro-Mediterranean Region
Topics
- Integrating sustainability and SDGs into higher education strategies and curricula
- Institutional transformation and green campuses
- Regional cooperation and policy alignment
Participants: university leaders, policymakers, sustainability experts
12:30 – 14:00 Panel 2: Open Science, Research Excellence and Knowledge Sharing
Topics
- Open science policies and practices in the Euro-Mediterranean context
- Research infrastructures, data sharing and capacity building
- Ethics, inclusion and equitable access to knowledge
Participants: Research policymakers, open science practitioners, research funding and support organisations
14:00 – 15:00 Lunch Break
15:00 – 16:30 Panel 3: Green Skills, Innovation and Future Careers
Topics
- Skills needed for the green and digital transition
- University–industry cooperation and innovation ecosystems
- Employability, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning
Participants: Employers and industry representatives, innovation and startup ecosystem actors, career development experts
16:30 – 17:00 Coffee Break
Scientific Session
17:00 – 18:30 Scientific Parallel Sessions (Call for Papers)
The scientific part of the conference will provide a platform for researchers to present original research, case studies and policy analyses.
18:15 – 18:30 Closing Session
- Summary of key messages
- Declaration announcement and signatures
- Way forward and next steps for Euro-Mediterranean cooperation
Call for Papers
Euro-Mediterranean Higher Education, Research and Innovation (EM-HERI 2026) Sustainability, Open Science, Green Careers and Entrepreneurship
Conference date: 23 June 2026
Publication of Call for Papers: 21 January 2026
Context and Rationale
The Arab region and the wider Euro-Mediterranean area are facing interconnected challenges related to climate change, sustainable development, technological transformation and youth employment. Higher education, research and innovation systems are central to addressing these challenges by strengthening human capital, advancing scientific knowledge, promoting entrepreneurship and supporting the transition towards green and inclusive economies.
Within its mandate to promote education, culture, science and innovation in the Arab world, Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) actively supports regional cooperation, capacity building and knowledge exchange. In close partnership with the Euro-Mediterranean University (EMUNI), which promotes academic excellence and cooperation across the Mediterranean, and the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed), which contributes policy analysis and dialogue on Euro-Mediterranean relations, EM-HERI 2026 brings together complementary institutional strengths to address shared regional challenges. The conference provides a strategic platform to enhance dialogue between Arab countries and their Euro-Mediterranean partners, fostering joint approaches to sustainability, open science and entrepreneurship.
The scientific programme invites researchers, academics and practitioners to contribute original research and policy-relevant analyses aligned with regional priorities and development agendas.
Thematic Areas
Contributions are welcome on topics including, but not limited to, the following:
Theme 1: Sustainability and Climate Action in Higher Education
Theme 2: Open Science and Knowledge Access in the Arab and Euro-Mediterranean Context
Theme 3: Research and Innovation for Sustainable and Inclusive Development
Theme 4: Green Skills, Youth Employability and Future Careers
Theme 5: Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Economic Diversification
Theme 6: Arab–Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation in Higher Education, Research and Innovation
Submission Guidelines
- Abstracts should be 300–400 words (excluding references)
- Submissions should clearly indicate the relevance of the contribution to Arab and/or Euro-Mediterranean contexts
- Abstracts must be submitted in English
- All submissions will undergo peer review by the Scientific Committee
Authors shall indicate their relevant theme.
Publication Opportunities
Selected contributions may be considered for publication in conference proceedings or in edited volumes or journal special issues, subject to further peer review. In addition, the Emuni Scientific Publishing House will consider compiling a scientific monograph dedicated to the rationale and thematic focus of the conference, to which authors of selected papers that best fit the topic will be invited to submit full papers.
Inquiries:
For any inquiries, please contact us at conference@emuni.si
Call for Papers published: 21 January 2026
Abstract submission deadline: 21 March 2026
Notification of acceptance: 21 April 2026
Organisers
Supported by
