International Scientific Conference EM-HERI 2025

Higher Education Systems in the Mediterranean:
Comparative Analysis & Development Opportunities

EM-HERI 2025 provides a unique platform for experts and stakeholders from across the Mediterranean to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration on the topics of higher education, research and innovation.  The focus of this year’s event is to:

  • Identify and overcome systemic and legal obstacles in higher education and R&D cooperation within the region.
  • Explore effective strategies to enhance higher education and research/innovation cooperation between the shores of the Mediterranean.
  • Propose improvements to the policies and mechanisms governing higher education and research/innovation systems in Mediterranean countries and the EU.

The aim of this interdisciplinary conference is to establish a dialogue and foster cross-border and cross-sectoral cooperation to design policy developments and innovative solutions that could ensure a sustainable and digital future for the higher education, research and innovation in the Mediterranean region.

1. Comparative Analysis of Higher Education Systems:

  • Case studies of higher education systems in Mediterranean countries.
  • Comparative studies between Mediterranean and EU higher education systems.
  • Impact of cultural and socio-economic factors on higher education.

2. Legal and Systemic Obstacles:

  • Analysis of legal barriers to higher education cooperation.
  • Strategies to overcome systemic challenges in R&D collaboration.
  • Policy recommendations for harmonizing higher education regulations.

3. Enhancing Cooperation in Higher Education and Research:

  • Best practices for cross-border higher education partnerships.
  • Innovative models for research collaboration between Mediterranean countries.
  • Role of international organizations in fostering educational cooperation.

4. Policy and Mechanism Improvements:

  • Evaluation of current policies governing higher education and research.
  • Proposals for policy reforms to enhance educational and research outcomes.
  • Mechanisms for effective implementation of higher education policies.

5. Sustainable and Digital Future:

  • Integration of digital technologies in higher education.
  • Sustainable development goals in the context of higher education.
  • Innovations in teaching and learning for a digital future.

6. Cross-Sectoral Cooperation:

  • Collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
  • Public-private partnerships in higher education and research.
  • Role of non-governmental organizations in educational development.

7. Leadership in Higher Education and R&I:

  • Leadership strategies for higher education institutions.
  • Developing leadership skills in research and innovation.
  • Impact of leadership on institutional performance and innovation.
  • Case studies of successful leadership in higher education and R&I.

Thursday - 12 June

Venue: Grand Hotel Bernardin

08.00 – 9.45 Registration of on-site participants

10.00 – 10.05 WELCOME SPEECH (with online streaming)

  • Prof. Dr. Rado Bohinc, President Euro-Mediterranean University EMUNI


10.05 – 10.25 OPENING SPEECH (with online streaming)

  • Prof. Dr. Igor Papič, Minister Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation


10.25 – 10.45 GREETING by Conference Co-organizers (TBC) (with online streaming)

  • Alessandro Lombardo, Head of Office, CEI – Central European Initiative, Italy
  • Dr. Sci. Phys.-Math., Academician Paata J. Kervalishvili, President, Euro-Mediterranean Academy of Arts and Sciences
  • Joan Borrell, Deputy Secretary General, UfM – Union for the Mediterranean
  • Marcello Scalisi, Director, UNIMED – Mediterranean Universities Union
  • Dr. Mounir Ghribi, Director of International Cooperation and Research Prmotion (ICAP) – OGS, Italy


10.45 – 12.15 HIGH-LEVEL POLICY PANEL (with online streaming)
“Higher Education and R&I as a Unifying Force for Regional Stability and Collaboration in the Mediterranean: Wish or Reality?”

Panelists:

  • Lavinia Monti, PhD, Director, Directorate General for Internationalization and Communication, Ministry of University and Research, Italy
  • Joan Borrell, Deputy Secretary General, UfM – Union for Mediterranean
  • Marcello Scalisi, Director, UNIMED – Mediterranean Universities Union
  • Prof. Roger Albinyana, Director of the Mediterranean Regional Policies and Human Development department, IEMed – European Institute of the Mediterranean


Abstract:
The panel explores strategies for fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange across higher education and research institutions in the Mediterranean. Key topics include aligning educational systems, leveraging EU funding, bridging research disparities, and enhancing student/researcher mobility.

12.15 – 12.30 Coffee Break & Refreshments with Official Photo Session

12.30 – 14.00 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS (TBC) (with online streaming)

Prof. Kherieh Rassas, President of UNIMED, Vice President for Partnerships and Global Engagement of An Najah National University, Palestine

Title: “Collaboration, Innovation, and Resilience of Higher Education Institutions: Case of Palestine”

Kherieh Rassas is on the board of various local and international institutions, known as an International Expert in Higher Education and Governance. Kherieh served for six years as Senior Special Advisor to Former Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah. Kherieh had been very active in terms of legislation of health-related laws as well as civil rights laws. Founded the Faculty of Optometry at An Najah University in 2005, and the Global Health Institute in 2021. Born in Jerusalem, pursued studies in France, South Africa, the UK and Israel.


Sebastian Stride
, SIRIS Academic, Barcelona

Title: “Under siege: universities in a post-truth world”

Sebastian Stride is a founding partner of SIRIS Academic, a not-for-profit consulting company specialised in higher education, research and innovation. He has worked with the leadership of over 250 universities, research institutes and governments in 30 countries and helped raise more than 5 Billion Euros. He lived for many years in Central Asia and has an academic background as a Silk Road archaeologist.

14.00 – 15.30 Buffet Lunch

15.30 – 16.45 Concurrent Conference Sessions (on-site sessions)

  • Brain circulations & Mobility opportunities
  • Financial schemes and support mechanisms in Higher Education & Research


16.45 – 17.00 Coffer Break

17.15 – 18.30 Concurrent Conference Sessions (on-site sessions)

  • Higher Education Systems & Leadership: Best practices
  • Microcredits, employability and lifelong learning


19.30 – 23.59 Conference Dinner and Social Event (Venue: TBC)

Friday - 13 June

Venue: Grand Hotel Bernardin

8.30 – 9.45 PROJECT PANELS (parallel sessions)

  • Central European Initiative: Cross Border Higher Education Dialogue
  • EU Higher Education and R&I Policies: An Opportunity for Mediterranean?”


9.45 – 10.00 Coffee Break

10.00 – 11.15 PROJECT PANELS (parallel sessions)

  • Western Mediterranean Forum for Higher Education, Research & Innovation
  • University Autonomy & Leadership in Higher Education


11.15 – 11.30 Coffee Break

11.30 – 13.00 Concurrent Conference Sessions (on-site and online sessions)

13.00 – 13.15 WRAP UP SESSION & CLOSING REMARKS

13.15 – 14.30 Buffet Lunch

14.30 – 16.30 Optional Excursion – meeting point for the tour to be announced (for pre-registered participants)

Important – Guidelines for Authors

We look forward to welcoming you to the international scientific conference EM-HERI 2025 titled “Higher Education Systems in the Mediterranean: Comparative analysis & Development opportunities”.

This highly anticipated event will provide a dynamic platform for academics, researchers and professionals to discuss current issues, share research findings and explore innovative solutions for the future of higher education, research and innovation in the Mediterranean region.

Abstract Submission

The Abstract (400-600 words) written in English must be structured into 4 subheadings and followed by 4-6 key words:

  • Purpose (What are the reason(s) for writing the paper or aims of the research).
  • Methodology (How are the objectives achieved? Include main method(s) used for the research. How do you approach the topic and what is the theoretical or subject scope of the paper?).
  • Findings (What was discovered/proved in the course of conducting the research? This will refer to the analysis, discussion or results. If the paper reports on the research, include suggestions for the future research and provide information about any identified limitations during the research process).
  • Contribution (What is new in the paper? State its theoretical, empirical, practical and social contribution and what it concerns).
Abstract submission for Conference is extended to 30 April 2025. [Click here to download abstract template]

Book of abstract, including all the accepted abstracts, will be published before the start of the conference.

Papers, selected by the scientific committee, will be considered to enter the process for possible publication in the International Journal of Euro-Mediterranean Studies (indexed SCOPUS) and Human Systems Management  (Impact Factor: 2.3; CiteScore: 3.2).

  1. Abstract Submission Deadline: March 31, 2025
  2. Notification of Acceptance: April 14, 2025
  3. Deadline for reduced fee payment: May 12, 2025
  4. Submission of final abstracts (in case modifications are requested upon acceptance): May 26, 2024
  5. Deadline for registration (without abstract/presentation): June 2, 2025
  6. Conference: June 12 and 13, 2025

Location & Contact

Congress Center of the Grand Hotel Bernardin
Obala 2, 6320 Portorož, Slovenia

For inquiries, please contact conference@emuni.si

Conference Organising Committee

  • Roberto Biloslavo, conference chair (EMUNI)
  • Polona Oblak (EMUNI)
  • Jaka Vadnjal (EMUNI)
  • Mounir Ghribi (EMUNI and OGS)
  • Nada Trunk Širca (EMUNI, University of Primorska and ISSBS)


The Conference Scientific Committee will be composed by the members of the Conference Organising Committee and the members of the conference co-organizers.

Registration and Conference Fee

Payment of the registration fee – bank transfer:
Name of the account holder: EMUNI University
Address: Kidričevo nabrežje 2
City: Piran
Country: Slovenia

IBAN: SI56 2900 0005 1703 476
BIC/SWIFT: BACXSI22

Purpose: EM-HERI – First name Last name
You will receive an invoice after the transfer has been received.

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Co-hosts