[Brussels, Belgium] – MEDNIGHT, the Mediterranean Researchers’ Night, proudly announces the 12 scientists selected to form the Mediterranean Science Team 2025, along with the universities recognized under the Mediterranean Universities Gender Equality Pioneers (MU-GEP) initiative. This year’s selection is particularly significant, as 11 of the 12 scientists chosen are women, reflecting the growing influence of female researchers in addressing critical issues across the Mediterranean region.
Mediterranean Science Team 2025: Science Bridging the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Science Team highlights exceptional researchers tackling some of the most pressing challenges shared by the 23 countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, 27 including neighbour countries. From climate change and global health to biodiversity and sustainable food systems, their work represents the transformative power of science in fostering regional cooperation and innovation.
This year, 11 of the 12 team members are women, emphasizing female scientists’ crucial role in shaping the future of Mediterranean research and development.
The selected members of the Mediterranean Science Team 2025 are:
Urška Lampe (Slovenia) – History and Heritage
Affiliation: Associate Professor at the Institute IRRIS for Research, Development and Strategies for Society, Culture and Environment
Contribution: Dr. Lampe’s interdisciplinary research delves into collective memory, legal frameworks, and the societal aftermath of wars, focusing on the experiences of Italian prisoners of war in post-WWII Yugoslavia.
“Exploring the personal and collective memories of wartime experiences helps us understand the profound impacts of conflict on society.”
Sherine Ahmed El Baradei (Egypt) – Space, water and environment
Affiliation: Associate Professor of water and environmental engineering and professional to UNOOSA under space4water project.
Contribution: Dr. El Baradei is a hydraulics and irrigation engineering expert, or, in short, a water engineer. She is also an environmental engineering expert and is certified in astronomy, a field she is deeply passionate about. Dr. El Baradei is further pursuing studies in space systems, integrating space technology into her research.”Protect water, preserve the environment, and explore space—our future depends on all three.”
Lubna Dada (Lebanon) – Climate & Pollution
Affiliation: Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland
Contribution: Dr. Dada is an atmospheric scientist specializing in aerosols and their role in cloud formation and climate dynamics, contributing to better climate change predictions.
“Understanding the role of aerosols in cloud formation is key to predicting climate behaviour.”
Mónica Bettencourt-Dias (Portugal) – Health & Cell Biology
Affiliation: Senior Group Leader, Gulbenkian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Former Director, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC)
Contribution: A leading cell biologist, Dr. Bettencourt-Dias studies cell division mechanisms, with implications for understanding diseases like cancer and ciliopathies.
“Deciphering the intricacies of cell division is crucial for unraveling the mysteries of various diseases.”
Paola Bonfante (Italy) – Biodiversity & Ecosystems
Affiliation: Professor Emerita, University of Turin
Contribution: A pioneering mycologist, Prof. Bonfante’s research on mycorrhizal symbioses has advanced our understanding of plant-fungal interactions, promoting sustainable agriculture.
“Unveiling the secrets of plant-fungal partnerships opens doors to sustainable agricultural practices.”
Belma Kalamujić Stroil (Bosnia & Herzegovina) – Environment & Genetics
Affiliation: University of Sarajevo-Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.
Contribution: Dr. Kalamujić Stroil’s research on plant and animal genetic diversity informs conservation strategies, ensuring biodiversity preservation amid environmental changes.
“Preserving genetic diversity in plants is vital for ecosystem resilience and adaptation.”
Elpiniki Ninou (Greece) – Neuroscience & Brain Health
Affiliation: Hellenic Pasteur Institute
Contribution: Dr. Ninou investigates microglial cell behavior in Parkinson’s disease, contributing to understanding neurodegenerative disease progression.
“Understanding microglial behavior is crucial for unraveling the complexities of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.”
Meryem Lemrani (Morocco) – Parasitology & Global Health
Affiliation: Pasteur Institute of Morocco
Contribution: Prof. Lemrani focuses on parasitic diseases such as leishmaniasis, developing strategies for disease prevention and control.
“Combating parasitic diseases requires a deep understanding of parasite ecology and transmission.”
Jelena Vladić (Serbia) – Sustainable Chemistry and Green Solvents
Affiliation: NOVA University Lisbon
Contribution: Dr. J. Vladić specializes in green extraction processes and solvents, focusing on sustainability, waste reduction, and renewable resources.
“Microalgae hold the key to transforming waste into resources, offering sustainable solutions for food and environmental challenges.”
Beraat Özçelik (Türkiye) – Food Science & Nutrition
Affiliation: Istanbul Technical University
Contribution: Prof. Özçelik develops functional foods and nutraceuticals, integrating bioactive compounds to enhance nutrition and health.
“Transforming food into a tool for health and wellness is the science of the future.”
Pierre Micheletti (France) – Global Health & Humanitarian Science
Affiliation: Member of the board of SOS Méditerrannée – France; Honorary President of Action Against Hunger France; Associate Professor at Grenoble Alps University – University of Medicine.
Contribution: Prof. Micheletti focuses on public health and social justice, addressing health disparities and promoting equitable healthcare solutions.
“Global health is about ensuring dignity and care for all, no matter where they live.”
Rocío Millán Gómez (Spain) – Soil Health & Pollution
Affiliation: CIEMAT, Spain
Contribution: Dr. Millán Gómez specializes in soil contamination and remediation, developing strategies to restore polluted soils for sustainable land use.
“Restoring contaminated soils is essential for environmental health and sustainable land use.”
Jury of the Mediterranean Science Team 2025
The selection of the Mediterranean Science Team 2024 was conducted by a distinguished international jury composed of prominent figures from across the Mediterranean and beyond. Their diverse expertise ensured a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process:
- Gulsun Sağlamer (Turkey) – Former Rector, Istanbul Technical University
- Isabel Capeloa Gil (Portugal) – Rector, Catholic University of Portugal
- Joaquín Capablo (Spain) – MCAA Vice-Chair
- Najat Aoun Saliba (Lebanon) – Member of the Lebanese Parliament and Professor of Chemistry at the American University of Beirut
- Neal Hartman (USA/Switzerland) – Cineglobe FILM Festival Director, CERN Engineer at ATLAS experiment
MU-GEP Initiative: Recognizing Universities Leading Gender Equality
The Mediterranean Universities Gender Equality Pioneers (MU-GEP) initiative, in collaboration with MEDNIGHT and EWORA (Euroepan Women Rectors Association), honors universities that have demonstrated outstanding dedication to promoting gender equality in academia. The awarded institutions are role models for fostering inclusive and equitable academic environments.
Awarded Universities for 2024:
- Universitat Jaume I (Spain)
Recognized for implementing inclusive policies and mentoring programs that have fostered gender equity across academic disciplines. - Universidade de Coimbra (Portugal)
Celebrated for leadership initiatives promoting female representation and creating sustainable, equitable work environments. - Università Aldo Moro di Bari (Italy)
Honored for comprehensive strategies advancing gender equality, including awareness campaigns, institutional support, and family-work balance policies.
Jury of the MU-GEP Initiative
The evaluation of the MU-GEP applications was conducted by a prestigious jury of experts in gender equality and academic leadership:
- Prof. Gulsun Sağlamer (Turkey) – Former Rector, Istanbul Technical University & Founding Honorary President, EWORA
- Prof. Kerstin Tham (Sweden) – Former Vice-Chancellor of Malmö University & President of EWORA
- Prof. Silvia Rueda (Spain) – Director of the Women and Science Unit under the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, Government of Spain
Award Ceremonies
- Mediterranean Science Team Presentation Gala & MU-GEP Award Ceremony
Date: March 14, 2025 (14h – 16h30)
Location: University Foundation, Brussels
Details: The selected scientists will be officially introduced to the public and media, highlighting their contributions to the future of the Mediterranean. The recognized universities will be honored for their pioneering efforts in promoting gender equality in Mediterranean academia.
Register here to attend the Gala: https://forms.gle/a26hqsw36jzTh6sG9