Brussels, March 7, 2025 – What does the future of Mediterranean scientific collaboration look like? How can we foster gender equality in academia? These pressing questions will take center stage at the Gala Celebrating the Mediterranean Science Team 2025, hosted by the European Women Rectors Association (EWORA) on March 14, 2025, at the University Foundation in Brussels.
The event will bring together leading scientists, policymakers, and institutions to highlight the achievements of the Mediterranean Science Team, a group of 12 distinguished researchers working to address common regional challenges through scientific collaboration. Additionally, three universities will be recognized for their exceptional commitment to gender equality in academia under the MEDNIGHT Project’s MU-GEP initiative.
Key Highlights of the Gala:
- Keynote Speech by Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation.
- Opening Address by Lina Galvez Muñoz, Member of the European Parliament, Chair of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, and Vice-Chair of the Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA).
- Recognition of Gender Equality Pioneers, celebrating three outstanding universities advancing inclusivity in academia.
- Presentation of the Mediterranean Science Team, showcasing 12 researchers from across the region tackling global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development.
- Networking Cocktail Reception, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and science advocates for future collaboration opportunities.
Full programme link
Event Details:
- Date: March 14, 2025
- Time: 14:00 to 16:30, followed by a cocktail reception
- Venue: University Foundation, Rue d’Egmont 11, 1000. Brussels
- Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gala-mediterranean-science-team-2025-tickets-1248845513549
This Gala, organized within the framework of the MEDNIGHT Project (Mediterranean Researchers’ Night) and funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and innovation programme under the Maria Skłodowska-Curie Actions&Citizens, underscores the power of scientific unity and gender equality in shaping the Mediterranean’s future.
General guests: Join Us in Celebrating Scientific Excellence
We invite policymakers, researchers, academics, and science enthusiasts to be part of this milestone event. Secure your spot today by registering at the following link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gala-mediterranean-science-team-2025-tickets-1248845513549
For further information, please contact: EWORA & MEDNIGHT Team
info@ewora.org
We look forward to welcoming you to an inspiring evening dedicated to scientific collaboration and gender equality in the Mediterranean region.
Journalists: Ask for interviews with our scientists
From 14h to 14h30 all Awarded Scientists and Universities representatives will be available for interviews. Please, write to project@mednight.eu to book a slot for an interview with the scientist or university you wish to talk to.
Press Folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1j0CH6Zwrk4EYLeIWr8ktDDlwbn7gZD25
Scientists and Universities available are:
AWARDED SCIENTISTS
Urška Lampe
- Nationality: Slovenia
- MEDNIGHT Area: History and Heritage
- Position and Affiliation: Associate Professor at the Institute IRRIS for Research, Development and Strategies for Society, Culture and Environment
- Short Bio: Dr. Urška Lampe earned her PhD in 2016 from the University of Primorska, Slovenia. Her interdisciplinary research encompasses diplomatic and military history, as well as the social and traumatic aspects of war and its aftermath. She has extensively studied the experiences of Italian prisoners of war in Yugoslavia after World War II, contributing valuable insights into collective memory, individual – family – memories and post-war transitions.
- Highlighted Sentence: “Exploring the personal and collective memories of wartime experiences helps us understand the profound impacts of conflict on society.”
Sherine Ahmed El Baradei
- Nationality: Egypt
- MEDNIGHT Area: Space, water and environment
- Position and Affiliation: Associate Professor of water and environmental engineering and professional to UNOOSA under space4water project.
- Short Bio: 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. She is the founding director of the Space-Water-Environment Nexus e-Center under PACS e-Lab foundation and a professional to UNOOSA, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs; space4water project
- Highlighted Sentence: “Protect water, preserve the environment, and explore space—our future depends on all three.”
Lubna Dada
- Nationality: Lebanon
- MEDNIGHT Area: Climate & Pollution
- Position and Affiliation: Research Scientist at the Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland.
- Short Bio: Dr. Lubna Dada is an atmospheric scientist specializing in the study of aerosols and their impact on cloud formation and climate dynamics. Her research involves investigating the nucleation processes of atmospheric particles and their influence on weather patterns and climate change.
- Highlighted Sentence: “Understanding the role of aerosols in cloud formation is key to predicting climate behaviour.”
Mónica Bettencourt-Dias
- Nationality: Portugal
- MEDNIGHT Area: Health & Cell Biology
- Position and Affiliation: Senior Group Leader, Gulbenkian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Former Director, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC)
- Short Bio: Dr. Mónica Bettencourt-Dias is a prominent cell biologist whose research focuses on the mechanisms of cell division and the role of centrioles and cilia in signalling, proliferation and cell movement. Her work has significant implications for understanding diseases such as cancer and ciliopathies, as well as to understand the evolution and diversification of basic processes in life. Highlighted Sentence: “Deciphering the intricacies of cell division and the cytoskeleton is crucial for understanding life and unraveling the mysteries of various diseases.”
Paola Bonfante
- Nationality: Italian
- MEDNIGHT Area: Biodiversity & Ecosystems
- Position and Affiliation: Professor Emerita at the University of Turin, Italy.
- Short Bio: Professor Paola Bonfante is a distinguished mycologist renowned for her extensive research on mycorrhizal symbioses—the mutually beneficial relationships between fungi and plant roots. Her pioneering studies have deepened the understanding of plant-fungal interactions, contributing to advancements in sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management.
- Highlighted Sentence: “Unveiling the secrets of plant-fungal partnerships opens doors to sustainable agricultural practices.”
Belma Kalamujić Stroil
- Nationality: Bosnia & Herzegovina
- MEDNIGHT Area: Environment & Plant Genetics
- Position and Affiliation: Scientific Advisor at University of Sarajevo-Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Short Bio:Dr. Belma Kalamujić Stroil is a population geneticist working on both plant and animal species. Her research aims to inform conservation strategies and ensure the preservation of biodiversity, particularly in the face of environmental changes.
- Highlighted Sentence: “Preserving genetic diversity in plants is vital for ecosystem resilience and adaptation.”
Elpiniki Ninou
- Nationality: Greece
- MEDNIGHT Area: Neuroscience & Brain Health
- Position and Affiliation: Postdoctoral researcher at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute
- Short Bio: Dr. Elpiniki Ninou investigates microglial signatures in mouse and human-based models of familial Parkinson’s disease using single-cell transcriptomics. Her work aims to elucidate the role of microglial cells in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Highlighted Sentence: “Understanding microglial behavior is crucial for unraveling the complexities of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.”
Meryem Lemrani
- Nationality: Morocco
- MEDNIGHT Area: Parasitology & Global Health
- Position and Affiliation: Head of the Leishmaniasis Lab at the Pasteur Institute, Morocco.
- Short Bio: Professor Meryem Lemrani is a parasitologist with a focus on the epidemiology and control of parasitic diseases, including leishmaniasis. Her work involves studying parasite biology, transmission dynamics, and developing strategies for disease prevention and management.
- Highlighted Sentence: “Combating parasitic diseases requires a deep understanding of parasite ecology and transmission.”
Jelena Vladić
- Nationality: Serbia
- MEDNIGHT Area: Sustainable Chemistry and Green Solvents
- Position and Affiliation: Researcher at FCT NOVA, University of Lisbon, Portugal
- Short Bio: Dr. J. Vladić specializes in green extraction processes and solvents, focusing on sustainability, waste reduction, and renewable resources. Her research explores aromatic plants, food and agricultural waste, and microalgae. She also investigates purification and valorization of microalgae obtained from wastewater by using green solvents for high-value compound production. By applying circular economy principles, her work promotes pollution reduction, food sustainability, and eco-friendly solutions for human applications.
- Highlighted Sentence: “Microalgae hold the key to transforming waste into resources, offering sustainable solutions for food and environmental challenges.”
Beraat Özçelik
- Nationality: Türkiye
- MEDNIGHT Area: Food Science & Nutrition
- Position and Affiliation: Professor at Istanbul Technical University, Türkiye.
- Short Bio: Professor Beraat Özçelik is a food scientist dedicated to developing functional foods and nutraceuticals. Her innovative work combines bioactive compounds with advanced food processing techniques to create health-promoting products that address modern nutritional needs.
- Highlighted Sentence: “Transforming food into a tool for health and wellness is the science of the future.”
Pierre Micheletti
- Nationality: France
- MEDNIGHT Area: Global Health & Humanitarian Science
- Position and 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.
- Short Bio: Professor Pierre Micheletti is a global health advocate and humanitarian, focusing on the intersection of public health and social justice. With extensive field experience, he works in particular on the links between migration and health disparities, believing that shipwrecks in the Mediterranean are a dramatic symptom of the political and environmental disruption suffered by vulnerable populations in the global South.
- Highlighted Sentence: “Global health is about ensuring dignity and care for all, no matter where they live.”
Rocío Millán Gómez
- Nationality: Spain
- MEDNIGHT Area: Soil Health & Pollution
- Position and Affiliation: Research Professor at CIEMAT, Spain.
- Short Bio: Dr. Rocío Millán Gómez is an environmental scientist specializing in soil contamination and remediation. Her research focuses on developing strategies to mitigate soil pollution, particularly in areas affected by industrial activities, to promote environmental health and sustainability.
- Highlighted Sentence: “Restoring contaminated soils is essential for environmental health and sustainable land use.”
AWARDED UNIVERSITIES
Universitat Jaume
- Elsa González-Esteba, Vice Rector for Social Responsibility, Inclusive Policies and Equality
- Cristina Pauner Chulvi, Secretary General
Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro
- Francesca R. Recchia Luciani, Responsible for the action line on Gender
- Alessandro Rubino, Vice Rector for International Affaires
Universidade de Coimbra
- Cristina Albuquerque, Vice Rector for Teaching & Attractiveness