Mediterranee Research symposium on Mediterranean region was organized September 18th in the University of Tampere in purpose to bring together the various research and education activities in Tampere related to the Mediterranean region. Rector Liisa Laakso opened the symposium emphasizing the role of international co-operation in the University’s development.
Director of UNIMED (Mediterranean Universities Union) Dr. Marcello Scalisi gave a key note concentrating on international mobility, networking and co-operation. Scalisi noted that the importance of intercultural networking have been recognized by the EU, as well as both shores of the Mediterranean. He highlighted the role of student mobility and contributions to the modernization and internationalization of higher education. The importance of student mobility and collaboration was echoed in the reflections by the Ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Ms Nawel Settouti and the Kingdom of Morocco H.E Mohammed Ariad.
From the GHD students’ point of view, UNIMED themes relating to migration, sustainable tourism, cultural heritage and food and water systems are interesting research areas. The needs of refugees and migrants constitute a relevant topic also for Global Health and Development researchers and students.
During the day, short presentations were given covering various disciplines. History and its relevance to current research in the Mediterranean region was given a great significance. The day ended with discussion of ways to facilitate and reinforce the Mediterranean University co-operation. The Mediterranean region will be increasingly interesting area for research, but the possibilities are not limited to that. Marco di Donato from UNIMED pointed out that international mobility could improve employment opportunities in the Mediterranean area and he encouraged young people to seek innovative ways to employ themselves in the Mediterranean. The Symposium was innovative and participants shared the spirit of optimisms, as well as the notion of shared responsibility, which is also one of the key values of the University of Tampere.