A space for growth and coexistence around science

The Mediterranean as a link of unity, the cradle of civilizations and science, a crossroads of cultures since prehistoric times, where East and West fuse to create space for growth and coexistence. Around it, and since 2005, on the last Friday in September, European scientists and researchers took to the streets to celebrate European Researchers Night, a scientific publishing project promoted by the European Commission within the work of Marie Skodowska-Curie on the horizon. The Europe program, which takes place simultaneously in almost 400 European cities. Spain has eight UNHCR-funded projects for 2022 and 2023, as well as two other related projects.

After the success of 2019, in which more than 1.6 million people participated, in 2020 the number exceeded 2.3 million, despite the difficulties associated with the presence of Covid19. In 2021, the project was renamed MEDNIGHT – where scientific publishing played a prominent role – and in the 2022 edition, universities and departments in the region of Murcia and the Valencian Community came together to restore the essence of European nocturnal researchers: from citizens to witnesses and participants in excellent Mediterranean research. An opportunity to increase the interest of young people in science, and for society as a whole to perceive research as a diverse, equitable and inclusive society, in which men and women with different types of traits, conditions, and abilities participate.

In the region of Murcia, the University of Murcia, the Polytechnic University of Cartagena and the Seneca Foundation – Regional Agency for Science and Technology are the three institutions responsible for bringing the Mediterranean Night initiative for ‘go to school’ researchers from citizens ( MEDNIGHT GTS) with a full program of activities It aims to bring the research closer to society, especially new generations, in an entertaining and interactive way, and through comprehensive and balanced gender references.

To achieve this, they will use multiple media and informational formats (talks, workshops, performances, competitions…) as well as methodological resources (entertainment, humor…). The topics discussed will be the big challenges posed by the Horizon programme, the Sustainable Development Goals and the European Green Deal.

In addition, MEDNIGHT GTS includes two main actions: Scholarly Schools (RaS) and European Scholars Night (ERN). The first promotes interaction between researchers and students, with an emphasis on stimulating scholarly advocacy, gender equality and inclusivity; The second provides the possibility for research staff and the general public to interact through critical thinking, scientific culture and citizen science.

In all, the universities and departments that make up MEDNIGHT GTS have a total of 11,728 researchers in both independent societies, and with its contribution the society can meet significant challenges, through innovation for vaccine production, cancer control, renewable energy, climate change or sustainable development, Among other things.