EVRO-SREDOZEMSKA UNIVERZA

Their core work

The Euro-Mediterranean University in Piran, Slovenia, specializes in science diplomacy and research cooperation between the EU and Mediterranean/Middle East regions. They facilitate policy dialogues, build strategic research partnerships across geopolitical divides, and support the design of joint research agendas in areas like food systems and water resources. Their work sits at the intersection of academia, diplomacy, and international development — bridging European and Southern Mediterranean research communities.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Their early H2020 work (2015) combined Middle East science diplomacy (MERID) with science communication and outreach (ScienceSquared), reflecting a broad engagement with research visibility and international dialogue. By 2016, the focus sharpened toward structured EU-Mediterranean cooperation — designing strategic research agendas and implementation plans (4PRIMA) and studying the role of diplomacy in advancing science and culture (EL-CSID). The shift is from broad awareness-building toward concrete policy frameworks for cross-regional research partnerships.

Moving from dialogue-oriented projects toward actionable research cooperation frameworks, suggesting readiness to support implementation-phase Mediterranean partnerships.

How they like to work

With 46 unique partners across 24 countries from just 4 projects, this university operates in large, geographically diverse consortia — typical of coordination and support actions in the diplomacy space. They coordinated one project (MERID) and participated in three others, showing they can both lead and contribute. Their wide but shallow partner network suggests a convener role — connecting institutions across regions rather than maintaining deep bilateral ties.

Remarkably broad network for a small university: 46 partners across 24 countries from only 4 projects. This reflects the inherently international nature of their diplomacy and Mediterranean cooperation work, with likely strong ties to both EU member states and Southern Mediterranean / Middle Eastern institutions.

What sets them apart

Few European universities combine academic research with active science diplomacy targeting the Mediterranean and Middle East regions. Their location in Slovenia — at the crossroads of Central Europe and the Mediterranean — reinforces their bridging function. For consortium builders, they offer a rare combination: academic credibility plus hands-on experience in designing cross-regional research agendas and navigating the politics of EU–neighbourhood cooperation.

Highlights from their portfolio

• MERID
  Their only coordinated project and largest grant (EUR 256,500), focused on the niche topic of EU–Middle East research and innovation dialogue.
• 4PRIMA
  Contributed to shaping the strategic research agenda for the entire EU-Mediterranean research partnership — a high-influence policy design project.
• EL-CSID
  Largest budget share (EUR 187,500 as participant), studied how science and cultural diplomacy can strengthen European global leadership.