Aula Mediterrània Interdisciplinary Research Seminar 2026
24 March 2026- 25 March 2026 | Conference | English | Spanish | Catalan | Institut d'Estudis Catalans
The Aula Mediterrània Interdisciplinary Research Seminar (24–25 March 2026, Barcelona) is part of the Aula Mediterrània programme, which connects sixteen master’s programmes from nine Catalan universities to promote research collaboration and academic dialogue on Mediterranean issues. The initiative fosters interdisciplinary exchange among students, researchers, and institutions focused on the Euro-Mediterranean region.
This edition strengthens collaboration with Casa Árabe’s Aula Árabe Universitaria programme and receives support from the Union for the Mediterranean. It also includes participation from researchers linked to networks such as FIMAM and EuroMeSCo. The seminar has become an important platform for cooperation in higher education and research across the Mediterranean.
The first day focuses on academic cooperation and training challenges in the Euro-Mediterranean region, especially the imbalance in student mobility between Europe and the southern Mediterranean. Discussions explore how future frameworks like Erasmus+ can promote more reciprocal mobility and stronger institutional cooperation. The programme also highlights the need to train new generations of researchers and professionals capable of addressing shared regional challenges such as migration, human rights, climate change, and sustainable development. The day also includes recognition of outstanding master’s dissertations and an open session where students present their research.
Aula Mediterrània Awards
The seminar includes the award ceremony of the three young women researchers winners of the Best Master’s Thesis Awards of the Aula Mediterrània programme (2024–25 edition).
Marina Kryakis, Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals Master’s Degrees
“Charting Turbulent Waters: The Suez Canal’s Strategic Significance Amid Regional Turmoil”
Hanin Fraser, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Master’s Degree in International Relations, Security and Development
“Sociology of Power in Migration Governance: Proposing a New Analytical Framework Using Turkey as a Case Study”
Ona Vila Palacín, Master’s Degree in History and Identities in the Western Mediterranean (15th–19th centuries), UB/UA/UV/Universitat Jaume I
“Los enlaces entre inmigrantes franceses y expósitas del Hospital de la Santa Creu (1532–1601)”
Parallel Sessions
The second day of the seminar examines the Mediterranean in the emerging global order through thematic workshops and parallel sessions organised by participating master’s programmes. These sessions explore political, social, and historical issues affecting the region, including migration narratives, diversity governance, transitional justice, racism, geopolitics, gender perspectives, diasporas, and humanitarian intervention.
Violence and Protection in the Mediterranean: What Role for Humanitarian Intervention?
Transitional Justice in the Levant and North Africa: Lessons Learned and Future Challenges
Governing Diversity in Polarized Times: Mediterranean Cities and the Ideological Turn
Anti-Migrant Narratives in the Mediterranean Region
Unbearable Differences, “Acceptable” Racisms? Mediterranean Responses to Structural Racism
Southern Europe and the Suez Canal: A Gateway to Globalisation
Women’s Voices in the Mediterranean Region: Transformations and Contemporary Challenges
Diasporas, Religious Minorities, Migrations, and Movements in the Mediterranean during the Early Modern Period
Overall, the seminar offers an interdisciplinary reflection on the Mediterranean’s role in contemporary global dynamics while encouraging collaboration among universities and young researchers.
Organised by
In collaboration with
Masters’ Degrees of the Programme
