In a world often divided, science is building bridges. A new wave of collaboration is turning the historical heart of science into a modern hub of innovation.
Centuries of Scientific Golden Age
EMME Summer School in Lisbon
Total Solar Eclipse Project
Once the undisputed center of global scientific advancement, the Middle East is experiencing a renaissance. Between the 7th and 17th centuries, the region was a powerhouse of innovation, where scholars in cities like Baghdad and Kufa made breakthroughs that would lay the foundations for modern chemistry and medicine.
Today, a new chapter is being written. A fresh wave of investment and a renewed focus on collaboration are forging powerful connections between the Euro-Mediterranean and Middle Eastern scientific communities, aiming to tackle shared challenges and build a more sustainable future.
The historical ties that bind these regions are deep and enduring. The Euro-Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME) region shares a intertwined history, facing similar horizons and challenges1 . The legacy of early scientists like Jabir ibn Hayyan (722–c. 815), who spent most of his life in Kufa, Iraq, is a testament to this shared heritage3 .
Golden Age of Islamic Science with breakthroughs in chemistry, medicine, mathematics, and astronomy.
Period of scientific decline in the region following the end of the Islamic Golden Age.
Renewed focus on scientific collaboration and investment in research infrastructure.
Known for his systematic approach to experimentation and discovery of fundamental chemical processes:
His work laid the foundation for modern laboratory techniques and equipment.
A concrete example of this new spirit of cooperation is the upcoming EMME Summer School for Science Communication, scheduled for September 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal1 . This intensive, five-day training program is designed to empower science engagement professionals from across both regions.
The summer school's mission is clear: to empower existing science engagement initiatives, spark new ones, and foster a dynamic dialogue that bridges divides1 . By bringing together middle- and senior-level professionals, it aims to turn science centers and museums into active drivers of growth within their communities1 .
Workshops on demystifying and harnessing emerging technologies for science communication and museum engagement1 .
Learning how to develop programs by collaborating directly with scientists and local communities, ensuring relevance and impact1 .
Case studies on creating national-wide initiatives that foster sustained public engagement with science1 .
A powerful illustration of this collaborative model in action is a project focused on the 2027 Total Solar Eclipse, which will be visible across the Mediterranean and Middle East1 . This rare celestial event offers a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to engage the public in science and foster international cooperation1 .
Visibility path of the 2027 Total Solar Eclipse across the EMME region
| Outcome Measure | Results and Impact Analysis |
|---|---|
| Public Reach | Engagement of hundreds of thousands of spectators across multiple countries through local events and activities. |
| Educational Value | Demystification of astronomy for students and families, making complex orbital mechanics tangible and understandable. |
| Scientific Legacy | Creation of a shared database of observations, fostering a culture of collaborative citizen science that can outlast the single event. |
| Network Building | Strengthening of professional ties between European and Middle Eastern science communicators, laying groundwork for future joint projects. |
The work of science, from biomedical research to environmental monitoring, relies on a suite of reliable tools and reagents. In modern laboratories, especially those within collaborative international networks, consistency and quality are paramount. The following table details several key reagent solutions essential for this work, with insights drawn from industry leaders in diagnostic solutions2 .
| Research Reagent Solution | Function and Importance in the Lab |
|---|---|
| Haematology Reagents | Hydrous solutions for diluting and treating blood samples prior to analysis on automated systems. Their quality is vital for accurate cell counts and diagnoses2 . |
| Chromogenic Culture Media | Used in microbiology to grow and identify specific microorganisms. They contain substrates that change color in the presence of target bacteria, allowing for rapid identification6 . |
| Powerful Cleaning Reagents | Essential for maintaining automated analysers. Regular use prevents sample carryover and build-up, ensuring instrument accuracy and maximizing service life2 . |
| Calibrators and Controls | Materials used to standardize and verify the performance of diagnostic equipment. They ensure test results are reliable, reproducible, and traceable to international standards2 . |
The production of these reagents is itself a feat of precision and environmental responsibility. For instance, modern reagent factories employ state-of-the-art reverse osmosis systems to reduce water waste and utilize solar power to lower their energy footprint, aligning scientific progress with sustainability2 .
Reverse osmosis systems reduce water waste
Renewable energy lowers carbon footprint
Environmentally responsible manufacturing
Despite the promising momentum, the path to a more innovative and collaborative scientific landscape is not without obstacles. A landmark study by the Royal Society, "The Atlas of Islamic-World Science and Innovation," highlighted that average research and development spending across the 57 member states of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference remains very low5 .
Challenges such as substantial brain drain, where talented scientists pursue careers in the US and Europe, and questions about whether societies with limited open debate can become centres of creativity, remain persistent5 . Furthermore, there is a critical need to shift economies away from a dominant natural resource and public sector model towards a vibrant, knowledge-based private sector.