Parmenides Conferences

A flagship academic forum for the Mediterranean science community
Named after the ancient philosopher whose ideas bridge metaphysics and natural observation, the Parmenides Conferences serve as EMAN’s premier platform for interdisciplinary dialogue. These high-level gatherings bring together scientists, academicians, and policy stakeholders to address regional priorities through the lens of science and innovation.

Past Editions:

• Parmenides I (Paris, 2008): Towards a Mediterranean Space of Science
• Parmenides II (Rome, 2009): Science and Health: Genes, Pathogens, Environment
• Parmenides III (Alexandria, 2010): Mediterranean Wealth and Diversity: Biology and Culture
• Parmenides IV (Rabat, 2011): Water and Sanitation: Health Challenges in the Mediterranean
• Parmenides V (Paris, 2012): Integrated Vision of Scientific and Technological Development

Each edition produced official declarations, recommendations, and in some cases, advisory outputs submitted to regional or international organizations.
Parmenides VI is scheduled for 2025 under Turkish Presidency.

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Workshops & Symposia

EMAN supports a wide array of discipline-specific workshops and symposia, often co-organized with national academies or international partners. These events address urgent or emerging issues ranging from environmental health to data governance, cultural heritage, or science diplomacy.

Recent Examples:

• Workshop on Marine Biodiversity and Coastal Ecosystems – Beirut & Barcelona
• Symposium on Digital Knowledge in the Mediterranean – Rome
• Roundtable on Science Education in Multilingual Contexts – Rabat

Workshops also serve as platforms for early-career researcher inclusion, promoting intergenerational dialogue and mentorship.

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Academic Training Courses

EMAN's training initiatives aim to equip researchers, science administrators, and policy advisors with practical knowledge in areas of strategic importance.

Notable Courses:

• Mediterranean Archaeology (Rome, 2012) – A hands-on course blending cultural heritage preservation with scientific methodology.
• Concentrated Solar Power & Sustainability (Seville, 2012) – In collaboration with the Hassan II Academy and European energy research institutions.
• Upcoming: Science Diplomacy & Regional Policy Engagement (2025) – Istanbul

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Collaborative Initiatives

Beyond events, EMAN supports longer-term scientific collaborations aligned with regional development goals.

Examples include:

• Joint Policy Papers on Mediterranean water security and food systems
• Academy-to-Academy Missions for institutional strengthening
• Thematic Working Groups on health, energy, environment, and education
• Support to emerging academies in institution-building and international positioning

EMAN also acts as a facilitator for project-based cooperation with organizations such as UNESCO, the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP), and the Union for the Mediterranean. All collaborative efforts are framed by the principles of academic merit, inclusiveness, and scientific independence.