On behalf of Città della Scienza, welcome to Naples! Naples, a historic city that has embraced various Mediterranean cultures, extends its arms to warmly welcome you to explore it, enjoy it and, of course, learn and network in it.
We are very pleased and honoured to be hosting the third edition of the Euro-Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME) Summer School for Science Communication. Tis initiative has proven to be of tremendous value to its attendees and organisers not only from a professional development standpoint, but also in terms of creating real partnerships and friendship among science centres and museums from Europe and the Middle East. Città della Scienza has always valued such initiatives that promote regional cooperation and has been sincerely dedicated to EMME since its beginning. Since the first seedlings of this project I was personally involved in its inception along with the late Mijbil Almutawa, in order to build a common project between both networks, NAMES and Ecsite, and I am very happy to see how far it has gone. Throughout history, our countries have had several commonalities, and today, to some extent, we face shared challenges and concerns. In the current reality of religious tensions, and political, economic and immigration crises that characterises several parts of the region, it is vital that our institutions actively cooperate to tackle these challenges. The Summer School is a professional challenge, but at the same time is an important tool to strengthen dialogue between people and make science culture an engine for development. As Euro-Mediterranean and Middle Eastern science centres and museums, we offer a platform for our communities to be engaged with science, technology and innovation; all of which are increasingly connected to politics and decision making related to pressing global matters (e.g. climate change and responsible innovation). Our collaboration can extend our reach and allow for the fertilisation of important human values such as openness, tolerance and civic and environmental responsibility.
I hope that this edition of EMME will offer you a rich experience on the professional and social levels. Please feel at home at Città della Scienza, and feel free to go around its different parts and to speak with our team. I also hope that you will be able to appreciate this wonderful Mediterranean city that charms its visitors with its warmth and spirit. Naples is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and so there is plenty to see and visit in the evenings of the Summer School. Please do take the time to explore it and experience the Neapolitan hospitality and lifestyle. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude for the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), that has been a true and generous supporter of EMME in its three editions. KFAS’ support reflects the foundation’s visionary outlook and true dedication to the development of informal science and international collaboration among our regions. I would also like to thank Universcience Partenaires who has awarded grants for the participation of 5 participants
from the NAMES region. This edition is honoured to have the patronage of UNESCO, as well as the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; a patronage that reflects both institutions’ appreciation for regional collaboration and citizen engagement in science and innovation. A special word of gratitude goes to all those who made this edition a success, from the Steering Committee, the speakers and the organising team of EMME 2017.
Welcome to EMME 2017, Benvenuti a Città della Scienza!
Vincenzo Lipardi, Città della Scienza