Countries of the Euro-Mediterranean and Middle East share the same history and tackle today the same concerns for the development of the region. Moreover, with the events unfolding in this area in the recent years, there is a need to reinforce a stronger partnership with people and to support democratic transformation and institution-building, with the aim to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth and job creation. The EMME Summer School aims to build capacity among professionals working in the field of science communication; more specifically for the management of science centres, science museums and related programs (science festivals, science clubs, etc.) in the Euro-Mediterranean and Middle East regions. The main objectives of the EMME Summer School are: (a) to consolidate existing science centres in the Euro-Mediterranean and Middle East, their activities and programs; (b) to support the development of new science centers and communication projects in the region; (c) to enhance science centers’ advocacy in society including but not limited to institutions at the national and regional levels; (d) to exchange expertise, practices and activities among professionals in the field; (e) to stimulate the development of cooperative projects among the members of the two networks. The Specific Goal of the Summer School is to set-up a Euro-Mediterranean and Middle East Framework for science centers to reinforce their capacities, to strengthen dialogue and exchange, and to increase the community of players working for public engagement in science in the region. The EMME Summer School is addressing future leaders in the field of science centers and museums. This is applied by providing professional development programs, in both general management and field specialty skills. Beneficiaries are middle profile staff of existing science centers/museums and newcomers with projects of new science centers/museums and activities in the field of science communication from the Euro–Mediterranean and Middle East regions. EMME 2015 will be held at the Planetarium Science Center in the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria, Egypt, during the period 5-10 September 2015.
The year 2010 has been declared the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB 2010) by the United Nations. It celebrates the diversity of life on Earth, including every animal, plant and micro-organism. On the occasion, the PSC has launched a public awareness campaign about biodiversity, in order to reveal and emphasize its significance and importance as well as promote action to ensure its future health. The year-long campaign encompasses a diversity of interactive activities that tackle a variety of biodiversity aspects.
The vision of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 is to help the citizens of the world rediscover their place in the Universe through the day- and night time sky, and thereby engage a personal sense of wonder and discovery. All humans should realize the impact of astronomy and basic sciences on our daily lives, and understand better how scientific knowledge can contribute to a more equitable and peaceful society. The International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) will be a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, highlighted by the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei. The aim of the Year is to stimulate worldwide interest, especially among young people, in astronomy and science under the central theme “The Universe, Yours to Discover”. IYA2009 events and activities will promote a greater appreciation of the inspirational aspects of astronomy that embody an invaluable shared resource for all nations.