Applications are now open for the Euromed Young Researchers Forum 2025.

A new chapter in the digital age is unfolding in the Euro-Mediterranean region, marked by the dual forces of innovation and caution. The digital revolution, driven by technologies such as artificial intelligence, surveillance systems, and big data, is reshaping the economic and social landscapes. While these tools promise enhanced security and economic prosperity, they also raise critical concerns about privacy, human rights, and the balance of power. It is within this complex web of challenges and opportunities that the Euromed Young Researchers Forum 2025 steps in, inviting the brightest young minds to tackle pressing questions and offer bold, forward-thinking solutions.

Set to take place from September 15 to 17, 2025, in Mollina, Spain, the Forum calls upon young experts from across the Euro-Mediterranean area to share their ideas, foster collaboration, and drive impactful research. Participants will have the unique chance to contribute to shaping policies and practices that can balance economic growth with human rights protections in an increasingly digitalized world. The Forum is not just a meeting ground—it’s a vibrant space where innovation meets advocacy, and where ideas can evolve into actionable solutions.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their abstracts on topics exploring how digitalization affects the region, ranging from digital sovereignty and environmental sustainability to migration and human rights. Young researchers are invited to propose creative approaches to digital sovereignty, addressing issues such as youth access to education, employment, and green job creation through technology. Proposals might delve into how digital tools can help solve pressing environmental challenges, including waste management and sustainable agriculture, or examine the intersection of digital technology with migration policies and human freedoms. Issues of data privacy, cybersecurity, and the potential for youth-led innovation in the digital sector are particularly relevant, as is the pressing need to address digital inequality and foster inclusive digital growth.

The call is open to researchers and students aged 18 to 35, affiliated with research centers, universities, or organizations in the Euro-Mediterranean region, especially those connected to the UfM countries. Candidates should demonstrate a clear interest in the Forum’s themes and ideally possess a background in areas related to economic development, security, or digital innovation. Interested applicants are required to submit a CV (maximum two pages) and a short research proposal (up to 350 words) to euromesco@iemed.org, and fill in the application form available online. The deadline for submissions is June 16, 2025, at 23:59 CET.

Selected participants will be notified by June 23, 2025, and will be asked to prepare a concise concept note summarizing their research topic. Following the event, the top proposals will be developed into policy briefs of around 3,000 words, with selected authors receiving compensation for their work. The Euromed Youth Forum covers all essential expenses, including round-trip flight tickets, accommodation in shared rooms at CEULAJ, meals, and visa costs, ensuring that participation is accessible and rewarding for young researchers.

This gathering represents more than just an academic exercise—it’s a unique opportunity for young voices to shape the digital future of the Euro-Mediterranean region. Participants will engage with policymakers, practitioners, and fellow experts, gaining recognition for their work while contributing to meaningful change. By providing a platform for collaboration and the exchange of ideas, the Forum empowers the next generation of leaders to influence policies that reflect both the promises and perils of digitalization in a rapidly evolving world.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity