A Multi- and Trans-disciplinary Perspective on Environmental Change in the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean area is a hotspot for environmental changes (climate change and anthropogenic changes such as pollution, land degradation, etc.), which are impacting ecosystems and communities. Their effects reverberate at multiple scales, triggering food crises, migrations, ecosystem degradation, and social tensions, all unfolding in a context of multiple contemporary crises occurring in and beyond the Mediterranean area. In such a context, multi- and trans-disciplinary perspectives are needed to understand the complexity of the situation and to develop suitable societal actions that can contribute to planetary well-being.

At present, however, real disciplinary integration is lacking, particularly between scientific and technological, as well as climate-related studies, and the social sciences, arts, and humanities. These disciplines are often applied together with socio-economic ones (political sciences, economics, etc.), but a truly interdisciplinary dialogue still needs to be fostered.

In this framework, the Environmental Change and Well-being Arena of EUniWell promotes a workshop to discuss the state of the art of transdisciplinary environmental change research, in order to create a common background and foster future synergies. This workshop aims to encourage multi- and trans-disciplinary dialogue by inviting researchers from across the consortium and beyond to contribute case studies and posters exploring the intersections between environmental change and well-being in the Mediterranean region.

This international workshop aims to:

• Map and discuss transdisciplinary research practices across EUniWell institutions and beyond;
• Create synergies between environmental, social, and human sciences;
• Promote inter-university collaboration on Mediterranean environmental change.

Contributions are welcome from all EUniWell partner universities and beyond and may address any aspect of environmental change and well-being. The workshop will take place over two days, 27–28 November 2025, at the University of Florence, Novoli University Campus, and online (the link to join will be shared upon registration).

Programme summary

Day 1 – 27 November 2025: Framing the Topic through Keynotes and Case Studies
The first day will focus on defining the scope of the workshop through keynote presentations and selected research case studies.

The programme will open with an Introduction to the Workshop (09:00–09:30), followed by two Keynote Lectures:

• Mariagrazia Portera, Professor at the Department of Philosophy and Literature, University of Florence
• Ismail Abdelghani, Climate Resilience & Sustainable Urban Development Specialist at Integrated Community Development – TAKWEEN, Cairo

Throughout the day, several short case study sessions will be interspersed, providing participants with a range of applied perspectives. A Lunch & Networking break will include a poster viewing session, encouraging informal discussion and exchange.

The day will conclude with a Poster Session (17:30–18:30) and a Social Dinner at 20:00.

Day 2 – 28 November 2025: Researchers’ Brainstorming
The second day will begin with a session on how multi- and trans-disciplinary research can be translated into educational and didactic practices (09:00–09:30).

The morning will then continue with a collaborative brainstorming session dedicated to exploring opportunities for cooperation and developing future strategies (09:30–13:00).

Further information

Please submit your proposal for presenting case studies and/or a poster via the submission form by 28 October 2025, 23:00 CET - deadline extended to 3 November, 23:00 CET. Only proposals submitted through this form will be considered.

If you plan to attend without presenting, or if you want to present a poster please complete this registration form by 19 November 2025. 

All submitted proposals will be reviewed by the organising committee of the EUniWell Thematic Arena on Environmental Change and Well-Being. Selection will be based on relevance, interdisciplinarity, and clarity of approach.

Accepted contributors will be notified by the end of October 2025. Participation is free of charge. Depending on available resources, EUniWell participants may be eligible for financial support from their respective EUniWell partner universities through dedicated mobility or activity funds. Detailed information on funding opportunities will be provided after notification of acceptance.

Organising/Selection Committee

• Mariagrazia Portera, Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy and Literature, University of Florence
• Christoph Lange, Associate Director & Academic Programme Manager, MESH | Multidisciplinary Environmental Studies in the Humanities, Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology (DoSCA), University of Cologne
• Giulio Castelli, Assistant Professor, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence
• Emanuele De Simone, Research Assistant, Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology (DoSCA), University of Cologne
• Sara Ronco, Research Manager, University of Florence, and PhD Candidate, University of Insubria

About the Case Study Presentations

We are seeking eight case studies that illustrate concrete, research-based approaches to environmental change from diverse disciplinary perspectives, including but not limited to:

• Environmental and life sciences
• Economics and law
• Arts, humanities, and philosophy
• Technological and climate innovation studies

Presentation format:

• 20-minute oral presentation + 10-minute discussion
• In person (6 slots) or online (2 slots)
• English language

About the Poster Presentations

A poster session will be held on Day 1 (27 November 2025).
We particularly encourage applications from early-career researchers (PhD candidates, postdocs). Selected poster presenters will receive a certificate of participation and will be invited to submit a short paper for the workshop proceedings. The organising committee will evaluate the poster presentations and award a €500 prize to the best contribution.

Presentation format:

• Posters should be prepared in A0 size (84.1 × 118.9 cm), portrait orientation
• They will be displayed in a dedicated area throughout the event
• During the poster session, each presenter will have 5 minutes to briefly introduce their work, followed by a short discussion with attendees
• Authors are responsible for printing and bringing their own posters

Contact

For questions or clarifications, please contact: sara.ronco[at]unifi.it
Subject: EUniWell Med Workshop – Contribution Proposal/Attendance