2024 FULBRIGHT MEDITERRANEAN RESEARCH SEMINAR

Alicante / Alacant, Spain – October 30 – November 2, 2024

The Mediterranean Research Seminar will challenge Fulbright U.S. Researchers (at all levels) in Mediterranean countries to engage with each other on critical issues affecting the Mediterranean, drawing from a wide range of academic perspectives and disciplines. This three-day seminar will provide grantees with the space to discuss and debate their conceptual, constructive, empirical, experimental, and/or theoretical work. Additionally, this unique forum will allow Fulbrighters hosted in Mediterranean countries to establish regional dialogue and linkages transcending disciplinary, geographic, and cultural boundaries.

Objectives of the Seminar

Plan and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, both formal and informal, focused on Mediterranean-related issues,
Foster interdisciplinary engagement and cross-cultural dialogue, and
Provide space for grantees to reflect on their grant thus far, both academically and personally.

Opportunities for Academic, Professional, and Cultural Engagement

Grantee-led workshops: The interdisciplinary workshops are an opportunity for grantees to facilitate dynamic group conversations about a wide-range of topics, whether they are related to a grantee’s research, or related to broader topics connected to Fulbright, such as being a U.S. cultural ambassador. Workshops can be led by more than one grantee, and they encourage active discussions that create a space for participants to interact in small groups and brainstorm new ideas. They often go beyond the academic, offering exciting reflections that can inspire new approaches to both professional and personal endeavors.
Individual presentations: The individual presentations are a chance for grantees to present their research to all seminar attendees through brief presentations: 20 minutes for the presentation and 10 minutes for Q&A. The selection will be based on a diversity of topics, program, host country, and alignment with general Fulbright objectives and values. Priority will be given to presentations about climate change and sustainability, comparative cultural studies, human and animal migration, and other topics related to the Mediterranean.
Poster presentations: Poster presentations are a great way to visually present your research, regardless of your current stage in the research process, in a dynamic and conversational setting. We understand that, as most of you are at the very beginning of your grants, or have not even started your grant yet, your posters will likely present your research question(s) and methods, rather than any results at this stage. 13 posters will be selected for the 2024 Fulbright Spain Mediterranean Research Seminar in Alicante. The selection will be based on a diversity of topics, program, and host country. The U.S.-Spain Fulbright Commission will facilitate the printing and delivery of all posters. Please check the design manual handbook for posters.
Cultural activities: True to its name, the Mediterranean Research Seminar will introduce seminar participants to the Mediterranean culture of the seminar’s host city: Alicante. Participants will enjoy a group lunch sampling local Mediterranean cuisine, visit the town of Elche, and take in the spectacular views from the Castle of Santa Bárbara, the defining landmark of Alicante. Participants will also engage in seminar sessions on the premises of the Casa Mediterráneo, a beautifully restored former train station, whose space now serves as a cultural center that promotes collaboration among the countries and cultures of the Mediterranean.

To get a feel for the Seminar, take a look at video from the 2023 edition!

Mediterranean Research Seminar Program at a Glance:

Wednesday, October 30

Morning & Afternoon
- Grantees travel to Alicante*
Evening
- From 3 PM: Check-in at Hotel: AC Marriott Alicante
- Seminar Registration
- Dinner during your free time

Thursday, October 31

Morning
- 9 – 9:30 AM: Seminar Opening at AC Marriott Alicante
- 9:30 – 11 AM: Presentations at AC Marriott Alicante
  - Cultural Dialogue Across Time: A Historical Perspective
  - From Stage to Page: Exploring Cultural Identities in the Contemporary World
- 11 – 11:30 AM: Coffee break
- 11:30 AM – 1 PM: Grantee-led Workshops
Afternoon
- 1 – 2:30 PM: Networking Lunch at AC Marriott Alicante
- 2:30 – 4 PM: Cultural Activity: Visit to Castillo de Santa Bárbara
- 4 – 6:30 PM: Free time
Evening
- 6:30 – 8:00 PM: Poster Session at Casa Mediterráneo
- 8 – 9:30 PM: (Haunted) Cocktail at Casa Mediterráneo

Friday, November 1

Morning
- 9 – 10:30: Presentations at AC Marriott Alicante
  - Crossing Paths: The Shaping of Intercultural Spaces
- 10:30 – 11 AM: Coffee break
- 11 AM – 12:30 PM: Presentations at AC Marriot Alicante
  - Adapting to Change: Scientific Approaches to Climate Challenges and Biodiversity
- 12:30 – 12: 45 PM: Closing remarks at AC Marriot Alicante
Afternoon
- 1:30 PM: Bus to Elche**
- 2 – 5 PM Closing Lunch at Restaurante Cachito
- 5:30 – 7:00 PM: Guided tour of Elche
- 7:20 PM: Bus to Alicante
Evening
- Dinner during your free time

Saturday, November 2

Morning
- Before 12 AM: Check-out of hotel
All-day
- Grantees travel back to host cities
- Safe Travels!

2024 Mediterranean Research Seminar: Full program of activities

* Alicante / Alacant: A Mediterranean C ity

**Elch e, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a captivating fusion of ancient history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. Home to the magnificent Palmeral—the largest palm grove in Europe—Elche offers visitors an extraordinary glimpse into Spain’s rich heritage. Its crown jewel is the Misteri d’Elx, a sacred medieval play performed annually in the stunning Basilica of Santa María. As you explore the city, you’ll encounter a charming blend of historic streets, fascinating museums, and remarkable archaeological sites.

We will be staying at the AC Hotel Alicante by Marriott from October 30th to November 2nd. If you would like to book additional nights individually, please contact the hotel’s Front Desk Manager at reception.alicante@achmhotels.co m.

Venue: Casa Mediterráneo

Map of Mediterranean Research Seminar locations