Presentation «The Crossroads of Science, Diplomacy, Games and Cultures» during the 20th conference «Culture Crossroads»

Stories have a unique capacity to connect people across the Mediterranean. They serve as powerful tools for science communication and facilitate meaningful research-based engagement with diverse audiences. The presentation, «The Crossroads of Science, Diplomacy, Games and Cultures», delivered during the 20th “Culture Crossroads” conference hosted by the Latvian Academy of Culture, incorporates a distinctly Mediterranean dimension through a story of resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. It illustrates the capacity to sustain collaboration in both favourable and adverse circumstances.
The board game “Science Diplomacy Sprint” includes a challenging scenario entitled «An Explosion at a Consortium Laboratory». This episode draws on the difficulties encountered in 2020 by the Horizon 2020-funded project “IPM-4-Citrus” following the noteworthy impact of the Beirut explosion on the biopesticide laboratory of Saint Joseph University. This example of damage to research infrastructure was selected to highlight the determination of Mediterranean societies to overcome significant challenges and continue pursuing scientific cooperation and innovation.
Despite recurring geopolitical tensions and other forms of volatility, the dense networks and collaborative fabric built by highly skilled and dedicated experts across the Mediterranean have demonstrated remarkable resilience. While such partnerships may face obstacles and unforeseen developments, they continue to represent capacities of considerable international importance.
This conference presentation focuses on a gamified component of second-cycle higher education curricula. Mediterranean Day, together with the commitment shown by numerous countries across the Euro-Mediterranean region to support science diplomacy initiatives, provides a unique context for reflecting on the factors that connect people across the region, irrespective of their geographical proximity to the coastline. Among the most significant of these connecting forces are shared intellectual pursuits, collaborative research, and sustained academic engagement.