GRANADA, Spain – Forty science communication professionals from southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East will come together for the first edition of the Euro-Mediterranean and Middle East Summer School of Science Communication (EMME) to drive development of new science communication endeavors in their respective countries and regions.

This multicultural effort, motivated by a passion for science communication without borders, is the basis for EMME which will be held at Parque de las Ciencias in Granada, Spain from 22 to 27 September 2013.

The summer school will groom future science communication leaders by targeting middle profile staff of existing science centres and museums as well as newcomers to the field from related organizations such as universities, local authorities and associations. Training will bolster participants’ professional skills and expertise in the management of science centres and a range of public engagement with science and technology activities including exhibitions, science festivals and school programs.

The summer school program features experienced speakers and facilitators from science communication institutions who will provide training in strategic planning, management, exhibition development, new technologies and learning methodologies. The project responds to the growing number of science centers and science communication activities occurring around the Mediterranean and especially in the Middle East.

The summer school is a multilateral concept from Ecsite, the European network of science centres and museums and the North African and Middle East Science Centres Network (NAMES) – both of which have many member institutions operating in the region. The EMME has been organized by: Parque de la Ciencias (Granada, Spain) Città della Scienza (Naples, Italy) Scientific Center of Kuwait (Kuwait), Bibliotheca Alexandrina Planetarium Science Centre (Alexandria, Egypt) Universcience and Universcience partenaires (Paris, France), Museo delle Scienze (Trento, Italy) and the Natural History Museum (London, UK).

The 2013 EMME Summer School is sponsored by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), individual grants are funded by Universcience Partenaires, and technical contributions are courtesy of UNESCO, with patronage from the Third World Academy of Science.

For further information or interviews, contact: emme@parqueciencias.com