Prof. Dr. Belma Kalamujić Stroil Elected to Mediterranean Science Team 2025
MEDNIGHT announces the selection of outstanding scientists for the Mediterranean Science Team 2025 alongside the universities recognized in the Gender Equality Pioneers initiative.
11 February 2025 | MEDNIGHT – The Mediterranean Night of Researchers proudly announces the appointment of 12 scientists to the Mediterranean Science Team 2025, alongside the recognized universities within the Mediterranean Universities Gender Equality Pioneers (MU-GEP) initiative. This year, 11 of the 12 selected scientists are women, reflecting the growing influence of female researchers in addressing critical issues in the Mediterranean region.
Mediterranean Science Team 2025: Science Connecting the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Science Team unites exceptional researchers tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing the 23 countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, including neighboring nations. Addressing climate change, global health, biodiversity, and sustainable food systems, their work exemplifies the transformative power of science in fostering regional cooperation and innovation.
While all chosen members of this team are remarkable, it is noteworthy that among them is Prof. Dr. Belma Kalamujić Stroil, a scientific advisor and head of the Laboratory for Molecular Genetics of Natural Resources at the University of Sarajevo – Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.
Her research focuses on conservation biology, molecular genetics of natural resources, and population genetics, significantly contributing to biodiversity preservation and the development of strategies for ecosystem protection in the context of global climate change. She places particular emphasis on maintaining the genetic diversity of plant species, which is crucial for the resilience of ecosystems and their ability to adapt to environmental changes.
“Conserving the genetic diversity of plants is vital for ensuring the long-term stability of ecosystems and their capacity to adapt to environmental shifts,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Kalamujić Stroil.
Her work not only contributes to developing sustainable environmental protection strategies but also holds broader regional significance, establishing her reputation not just within Bosnia and Herzegovina but throughout the Mediterranean region and beyond.
Her selection to the Mediterranean Science Team is particularly meaningful, as it highlights women actively shaping the future of science through their research and contributions, while simultaneously commemorating the International Day of Girls and Women in Science. The recognition of Professor Belma Kalamujić Stroil represents an extraordinary achievement, not only for her personally but also for the academic and scientific community at the University of Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina as a whole.
Other members of the Mediterranean Science Team 2025 include:
Urška Lampe (Slovenia) – History and Heritage
Sherin El Baradei (Egypt) – Space, Water, and Environment
Lubna Dada (Lebanon) – Climate Change and Pollution
Mónica Bettencourt-Dias (Portugal) – Health and Cell Biology
Paola Bonfante (Italy) – Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Elpiniki Ninou (Greece) – Neuroscience and Brain Health
Meryem Lemrani (Morocco) – Parasitology and Global Health
Jelena Vladić (Serbia) – Sustainable Water Use and Nutrition
Beraat Özçelik (Turkey) – Food Science and Nutrition
Pierre Micheletti (France) – Global Health and Humanitarian Science
Rocío Millán Gómez (Spain) – Soil Health and Pollution
Selection Committee | Mediterranean Science Team 2025
The selection of the Mediterranean Science Team was conducted by a distinguished international jury comprised of prominent experts from the Mediterranean region and beyond. Their diverse expertise ensured a thorough and comprehensive evaluation process:
Gülsün Sağlamer (Turkey) – Former Rector of Istanbul Technical University
Isabel Capeloa Gil (Portugal) – Rector of the Catholic University of Portugal
Joaquín Capablo (Spain) – Vice President of MCAA
Najat Aoun Saliba (Lebanon) – Member of the Lebanese Parliament and Professor of Chemistry at the American University of Beirut
Neal Hartman (USA/Switzerland) – Director of the CineGlobe Film Festival, CERN Engineer on the ATLAS Experiment
MU-GEP Initiative: Recognizing Universities as Leaders in Gender Equality
The Mediterranean Universities Gender Equality Pioneers (MU-GEP) initiative, in collaboration with MEDNIGHT and EWORA (European Women Rectors Association), honors universities that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to promoting gender equality within the academic community. The awarded institutions serve as models in creating an inclusive and equitable academic environment.
Awarded universities for the year 2024 include:
Universitat Jaume I (Spain)
Universidade de Coimbra (Portugal)
Università Aldo Moro di Bari (Italy)
MU-GEP Initiative Jury
The evaluation of applications for MU-GEP was carried out by a prestigious jury composed of experts in gender equality and academic leadership:
Prof. Gülsün Sağlamer (Turkey) – Former Rector of Istanbul Technical University and Honorary Founder of EWORA
Prof. Kerstin Tham (Sweden) – Former Rector of Malmö University and President of EWORA
Prof. Silvia Rueda (Spain) – Director of the Women's and Science Department at the Spanish Government's Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities
Awards Ceremony
Gala Presentation of the Mediterranean Science Team and Official Award Ceremony MU-GEP
Date: 14 March 2025 (14:00 - 16:30)
Location: University Foundation, Brussels
Details: This event will publicly present the selected scientists to the media, highlighting their contributions to the future of the Mediterranean. Additionally, the awarded universities will be recognized for their pioneering roles in promoting gender equality within the Mediterranean academic community.
Register to attend the Gala: https://forms.gle/a26hqsw36jzTh6sG9
For more information, interviews, or media materials, please contact:
Hulya Caglayan – info@ewora.org
Visit the MEDNIGHT website to learn more about the laureates and their groundbreaking research: https://mednight.eu
Social Media: @mednighteu
