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First Middle East and North Africa Meeting: 19th June 2026

Regional Collaboration, Barrier Removal, and Real-World Impact

The Middle East and North Africa Regional Chapter first convened on 19th June 2026, bringing together university research and strategy leaders to consider how GHEIN could strengthen interdisciplinary research across the region. The discussion examined where the network could provide distinctive value alongside existing initiatives and support more effective regional and international collaboration.

Members saw an opportunity for GHEIN to connect a more diverse range of countries, institutions and disciplines, particularly given the limited number of networks identified within North Africa. Rather than creating another forum for discussion alone, participants called for a practical focus on identifying the institutional, resource and curriculum-related barriers to interdisciplinary research and working collectively to address them.

The chapter also highlighted the value of continuous member communication, partnerships with established regional organisations and collaboration organised around shared priorities such as the Sustainable Development Goals. Members advocated involving industry and other stakeholders, alongside supporting researchers and students to apply interdisciplinary approaches to complex challenges facing the MENA region.

Going forward, the chapter will explore opportunities to broaden participation, strengthen links with existing networks and develop practical mechanisms for exchanging knowledge and overcoming shared barriers to interdisciplinary research