Rome – February 12th, 2026 – UNIMED is launching the Research Horizons for Gaza (H-Gaza) project, to safeguard and reconnect Gaza’s present and future research and innovation capacity. The European Commission is providing 1 million euros for this pilot action until June 2027.
“With H-Gaza, UNIMED reaffirms its commitment to safeguard academic communities in times of crisis. Universities are not only places of learning, they are anchors of dignity, continuity, and hope.” said Marcello Scalisi, UNIMED Director. “This initiative mobilises our network across the Euro-Mediterranean region to support researchers affected by the war in Gaza and to sustain knowledge, dialogue, and international cooperation when they are most at risk”.
Over an 18-month period, the project will i) map existing regional and local support initiatives, stakeholders, and potential beneficiaries (Palestinian researchers in and from Gaza); ii) pilot a Virtual Research Collaboration Hub via EURAXESS for 75 researchers in or from Gaza, offering mentorship and career guidance, access to research infrastructure, discipline-specific discussion groups, training in transferable skills, matchmaking with existing and emerging opportunities and collaborative research activities; and iii) conduct a scenario-based feasibility assessment to guide the design of a larger intervention.
The project officially started on 1 January 2026, and researchers are expected to begin engaging in the Virtual Research Collaboration Hub in September 2026 for a period of 9 months. European and international universities, mentors and Palestinian researchers from Gaza, will be able to participate through an open call for expressions of interest, to be launched in May 2026.
The project will benefit from collaboration with the EURAXESS – Science4Refugees unit, providing technical expertise and support for the Hub, and it is supported by a Gaza Liaison Group and an Advisory Board bringing together leading European and international organisations working with at-risk scholars and higher education in emergencies.