Mediterranean Youth in Action Programme 2024 for Young Researchers (up to €1,000) Deadline: 27 June, 2024

Applications are open for the Mediterranean Youth in Action Programme 2024 for Young Researchers. The Mediterranean Youth in Action (MYA) Programme is delighted to unveil an exceptional opportunity: “Voicing Youth Knowledge in Action.” This call is specifically tailored for young researchers who are committed to driving positive change throughout the Euro-Mediterranean region.

By participating in this initiative, you’ll have the chance to not only address pivotal challenges but also engage in peer sharing and learning, amplifying the impact of your work. At its core, this Programme embodies the Euro-Med vision of collaboration and mutual understanding, empowering youth to become the true architects of change. Through your involvement, you’ll play a vital role in shaping public policies and fostering inclusive development across borders. If you’re ready to be a catalyst for meaningful transformation, they warmly invite you to join them in this exciting journey!

About the Programme

The Mediterranean Youth in Action (MYA) Programme embodies a dynamic approach toward fostering positive change in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Grounded in the principle of experiencing through action, MYA empowers young individuals to become catalysts for transformation and advocates for societal progress. With a steadfast commitment to peer sharing and learning, MYA cultivates a vibrant community where young leaders collaborate, exchange ideas, and harness their collective potential.

Embracing a Euro-med vision, the MYA Programme bridges cultural divides and promotes dialogue, understanding, and cooperation across borders. Through initiatives aimed at empowering young people to shape public policy and promoting active citizenship, MYA positions youth as the true agents of change, envisioning a future where they play pivotal roles in shaping the societal landscape of the Mediterranean region.

Benefits

• Online training with certification (for 50 young researchers): Acquire advanced skills through an online training programme led by experts. Upon completion, receive a certification from the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) Secretariat.
• Face-to-face Knowledge Workout Workshop (for 25 selected researchers): Immerse yourself in an engaging face-to-face workshop, gaining valuable insights and feedback that will refine your research approach and methodologies.
• Financial support for policy brief publication (for selected researchers): Excel to be among the 15 selected researchers who will be tasked with crafting a 3,500-word policy brief, a blog post (500 words), and other impactful communication products; the successful researchers will receive a financial contribution of 1.000 euro.
• Increase the visibility of your evidence-based research: Make your evidence-based research accessible to various stakeholders and practitioners. Leveraging the ALF communication tools and network will enhance the dissemination of your research.
• Civil Society Outreach Dialogues (for selected researchers): Participate in Civil Society Outreach Dialogues to be organised nationally. Join these 2-hour sessions accompanied by local stakeholders and civil society representatives. Engage the public, making your research visible and impactful in communities.
• Financial support for academic dialogues (for selected researchers): Receive financial support to organise an Academic Dialogue (1.5 hours) in your institution. These dialogues may take various forms, from specialised seminars for the academic/research community to interactive events for student engagement. This initiative aims to empower young researchers and enhance their visibility within their work contexts.
• Networking opportunities: Build valuable connections within your field and beyond. Engage with fellow researchers, stakeholders, and civil society representatives, creating a robust network for potential collaborations and future endeavours.
• Communication contribution: Actively contribute to communication initiatives, you will get the chance to share your testimonies about your experience with the MYA Programme and your research.
• Additional benefits: Participation in Euro-Mediterranean Dialogues and MYA Forum: As a selected young researcher, your journey with “Voicing Youth Knowledge” offers an exclusive opportunity to actively engage in participatory and policy dialogues within the Euro-Mediterranean region. This includes participation in events such as:
  • ALF Youth Dialogues (for selected researchers): The top-performing young researchers will have the opportunity to actively participate in dynamic events and dialogues organised at the Euro-Mediterranean scale, amplifying youth voices and perspectives, fostering dialogue, and connecting with stakeholders and peers across the region.

Eligibility

• Young researchers of age between 18 and 35, from the 43 countries of the UFM, who are proficient in English, and affiliated to a think tank, a specialized research centre or a university.
• Youth affiliated to NGOs can apply only if their organisation has an evidence-based and policy-oriented research project or unit or work strand, in a way that renders this NGO a semi-think tank or research centre.
• If applying as a group with a single application, that application will be referred to as a research proposal to be conducted by more than one researcher. However, the lump sum for the publication of the policy brief and the organisation of the academic and civil society dialogues is only one per research proposal (and not one per researcher). Also, a lead researcher will have to be designated by the group of applicants and this person should fill in the application form, also naming the rest of the applicants.
• It is not necessary for the affiliated institution to be an ALF National Civil Society Network member. However, such membership is welcome. When filling out the application, you will be asked whether your institution is a member of the ALF National Civil Society Networks. If yes, you will be asked to provide the link proving this membership. If not, you will be asked whether your organisation has applied to become a member in the past.

Application

Initiate your involvement by submitting your online application via the available online form only before June 27, 2024. Ensure alignment with the criteria, demonstrating your commitment to driving positive change in the Euro-Mediterranean region.

This includes the submission of a short abstract of up to 500 words demonstrating originality and incorporating diverse disciplinary and methodological approaches. Only complete applications will be considered.

For more information, visit Mediterranean Youth in Action Programme.