• PRIMA is proud to spotlight NEXTGEN4MED — a dynamic, youth-driven initiative born from the collaboration of three PRIMA-funded projects (OurMED, NATMed, and SALAM-MED) that unite their strengths to empower the next generation of water leaders in the Mediterranean.

• NEXTGEN4MED tackles the region’s pressing water challenges by equipping early-career researchers and young professionals with the tools, networks, and interdisciplinary approaches needed to drive real, lasting impact.

• This is a call to action — inviting young scientists, institutions, and stakeholders to join the movement and help shape a more resilient, inclusive, and water-secure future for the region.

16 April 2025 | In a region where climate change is not a distant threat but a present-day reality, the Mediterranean faces growing water scarcity, rising temperatures, and increasing pressure on ecosystems and communities. Enter NEXTGEN4MED — a bold, collaborative youth-led initiative designed to equip a new generation of young scientists, practitioners, and innovators with the tools, knowledge, and connections essential for fostering water-resilient societies in the region.

Born from Collaboration, driven by urgency

The idea behind NEXTGEN4MED was sparked by a simple yet powerful observation: that addressing the Mediterranean’s complex water challenges requires more than just advanced science or policy; it requires people, especially young, empowered individuals who can bridge disciplines, navigate complexity and diverse socio-ecological contexts, and ignite collaborative action across borders.

“Water is not just a technical issue — it’s social, political, and deeply cultural”, say Chiara and Elif (Vice Coordinator and Secretary of the initiative).

 “NEXTGEN4MED is about building bridges — between disciplines, generations, and countries — to ensure the Mediterranean has the leadership it needs to adapt and thrive”.

What is NEXTGEN4MED?

NEXTGEN4MED is more than an initiative— it’s a growing community and a catalyst for change. Anchored in the Mediterranean context yet globally relevant, the initiative aims to:

• Foster intergenerational dialogue in water governance;
• Develop capacity building among young professionals and researchers;
• Encourage innovation and systems thinking in addressing water-related challenges;
• Connect emerging talent with institutions, networks, and decision-makers.

The idea for NEXTGEN4MED was born from the collaboration of three PRIMA projects: OurMED, NATMed, and SALAM-MED united by a shared vision for a more inclusive, resilient, and innovative approach to water governance in the Mediterranean and beyond.

Why It Matters

The Mediterranean is already experiencing the frontlines of climate change: rising temperatures, water scarcity, ecosystem degradation, and social tensions are no longer distant threats but daily realities. Yet within this challenge lies an opportunity: to invest in a new generation of researchers who bring fresh and dynamic ideas, inclusive values, openness and a deep commitment to action.

Early-career researchers often face fragmented support systems, limited access to networks, and few opportunities to connect their work to real-world impact. NEXTGEN4MED is working to change that by creating a supportive ecosystem where young professionals can grow, contribute, and lead. By investing in young people today, NEXTGEN4MED is planting the seeds for a more resilient, inclusive, and adaptive future.

“Empowering the next generation is not optional — it’s essential”, says Daniele (the Coordinator of the initiative). “And why not — hopefully, through this collaboration, we might even plant the seeds for a future project proposal someday!”.

Who’s Behind It

NEXTGEN4MED is powered by a vibrant alliance of universities, research centers, civil society organizations, NGO’s, SME’s and water stakeholders spanning the Mediterranean basin: from Italy to Tunisia, Türkiye to France, a wide network of mentors and partners are rallying around this cause. Although the team spans a broad geographic range, they are united by their commitment to addressing the water challenges in the Mediterranean region. Beyond water resources management, the team brings a diverse range of expertise including but not limited to various modeling approaches, machine learning, groundwater governance, nature-based solutions, project management and dissemination (Figure 1).

Figure 1: NG4M’s current geographic reach and disciplinary diversity.

Supported by PRIMA and embedded within its mission to foster innovation and sustainability in the region, the initiative brings together expertise, enthusiasm, and a shared drive for impact.

“We believe in the power of collaboration and the energy of youth. That’s why we’re proud to support NEXTGEN4MED”, says Lucille Guiheneuf, PRIMA Communication Officer.

Join the Movement

Whether you’re a graduate student, an early-career researcher, a policymaker, or simply someone passionate about water and the future of the Mediterranean, there’s a place for you in NEXTGEN4MED. In the coming months, the initiative will roll out a series of training, workshops, and engagement opportunities — both online and in person. Stay tuned for upcoming events and announcements. The journey has just begun.

➡️ Visit NEXTGEN4MED dedicated page https://sustain-med.eu/nextgen4med/

➡️ Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram

➡️ Get involved: [email protected]

➡️ Download the leaflet

Let’s build a Mediterranean where young voices lead the way to water sustainability.

What should you expect?

• Workshops and training

NextGen4MED aims to organize a series of workshops and training sessions designed to equip young researchers with the necessary skills in water management.

• Research collaborations and papers

The initiative encourages collaborative research among members to tackle urgent water-related challenges. Participants will work on joint research projects, share findings, and co-author scientific papers, thereby enhancing their expertise and contributing valuable knowledge to the field of water management.

• Proposal development and experience sharing

Through collective brainstorming sessions, NextGen4MED will support members in developing project proposals to secure funding for innovative water management initiatives. Additionally, members will share insights and experiences gained from their local projects, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement among the network.

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This article has been written in collaboration with the NEXTGEN4MED team.