Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) Diversity, Migration and Mediterranean Food
Organised by Università degli studi di Palermo in collaboration with Universitat de València, Université Bourgogne Europe and FORTHEM Alliance this workshop was a great occasion to disseminate Mediet4all goals, approach and expected results.
From 26 to 30 May 2025, the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on “Diversity, Migration and Mediterranean Food: Mutual Interactions Among Cultures, Regions and Places” took place in Trapani University campus (University of Palermo – UNIPA). This interdisciplinary course involved twenty students from the European universities of the FORTHEM Alliance.
(https://www.forthem-alliance.eu/)
Organized by UNIPA team, in collaboration with University of Bourgogne Europe UBE, University of Valencia UV, University of Mainz, University of Sibiu and Opole, the program focused on key themes of the MEDIET4ALL project, exploring the intersection among the Mediterranean diet, health, sustainability and cultural identity.
Highlights of the week included a series of lectures on various MEDIET4ALL themes, delivered by the coordinator and referents from each university: Prof. Achraf Ammar, who presented Medie4All project and approach, Prof. Concetta Messina, Prof. Paolo Inglese and Prof. Antonio Cilla, including also intervention from others collegues from Norway on bioeconomy and system thinking.
These sessions covered critical topics such as the link between food and health, sustainable food systems, the antioxidant content of diets, agrifood and fishery value chains, providing students with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary framework.
What made this BIP truly unique was its interdisciplinary approach: different research profiles, including experts in food science, sport science, agronomy, biology, geography, communication, sociology, law, anthropology, and more, came together to explore complex challenges from multiple angles.
The program also served as a dynamic platform for dialogue and exchange, encouraging students to co-create innovative solutions and promote the cultural diversity of Mediterranean food heritage. The success of the BIP underscores the importance of ongoing engagement and education in addressing the challenges and opportunities arising from cultural diversity and migration in the Mediterranean region while actively promoting the values of the Mediterranean diet in terms of culture, nutrition and the environment.
by Università degli Studi Palermo
