The Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies has commenced the autumn semester with a strong program of academic and outreach activities. The semester began with the launch of the new MECW project on satellite-based water monitoring in contexts of conflict and governance stress, followed by a series of research seminars that addressed pressing and topical issues in the Middle East. In addition, CMES convened a workshop on environmental politics and civil society in post-conflict Syria, bringing together scholars and civil society organisations to engage in critical discussions.
The annual CMES Open House was held early in the semester, providing information on the Centre’s ongoing research activities and the Arabic language courses offered. The courses are currently running with a record number of students and scholars from Lund University enrolled. CMES also hosted representatives from the Dialogue Police units in Lund and Malmö, for a lecture on the Israel–Palestine conflict, contributing to broader dialogues and exchanges across academic and professional domains.
In October, CMES will host three upcoming research seminars on comparative analysis of Arab Sunni and Shia Islamisms; on renewable energy, local resistance, and green extractivism; and of the politics of death in Palestine.
Finally, the call for the 2026 CMES Writing Retreats is now open. Applications are welcome until 20 November 2025.
Stay tuned on the CMES website, social media and by subscribing to the Newsletter.
/ Karin Aggestam, CMES Director and MECW Coordinator