Science is increasingly global. Grand challenges call for collaborative efforts, advanced computing infrastructures and high-speed networks enabling researchers irrespective of their geographical location and organisational boundary. Empowering scientific researchers through training on the one hand and policy support on the other are key ingredients for successful, international partnerships. The European project EUMEDGRID-Support is chartered with enhancing the Grid infrastructure connecting and supporting scientists in Europe with their peers in the Mediterranean Rim and the Middle East. To capitalize on EU investments in e-Infrastructures and ensure they are sustainable in the long term, EUMEDGRID-Support places special emphasis on an effective, two-way, high-policy dialogue. 

infrastructure but also brought on board new external initiatives, such as ANKABUT, the Research and Education Network of the United Arab Emirates.

While advanced technologies are very important for boosting scientific innovation, it is the synergy between the people involved that is vital to building bridges across borders, scientific domains and gender, leaving a legacy for generations to come.