In December 2009, Soliya released the results of groundbreaking neuroscience research exploring media’s impact on intergroup relations. The research was conducted in 2008 and 2009 by labs at Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the New School for Social Research and supported by the Alliance of Civilizations Media Fund prior to its merger with Soliya.
While it is generally accepted that media has a profound impact on audiences, there has been little research into precisely how media influences attitudes. The findings from this research, supported by the AOCMF over the past two years, have profound potential to advance the broader field of media for social change. They will also inform the planning and implementation of Soliya’s programs and activities in the coming years.
The published research report was published as a bilingual (Arabic/English) booklet – http://www.soliya.net/SoliyaGuideArabic.pdf – in cooperation with the Dubai International Film Festival, which featured a panel on the evening of Sunday, December 13, 2009 for Soliya to present and discuss the findings. The Dubai International Film Festival, which is themed, “Bridging Cultures. Meeting Minds” distributed it to every participant in this year’s Festival.