The MARGISTAR COST Action invites its members to contribute to a high-level policy event in Brussels, designed to strengthen the interface between science, policy, and practice in the context of marginal regions, ecosystem restoration, and climate action.
This event will bring together European Commission representatives (DG ENV, DG CLIMA, DG AGRI, DG RTD, JRC), policy-makers, stakeholders, and researchers, positioning MARGISTAR as a platform that delivers actionable knowledge and policy-relevant solutions.
Objective
The event aims to demonstrate how MARGISTAR:
- translates scientific evidence into policy-relevant knowledge,
- connects local case studies with EU-level decision-making,
- supports the implementation of environmental and climate policies,
- positions marginal regions as innovation hubs for restoration, resilience, and social cohesion.
Call for Contributions
We invite all MARGISTAR members to submit short, high-impact pitches that:
- present concrete evidence, tools or case studies,
- demonstrate policy relevance and applicability,
- provide clear messages for decision-makers.
Categories
Submissions may fall under one of the following pitch categories:
WG1 – FAIRWAY in Europe Platform
- Interoperability and FAIR data,
- Decision-support capabilities,
- Integration potential for policy reporting and assessment.
WG2 – Case Studies
- Flagship examples (restoration, multifunctionality, NbS, integration and innovation),
- Demonstrated impacts (environmental, social, economic),
- Replication potential.
Stakeholder Voices (online or on-site)
- Contributions from practitioners, agencies, NGOs,
- Real-world perspectives on implementation challenges and solutions.
Pitch Format
- 6-8 minutes maximum,
- Presentation (1 slide is mandatory),
- Strong emphasis on clarity, visual impact, and policy message.
Submission Requirements
Applicants are invited to submit a short pitch proposal including:
- Title of the pitch
- Author(s) and affiliation(s) (including one contact email and indication of the presenting author)
- Category (WG1 – FAIRWAY in Europe Platform / WG2 – Case Studies / Stakeholder Voices)
- Pitch abstract (max. 250–300 words), which should clearly address:
o the problem or challenge and its importance on an EU-level
o the approach / method / solution and practical implications
o the key results or insights (with an emphasis on impact)
o the policy relevance
o the potential for replication or scaling with reference to EU policies - Policy message (2–3 bullet points): A concise statement of the main takeaways for decision-makers
- Visual material (optional at submission stage, but highly recommended)
o 1 draft slide or
o Photos / short video
Submission Procedure
Applicants are kindly invited to send their pitch proposals via email to [email protected] (WG3). Please ensure that you include all abovementioned mandatory materials in your application.
Selection Criteria
Pitches will be evaluated by the MARGISTAR Core Group based on:
- Policy relevance,
- Demonstrated or potential impact,
- Innovation (methods, tools, integration),
- Clarity and communication quality,
- Transferability and scalability,
- Geographic balance.
6 to 8 pitches will be selected to ensure focus and high-quality interaction.
Event Details
The event (half-day) will include:
- Policy framing,
- Presentation of tools and case studies,
- Stakeholder insights,
- Interactive dialogue with EC representatives (“Policy Lab”).
Date: TBD, but likely between 1 and 10 of September 2026. The exact date will be confirmed shortly.
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Early confirmation is essential to ensure availability and reimbursement planning.
Additional Opportunities
Selected contributions may also be featured in:
- a 2-page MARGISTAR Policy Brief,
- visual materials (videos, photos, infographics),
- post-event dissemination and reporting.
Submission deadline: 22 May 2026
Contact: [email protected] (WG3).
