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The MARGISTAR Training School “Shaping tomorrow: tools for futures thinking & group decision-making” in Ljubljana

From 7–9 May 2025, prof. Andrej Ficko from University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical faculty hosted the international Training School Shaping tomorrow: tools for futures thinking & group decision-making, organized as part of the COST Action MARGISTAR. The event brought together participants from 14 countries to explore practical methods and tools for futures thinking and sustainable decision-making.

Built Around Fire: Participation, Presence, and People with Finnish Hospitality

What do a Himalayan wood stove and a Finnish campfire have in common? Reflecting on childhood evenings spent around a fire with family in the Himalayas and a memorable gathering during the MARGISTAR Training School in Finland, Rajesh explores how fire has long served as a catalyst for human connection. From storytelling and shared meals to informal conversations and new friendships, the experience of making traditional Finnish lettu around a fire in a Sami-style Kota revealed how simple elements can bring people together across cultures.

Pinching policymakers: Notes from a MARGISTAR Training School

Simo Sarkki (Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE), Finland), Renata...

MARGISTAR Opens 5th Call for Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) Grant Applications

MARGISTAR has launched its fifth call for Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) for mobilities occurring between June 15 and August 30, 2026. All applications must be submitted before May 30 and all activities must occur before August 30, 2026.

Call for Pitches: Pinching Policy-Makers & Green Diplomacy

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.

A Bittersweet Harvest: Marginalisation and Survival in the Axarquía

The Axarquía region of Málaga is one of contradictions. To the tourist, it is a rugged viticulture paradise. To the local farmer, it is a demanding landscape that often asks for more than it gives back. Behind the world-renowned Muscat of Alexandria raisin lies a story of a community fighting to remain rooted in the land while the globalised world moves on.
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Celebrating Digital Innovation: The .ie Digital Town Awards

From revitalising town centres to propelling sustainability initiatives, digital technology serves as a catalyst for positive change. In support of these developments, the .ie Digital Town Awards in Ireland honour the strides made by communities across the country in embracing digital innovation. With significant investment and political support, these awards highlight the transformative power of digital in diverse spheres of life, starting from their potential to enhance connectivity to their role in revolutionising agricultural practices. As we celebrate the achievements of digital pioneers in Ireland with “.ie” - the country’s official registry of .ie domain names – we are reminded that innovation knows no bounds and inspires communities to embrace the possibilities of the digital age. 

MARGISTAR’s Science Communication is Levelling Up: Meet our SciComm Sub-Group!

We're thrilled to announce MARGISTAR’s latest addition to the project: our brand new Science Communication Team. With diverse backgrounds ranging from seasoned scientists to digital marketing and emerging tech aficionados, we're dedicated to making complex research accessible to all. Through blogs, social media, and an array of upcoming events, we aim to inform and inspire action for marginalised mountain regions. Read on for a short intro to our Science Communication Sub-Group members!

Welcoming New Faces to the MARGISTAR Summit: Meet our WG2 Sub-Group Coordinators

The MARGISTAR team is growing! We are thrilled to introduce two new individuals who recently joined our Core Group as Working Group 2 Sub-Group Coordinators, bringing with them a shared commitment to making a positive impact in marginalised mountain areas. As we begin working with Ana Margarida and Stanka, let's take a moment to get to know the aims and tasks of Working Group 2, the role of a Sub-Group Coordinator, and more about these newest additions to our COST Action’s leadership.

MARGISTAR Launches First Call for Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs)

MARGISTAR launches its first call for Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) for Missions occurring between May 1 and September 30, 2024.

MARGISTAR Launches Third Call for Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITC) Conference Grant Applications

MARGISTAR is launching its third call for Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITC) Conference Grants for conferences occurring between May 1, 2024 until September 30, 2024. All applications must be made before the deadline on March 17, and all activities must occur before September 30, 2024.

Introducing MARGISTAR’s Second Call for Dissemination Conference Grants

MARGISTAR is launching its second call for Dissemination Conference Grants for conferences occurring between May 1, 2024, and September 30, 2024. All applications must be made before the deadline on March 17, and all activities must occur before September 30, 2024.