Project News

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.

Carpathian Futures – Critical Transitions: MARGISTAR at the Forum Carpaticum 2023

The 7th Forum Carpaticum, themed "Carpathian Futures – Critical Transitions," took place in Krakow, Poland, from the 25th to 28th of September 2023. Held biennially, this conference embraces an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly solutions for the Carpathians and other mountain regions. One of its primary objectives this year was to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, addressing pressing transitions.

Overcoming the Challenges of Crete’s Marginalised Mountains

Crete, the largest island of Greece, is facing significant environmental challenges. Once covered in dense forests, the island's mountainous areas are today severely degraded due to overgrazing, fires, and soil erosion. However, with strategic restoration efforts, there is hope for revitalising these marginalised landscapes. Read more about the Asterousia range and the ancient village of Ethia to better understand local initiatives in  Crete's mountains.

Creating the MARGISTAR Vision Workshop

Participating in a Virtual Mobility last June with Dublin City University was a pivotal experience for MARGISTAR’s Irene Christoforidi in designing the MARGISTAR Vision Workshop. This workshop aims to engage stakeholders in marginalised mountainous communities across the EU, enabling them to imagine future possibilities and develop actionable strategies for overcoming marginalisation challenges. Read on to better understand the outputs of this collaboration between Greece and Ireland and the budding initiative for community transformation in marginalised mountain areas.

Empowering Women and Marginalised Groups in Serbia’s Mountains: Harnessing Natural Resources and Social Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Success

In the rural mountainous areas of Serbia, women face significant challenges due to traditional patriarchal norms. These norms have long marginalised women, limiting their participation in economic activities outside the household and excluding them from decision-making processes both at home and within their communities. Despite legal prohibitions against gender discrimination, women in these regions still face substantial barriers to achieving equality.

Ferlanda’s Short-Term Scientific Mission at ClimLaw: Graz: Examining Climate Change and Its Impact on Urban Development and Legal Regulation

MARGISTAR’s Ferlanda Luna participated in a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) at ClimLaw: Graz in Graz, Austria. The mission focused on interdisciplinary research into data practices and examining their multiple dimensions, and provided a platform for discussing legal concepts and regulatory frameworks for managing climate vulnerabilities. This experience involved comparative desk research on urban public policies and risk management across different countries, enriching Ferlanda’s research methodologies and understanding of diverse climate impacts. Continue reading to learn more about the mission and its effects on Ferlanda’s research.

Wild Mushrooms: A Chance for Marginalised Mountain Regions in Serbia

In Serbia, particularly in rural and mountainous regions, mushroom collection has emerged as a crucial economic activity. Nutrient-dense mushrooms, packed with proteins, vitamins, and minerals, are harvested both for personal consumption and commercial sales. This activity bolsters local economies, preserves traditional knowledge, and enhances community bonds, proving to be a valuable pursuit for many rural residents.