As part of its mission, the MRI provides funding contributions for synthesis workshops that bring together global change researchers to address specific topics of interest to the mountain research, policy and practitioner communities.

Please note that the 31 May 2021 deadline for proposals for this year’s call has passed, and this call is now closed.

Background

The MRI synthesis workshops are community-led activities that bring people together for collaboration, and generate outcomes and outputs that connect and synthesise existing data, information, publications, and/or other forms of knowledge and that have the potential to provide new insights on the state of mountains in a global context, thereby supporting MRI’s mission. Synthesis activities that support and/or contribute to the work of the MRI Working Groups or the Group on Earth Observations - Global Network on Observations and Information in Mountain Environments (GEO Mountains), are particularly encouraged.

Since 2012, MRI has funded and supported ten synthesis workshops, covering a multitude of topics and synthesis of knowledge that are relevant as key inputs to address the challenges and opportunities of global change in mountain social-ecological systems. Explore and learn more about previous MRI Synthesis Workshops here.

Call for MRI Synthesis Workshops 2021

This call invites the MRI community to submit proposals under an open thematic category, i.e.  the problem statement addressed via the proposed synthesis workshop and related activities are defined by the proponents, and fall within the general scope of synthesis of global change research in mountain regions. Proponents may also consider workshops that take a ‘horizon scanning’ foresight approach to anticipate and address key questions that respond to knowledge needs or that have explicit policy and/or societal relevance.

Outputs can include, but are not limited to, systematic reviews, synthesis articles, or perspective/research agenda pieces for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and/or compilation of relevant/existing data into publishable datasets or databases that can facilitate further research activities; or contribute to the work of MRI Working Groups and/or GEO Mountains. Workshops and related activities and outcomes/outputs should aim at inter-relating or comparing at least two or more different mountain locations or regions, and demonstrate the relevance of the topic/regions being investigated in a global context.

Given the ongoing challenging conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and given the many restrictions still in place for regional and international travel and limited prospects for face-to-face meetings, proponents are encouraged to also include and demonstrate innovative means for collaboration and exchange, including virtual or hybrid meetings and activities to support the planned synthesis work. For this reason, and pending a successful application, the suggested period in which to plan and schedule proposed activities under this call is from September 2021 to June 2022.

Depending on the scientific merit and calibre of the proposals received, we expect to be able to contribute to two synthesis workshops. Under this call, a total contribution from the MRI of up to 8’000 CHF per workshop is the current budget under consideration, depending on the location and scope of the proposed activities.

Please download, read, and refer to the call document, and the General Eligibility and Funding Conditions for MRI Synthesis Workshops therein, before filling out the online submission form.

Application Process, Key Dates, and Milestones

Proposals must adhere to the General Eligibility and Funding Conditions for MRI Synthesis Workshops, and be submitted via this online submission form. Please ensure you provide all the requested information.

Deadline: Monday 31 May 2021, midnight CEST.

Key dates and milestones:

  • Call for MRI Synthesis Workshops 2021 opens: 31 March 2021
  • Deadline for proposals: 31 May 2021
  • Confirmation of successful applications: By 24 September 2021
  • Suggested period to conduct workshops and/or activities: October 2021 - September 2022

For questions, please contact the MRI Coordination Office: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Supported By

MRI's financial support for synthesis workshops awarded in 2021 is made available thanks to the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT) and the Office of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Liechtenstein. 

 a logo SCNAT EN RGB Office of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Liechtensteinjpg 

 Cover image by Tibor Janosi Mozes.

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