As part of its mission, the MRI provides funding contributions for syntheses activities that bring together global change researchers to address specific topics of relevance to the mountain research, policy, and practitioner communities. For 2025-2026, the call is specifically focused on responding to a key MRI objective in the 2023-2026 period, namely to “consolidate the state-of-the-art based on 25 years of scientific advances, research, syntheses, data, and information that has been fostered via the MRI”. 

Deadline 16 June 2025.

Background 

The MRI synthesis activities are community-led activities that bring people together for collaboration, and generate outcomes and outputs that synthesise existing data, information, research, publications, and/or other forms of knowledge that provide novel insights on the state of mountain social-ecological systems in a global context. Synthesis activities that align with and/or contribute to the work of the MRI Working Groups or MRI Flagship Activities, are particularly encouraged. 

Since 2012, the MRI has funded and supported 13 synthesis activities, 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. Learn more about previous MRI Synthesis Workshops here, and take a look at this article which describes some of the impact stories associated with syntheses activities over the years. 

Call for MRI Synthesis Activities 2025-2026 

In 2026, the MRI looks forward to celebrating its 25^th anniversary since the establishment of the MRI network and its Coordination Office on 1 July 2002. To commemorate this special occasion, the MRI is dedicating its 2025-2026 call for MRI Synthesis Activities to one of our three key objectives in the 2023-2026 period, which is to “consolidate the state-of-the-art based on 25 years of scientific advances, research, syntheses, data, and information that has been fostered via the MRI”. 

From its beginnings, and as described in its founding implementation strategy, the MRI has striven “to achieve an integrated approach for observing, modelling, and investigating global change processes in mountain regions, including their impacts on ecosystems and socio-economic systems” (Becker & Bugmann, 2001). At the time, numerous efforts were promoted by the MRI that not only sought to take stock of the state of global change research in mountain regions (e.g. Huber et al., 2005), but also propose research priorities and strategies to bring this “integrated approach” to fruition in place-based contexts (e.g. the Global Change in Mountain Regions project, GLOCHAMORE). Today, and we approach a key milestone in the MRI’s history in 2026, we reflect on key questions for us to consider, including: to what extent have those early research priorities and questions been addressed across mountain regions around the world? What remains unknown or poorly understood? Or, how has the practice of integrated global change research in mountain regions evolved over the years, and with what novel insights or traceable impacts on policy and for society?  

This call invites synthesis activities that generate outputs and outcomes that can help answer some of these, or other related, questions – thereby substantiating this state-of-the–art, as well as responding to relevant knowledge needs such as the IPCC’s seventh assessment, UN-designated years and decades, or other global policy processes. 

Activities eligible for support under this synthesis call can include a combination of the following: workshops; scientific meetings; field-based or desktop data and information gathering, synthesis, and review; audiovisual, digital, or other novel formats for gathering and presenting synthesis data and information, etc. In addition to consolidating the state-of-the-art, proponents may also consider scoping activities that take a ‘horizon scanning’ foresight approach in order to anticipate and address key questions that respond to emerging knowledge needs with explicit policy and/or societal relevance. 

Outcomes and outputs relating to the proposed activity can include (but are not limited to) publications such as systematic literature reviews, articles, or perspective/research agenda pieces in peer-reviewed scientific journals; datasets or databases that can facilitate further research activities; maps; audiovisual materials; etc. 

Depending on the scientific merit and calibre of the proposals received, we expect to support up to two synthesis activities. Under this call, a total contribution from the MRI of up to CHF 10,000 per proposal is the current budget under consideration, depending on the scope, location, and tangible outputs envisaged for the proposed activities. Please download, read carefully, and refer to the full call, as well as the General Eligibility and Funding Conditions for MRI Synthesis Activities document. 

Conditions and evaluation criteria  

Proposals must adhere to the General Eligibility and Funding Conditions for MRI Synthesis Activities, including the proposal proponents having a full profile entry in the MRI’s Experts Database. Proposals are screened for eligibility by the MRI Coordination Office and externally evaluated by members of the MRI Governing Body and other experts, as needed, against the following five general eligibility and evaluation criteria: 

1. Demonstrates a high degree of scientific merit and quality in terms of synthesis research questions, design, methods and analyses, including integration between natural and social sciences and humanities; and consideration for inter- and/or transdisciplinary collaboration, if applicable. 

2. Adheres to the MRI guiding principles and contributes to the MRI mission and objectives, with tangible outputs that help consolidate the state-of-the-art, addressing key topics of policy and/or societal relevance. 

3. Includes the participation of early career researchers, as well as ensuring that genuine steps are taken to achieve diversity and inclusivity and geographic balance among activity participants. 

4. The geographic coverage and scope of the activity includes multiple mountain regions and demonstrates its relevance in a global context. 

5. The main proponent(s) demonstrate expertise and a scientific track record in their chosen synthesis topics, including full and public profile entries in the MRI’s Experts Database. 

Given the imperative to limit greenhouse gas emissions associated with air travel, as well as encourage inclusivity and diverse participation from around the world, proponents are encouraged to employ innovative means for collaboration, including virtual participation, to support the planned synthesis work. 

Proponents may plan their proposed synthesis activities within a 10-month period starting from 1 September 2025 and concluding no later than 30 June 2026.  

Application process, key dates, and milestones 

Proposals must be submitted via this online submission form. Please ensure all the requested information is provided. Incomplete submissions will not be passed on for evaluation. Deadline for proposals: Monday 16 June 2025, 23:59 CEST. 

Key dates and milestones: 

• Pre-announcement: 24 February 2025 
• Call for MRI Synthesis Workshops 2025-2026 opens: 29 April 2025 
• Deadline for proposals: 16 June 2025, 23:59 CEST (extended from 6 June 2025)
• Review of proposals and external evaluations: 8 June – 9 July 2025 
• Confirmation of successful applications: By 16 July 2025 
• Start date for synthesis activities: 1 September 2025 
• Completion date for synthesis activities: 30 June 2026 
• Presentation of activity outcomes and outputs at part of the MRI 25^th anniversary celebrations in 2026 (exact dates in the second half of 2026 to be confirmed). 

For questions, please contact the MRI Coordination Office mri@mountainresearchinitiative.org  

Downloads

Supported By 

The MRI’s contribution for synthesis activities awarded in the 2025-2026 period is made available thanks to the core financial support from the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT) to the MRI.  

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