Mountains as Sentinels of Change
Mountains as Sentinels of Change
This call aims at fostering research on climate, environmental and related societal change in mountain regions, considering both new measurements, recovery of existing data, and the development and use of integrated modelling strategies by adopting a strong trans- and inter-disciplinary approach.
Five main themes have been identified, the last two of which specifically adress societal challenges: "Hazard, vulnerability and risks", and "adaptation and resilience."
Research approach
We call for innovative and collaborative international research that should go beyond individual national efforts and should demonstrate sharing of ideas, resources, and research facilities to mutual benefit.
The project proposals should demonstrate a multi-scale approach, with strong interconnections between local/regional/global dimensions and trans-boundary interconnections. They should include assessments on the past, current and future state of the mountain environment.
Each project should include international trans-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder participation. Research outputs should be targeted towards decision-making (including public, private and communities) and innovation challenges (technological, organizational and institutional). All proposals must integrate across the natural sciences and social sciences and should include interdisciplinary, multinational approach, demonstrate strong relevance for user needs, and examine a variety of coupled interactions and feedbacks among relevant systems.
Call process
This call for proposals encourages the formation of new international networks for 18-36 months, beginning in 2016. Several networks already exist focusing on some of the key elements of the mountain research on ecosystems, biodiversity, climate modifications, the many aspects of the hydrological cycle, the economic and societal impacts in the mountains and downstream, etc. However, there is a lack of research using integrated systems approaches: the research community is fragmented, with mostly national, non-interdisciplinary approaches, and there is a disconnect between the socio-economic studies of mountain and valley societies.
Therefore, proposals responding to this Call will be evaluated against their pertinence to the objectives of the Call and the added value of the proposed networks compared to existing ones. The proposals to the present Call must demonstrate that their project will deliver a significant contribution to advancing the formation of international networks of scientists, co-design of research questions with relevant stakeholders.
Eligibility information
All calls require eligible participants from three or more of the participating countries. Clear added value of the international consortium should be demonstrated and, if relevant, the added value for national investments.
Researchers from countries not represented by any of the Partner Organizations can participate in the research project at their own expense. Where appropriate, some Partner Organizations could also support capacity building in some developing countries and for young researchers and technical staff in specific mountain areas.
Each consortium must also show clear links to users and include collaboration between natural and social sciences, and other sciences where relevant.
Consortium partners should identify a Leading Principal Investigator (LPI) for each proposal for application, management and communication purposes. The LPI is officially responsible for all communications with the Call Program Office, including the submission Proposal. These communications must be in accordance with the LPI’s funding agency requirements.
