Peaks of Progress: Updates from the MRI Governing Body

The MRI Governing Body has been quite active in recent months, from receiving awards and research grants to publishing new mountain-related research. These achievements reinforce their commitment to supporting and advocating for mountain issues through rigorous research efforts.

Celebrating Excellence

To mark this year’s International Women’s Day, Aster Gebrekirstos, MRI Science Leadership Council (SLC) member, has been recognized as one of eight women driving change for people and the planet by the Global Landscapes Forum. Aster has made significant contributions as a scientist, pioneering climate science and dendrochronology in Africa, highlighting her dedication to advancing research in climate change and the restoration of degraded lands.

Another noteworthy achievement comes from Professor Irasema Alcántara-Ayala, MRI SLC member, who has been honored with the 2023 Varnes Medal by the International Consortium on Landslides (ICL) for professional excellence in landslide research. Alongside this recognition, Irasema has contributed significantly to research articles and books, including works on landslide risk management and disaster risk progress in landslide research and technology (Vol.2, Issue 1 and Issue 2).

Our MRI Co-PI and member of the MRI Board, Professor Adrienne Grêt-Regamey, has also been appointed for a first five-year term as a member of the Swiss Science Council, which serves as the advisory body to the Federal Council in Switzerland for all matters pertaining to science, higher education, research, and innovation policy.

Plus, we celebrate the achievement of Dr. James Thornton from the MRI Coordination Office for his paper in Water Resources Research recognised with the Editors’ Choice Award.

Facilitating Exchange and Collaboration

Dr. Theresa Tribaldos, MRI Co-Principal Investigator, has secured a grant for a research exchange focused on the synergies between ecosystem restoration and sustainable food systems in Ethiopia and Kenya. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between Swiss and Ethiopian researchers, culminating in field visits, workshops, and publications to advance global sustainability agendas, with anticipation for insights into mountain research. We wish her all the best in this important role.

Furthermore, UNESCO's recent recognition of traditional irrigation as an intangible cultural heritage further underscores the importance of Theresa’s work in this area. Collaborative projects at the University of Bern’s Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), including those financed by the Swiss Federal Office for Culture, alongside the supervision of student theses, have played a crucial role in advancing the understanding of traditional irrigation systems.

Advancing Mountain Research

In the realm of publications, the MRI Governing Body members have made significant contributions. MRI Chair and Co-PI, Professor Jörg Balsiger, has co-authored a paper exploring the emerging trends in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in higher education. MRI SLC member, Professor Jianchu Xu has contributed a paper examining a traditional ecological knowledge-based calendar system for sustainable seasonal grazing in the Pamir Mountains. MRI Co-PI, Dr. Christian Rixen, has co-authored a paper on the topic of warming underpinning community turnover in temperate freshwater and terrestrial plant and animal communities. Lastly, MRI SLC member, Dr. Ignacio Palomo delves into the diverse values of nature for sustainability in a recent paper.

In summary, the recent accomplishments of our Governing Body members highlight their dedication to advancing mountain research, contributing to our understanding of mountain ecosystems and advocating for their preservation. Lastly, as some of our SLC members conclude their terms at the end of March 2024, we extend our gratitude for their valuable service to the MRI and look forward to continued collaboration with them in the future.

Cover image by Tyler Lastovich.