New Strategic Priority Project: UCD Mountain Research Group
UCD Mountain Research Group (MRG) is a new Strategic Priority Project that aims to promote interdisciplinary work on mountain landscapes within and beyond UCD led by Prof. Graeme Warren (School of Archaeology), Dr. Christine Bonnin (School of Geography) and Dr. Sam Kelley (School of Earth Sciences).
Mountains are a key, but often overlooked, landscape type in Ireland, Europe and globally. These landscapes sustain rich, complex ecosystems and forms of human activity.
The group commented:
"We are delighted to have the backing of the UCD Earth Institute in trying to establish a hub for mountain researchers at UCD. The provision of funding and support from the EI Team gives us a fantastic platform to run events, like our forthcoming lecture series, which we hope will help build and consolidate networks within and beyond UCD. "
The group will:
- Highlight the importance of mountain landscapes and the value of interdisciplinary study of mountains
- Raise broader awareness within and beyond UCD of dynamism of mountains and their role in Sustainable Development Goals
- Promote research on mountain landscapes within UCD and provide platform for expansion
- Establish networks of researchers and relevant agencies within and outside of UCD
- Support the development of grant applications and capacity building within UCD
The MRG will generate this community of researchers through four key actions:
- A public lecture series in Spring 2022
- An interdisciplinary field trip for the public in the Dublin/Wicklow Mountains will take place in Summer 2022 with a virtual and long term component
- A one-day stakeholders forum: ‘A Future for Ireland’s Mountains’ with representation agreed from Irish Uplands Forum and Mountaineering Ireland will take place in Autumn 2022
See the UCD MRG events page for up-to-date information about the events programme.
Networking and Promotion
The group have already begun a series of blog posts that highlight interdisciplinary perspectives on Mountain Landscapes found within the UCD Mountain Research Group. Read the first post ‘Mountain Landscapes from the eyes of a Quaternary Geologist’ here.
For further information take a look at the group’s website or contact the team.
