RURALITIC partners convene in Porto for second Annual Meeting
The second RURALITIC Annual Meeting took place from 24 to 28 March 2026 at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities (FLUP) at the University of Porto. Set against a warm early spring backdrop, the meeting brought together more than 40 researchers from 16 partner organisations across 10 European countries. It provided a valuable opportunity for in-person exchange within a consortium whose day-to-day collaboration is largely conducted online.
RURALITIC’s research focuses on redefining rural areas across Europe. With partners spread across different regions and specialising in diverse thematic areas, collaboration typically takes place at a distance. The Annual Meeting thus connects the consortium, creating a space for collective reflection and peer feedback.
The programme was structured around the working groups, or so-called Work Packages, each outlining its latest findings and next steps. This format ensured a balanced overview of progress across the project while encouraging dialogue between different strands of research.
Several highlights emerged during the meeting:
- The upcoming launch of PopFlows. A new open-access online application that will make European residential mobility data accessible. By bringing together up to 30 years of data from nine countries into a single platform, PopFlows will provide a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and citizens alike, supporting more informed analysis of mobility patterns across Europe.
- The introduction of the first Community of Practice (CoP). RURALITIC will host four CoPs over the course of the project, bringing together individuals who share expertise and interest in specific topics. The first CoP will focus on horticultural resilience in the Fens in the United Kingdom. A region that is both central to national crop production and highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including flooding and drought.
- Video interviews with researchers. Several interviews were recorded, covering key research topics within the RURALITIC project. Last year, the interviews focused on the project’s launch, capturing initial expectations and ambitions. One year on, the focus has shifted towards achievements and their broader relevance. These interviews will be released in the coming months through the project’s website and social media channels.
The Annual Meeting marked an important milestone, helping to consolidate progress and define priorities for the next phase of the project.
RURALITIC builds knowledge that supports equitable and resilient rural futures. To stay informed about academic progress and emerging insights, follow RURALITIC on BlueSky and LinkedIn. Our scientific publications are available on Zenodo.
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