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Damian Gornik (Communications Officer, Centre for Applied Bioscience Research (CABR)) recently participated in a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) as part of the SMART-RURAL COST...

We are pleased to highlight the experience of Dr. Fatjon Cela (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Italy), who completed a...

This SMART-RURAL STSM at UiT The Arctic University of Norway explored how digital coordination in rural logistics can reshape not only efficiency and access, but also power and dependence between actors. Through a systematic evidence review and conceptual analysis of 80 publications, the mission examined who controls critical access points such as platforms, payment systems, data interfaces and allocation mechanisms, and whether affected actors have realistic alternatives or safeguards. The findings highlight that resilient rural digitalisation depends not only on improved performance, but also on usable alternatives, appropriate infrastructure, transparent rules and enforceable governance protections.

Scientific collaboration is one of the most valuable ways to address today's complex environmental and societal challenges. Thanks to the support of the SMART-RURAL COST Action, I had the opportunity to undertake a one-week Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, hosted by Professor Renata Sõukand, one of Europe's leading ethnobiologists. Returning to Ca' Foscari was particularly meaningful for me, as I completed my postdoctoral fellowship there five years ago. This STSM provided an opportunity not only to reconnect with colleagues but also to strengthen long-term collaborations and develop new research ideas addressing the resilience of rural communities in times of crisis.

Grantee: Gjore NakovHost mentor: Alberta TahiriLocation: Peja, KosovoSTSM period: 15 July – 15 August 2026COST Action: CA24170 – SMART-RURAL From 15 July to 15 August...

From 01 to 05 June 2026, Dr Sofia Gkarane carried out a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) at the Institute for Sustainable Development, Environment and...