Midterm gathering in Ljubljana
Ljubljana, 23rd and 24th of April 2026
Almost one year after the projects Kick Off in Berlin, the WELRISCC team assembled for its midterm meeting on April 23 and 24, 2026. Project partners, cooperation partners and associated partners came together at Center Rog, a former bicycle factory turned creative hub. The place provided a fitting platform for two days of open exchange and planning. The meeting was kindly hosted by Maša Filipovič Hrast and her Team in Ljubljana.
Katharina Zimmermann welcomed all attendees and underlined the importance of meeting in person to sustain the projects collaborative momentum across countries and disciplines.
Taking Stock of Progress
The programme was built around taking stock of progress and looking ahead. On the first day work package teams presented their research results to date, highlighting key findings, methodological choices and plans for the next months. The reports fed into an open discussion about cross work package links, emerging synergies and to strengthen a shared understanding of the current research standing.
Diving into Data
A session on a variety of datasets followed, introducing five data sources already available to WELRISCC researchers. From survey results of the closely tied GreTA project over WELRISCCs upcoming Case Study Dataset to focus group work by workpackage three and a deep insight into direct risks via the PROTECCT Data set to quantitative mapping. These open up wide possibilities for further mixed method research, which were discussed in smaller table discussions in a world café setting and followed up by a joined group discussions. Sessions like this ensure the valuable core of WELRISCC, which is a mixed method approach to ensure a wide variety of data on social risks in times of climate change.
Thematic Deep Dives
The second morning was devoted to parallel thematic workshops on topics of cross-cutting interest. In smaller breakout groups, researchers explored questions such as early warning systems in welfare states, the politicisation of third generation risks, policy integration and the territorial dimension of eco-social risks and policies. A concluding plenary brought the key insights together and connected them to the projects overarching research questions.
Looking forward
The programme then took a look into the future. It shifted towards publication, dissemination and impact. Short inputs on academic and wider-audience opportunities were followed by optional breakout sessions for hands-on planning at the work package level. ETUI and CEE shared valuable perspective for researchers on bringing research findings to policy, civil society and practitioner communities. This session concluded with promising outlook on a number of planned publications, higher than anticipated, which reflects the eager work everyone is devoting to the project.
The meeting closed with a joint review of the project timeline and the light of a possible extension on the horizont.
After two full days of exchange and planning, the consortium left Ljubljana with a clear sense of ground covered so far and the road ahead. A series of joint publications and further events are already in preparation. The next full-team meeting will potentially be closer than expected.