The research clusters (RC) provide a common framework for collaboration among the working groups and for the further development of the IGF’s research profile. They are supported by the strategic enablers (SE1–3) . The Alps serve as the central reference system for international comparative mountain research.
- RC1 – Understanding Processes and Dynamics in Mountain Regions
RC1 examines the impacts of climate change and global change on mountain regions. The focus is on changes in biodiversity and ecosystems, glaciers and permafrost, natural hazards, resource and land use, and cultural landscapes. The goal is to better understand the causes, drivers, dynamics, and consequences of these changes, to analyze their significance for the ecological, social, and cultural diversity of mountain regions, and to build an understanding of these developments.
- RC2 – Shaping Transformations in Mountain Regions
RC2 analyzes the interactions between ecological and social factors and processes, as well as the resulting risks, adaptation processes, and transformation pathways. The focus is on risk and resilience dynamics, sustainable resource use, governance, and social adaptation and transformation processes. The goal is to shape and promote sustainable development pathways in mountain regions in close collaboration with local stakeholders and to provide evidence-based data. eco.mont supports knowledge transfer and the dissemination of research findings on protected areas, sustainable development, and adaptation and transformation processes in mountain regions.
- RC3 – Innovative Interdisciplinary Methods
RC3 develops new methodological foundations to improve the interdisciplinary assessment, analysis, and modeling of complex mountain systems. These include long-term monitoring, remote sensing, AI-supported data analysis, data integration, modeling, and scenario development. The goal is to link different data and knowledge sets with one other and to develop tools to better analyze changes in society-environment systems.