Two research projects awarded INTERACT Transnational Access pilot call funding

We are pleased to announce that two research projects have been awarded funding through the INTERACT Transnational Access (TA) pilot call, supporting researchers to carry out fieldwork at participating research stations across northern and alpine environments.

The INTERACT TA programme provides researchers with access to unique field sites, station facilities, and support to conduct collaborative research in challenging environments.

TISANA project: Investigating moss survival in changing environments

Dr Alicia V. Perera-Castro has been awarded INTERACT TA funding through the pilot call for the TISANA project (Thermal influence on light stress acclimation and night-time adjustment in bryophytes).The research team will carry out fieldwork at Kilpisjärvi Biological Station, Finlandin August 2026. Together with Dr Miquel Nadal, Alicia will investigate how mosses use natural protection mechanisms to survive cold and dry conditions. The project will explore how temperature and light influence moss responses, helping improve our understanding of how Arctic ecosystems may respond to climate change.

springTALES project: Exploring alpine plant responses

The second funded project, springTALES (Threatened Alpine Life’s Ecological Study), is led by Dr Barbara Valle.

The project focuses on glacier forelands - areas recently exposed as glaciers retreat - using them as key indicators of glacier health and ecosystem change. The research aims to improve understanding of biodiversity on glaciers.

Fieldwork planned at Jungfraujoch Research Station, Switzerland, and Sonnblick Observatory, Austria has been postponed to 2027.

Supporting environmental research through collaboration

The INTERACT Transnational Access pilot call supports researchers in accessing unique environments and infrastructures, strengthening international collaboration and advancing research on ecosystem responses to environmental change.

Photo by Maaike Weerdesteijn