Lecture1a “Introduction to mountain research”
"You can’t conquer a mountain, though it may conquer you." (Jimmy Chin)
Introduction to mountain research
Preamble:
Mountain regions are considered to be very relevant for providing various resources and services. Nevertheless, there is no unique definition what mountain regions are and also “mountain research” is no classical research category. Therefore, this lecture will provide a profound introduction into diverse concepts to study and develop mountain regions.
Benefits from lecture:
- Understanding of mountain research
- Overview of regional and international mountain research landscape
Special features of lecture:
- Participants can express their expectations and interest
- Inputs from international experts
Main lecturers:
Lectures
Unit 1 - Introduction Erweiterungsstudium EWS Mountain Regions
03.10.2025, 8:30 - 11:00; Stefan Mayr, Wolfgang Gurgiser (3x45 min)
- Introductions of lecturer team and participants
- Introduction of mountain research structures at LFUI
- Overview EWS
- Overview lectures of this course
Unit 2 - The history and definition of mountain research
10.10.2025, 8:30 - 11:00; Stefan Mayr, Wolfgang Gurgiser (3x45 min)
- Origin andf historical development of Mountain Research
- Topics
- Challenges
- Methods and strategies to define mountain regions
- Impact of definitions on mountain research and development
Unit 3 - Important factors in mountain research and development
24.10.2025, 8:30 - 11:00; Wolfgang Gurgiser, Stefan Mayr (3x45 min)
- Presentations of mountain research and development institutions like the “Mountain Research Initiative”, ICIMOD, GLOMOS etc.
- Discussion of the impacts of the organizations
Unit 4 - Mountain research in Innsbruck
14.11.2025, 8:30 - 11:00; Wolfgang Gurgiser, Stefan Mayr (3x45 min)
- Overview mountain research LFUI: organisation, topics, infrastructure
- Presentation of selected research projects (by lecturers)
- Instruction poster preparation and presentation (for unit 5)
