Exploring new horizons at NATI00NS General Assembly & Consortium Meeting in Novi Sad
The recent NATI00NS General Assembly took place on 18-19 October 2023, in Novi Sad, in the heart of Serbia. This gathering brought together the project partners for two days of insightful discussions and interactive workshops on the banks of the Danube river, at the facilities of BioSense Institute and the University of Novi Sad.
NATI00NS Consortium Meeting and General Assembly
The two-day event was marked by well-rounded sessions and workshops and first-hand insights from a living lab. The meeting began with a comprehensive review of major milestones and insights from the project's first year. Work Package (WP) leaders took the stage, summarising achievements and areas for improvement. The meeting emphasised the importance of acknowledging both successes and challenges as vital drivers of progress. It offered a platform for open discussions, allowing partners to share thoughts, feedback, and valuable lessons learned.
Meeting the needs of Soil Mission projects
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to shaping the second year of the project. To this end, the partners shed light on the Survey for coordinators and participants to either of the calls HORIZON-MISS-2023-SOIL-01-08 and -09, which will open until 31 October 2023.
The insights from the surveys are instrumental for developing optimal support strategies for the future Soil Health Living Lab applicants and the Soil Mission.
All those who fill out the survey contribute to a better understanding of the specific challenges faced in crafting proposals and passing through the application process, as well as in the access to the available support mechanisms. Nati00ns commits to valuing the insights and experiences of those who navigated the intricate process of applying for these calls and improving its support for the applicants.
A year ahead
During the Consortium Meeting, detailed deliberations spanned from National Engagement Events, Capacity Building, and Mentorship, to Matchmaking Platform, and the Helpdesk. Interactive workshops brought partners together to tackle project needs, budget planning, and considerations for the year ahead. These workshops were crucial for crafting a detailed plan for the upcoming year.
Luis Sánchez Álvarez from the Mission Soil Secretariat (DG AGRI) underlined the importance of the project and its alignment with EU Mission “A soil deal for Europe”.
Beyond the Meeting Room
One of the aspects that marked this meeting was the backdrop against which it played out – the remarkable BioSense Institute's state-of-art facility. Worth mentioning PA4ALL – Precision Agriculture Living Lab, the first living laboratory in Serbia and one of the first in Europe to focus on precision agriculture.
The second day included a visit to the PA4All Living Lab, offering insights into how living labs operate, and a visit to the 'Bajmok Farm' for a deeper understanding of the living lab dynamics.
Ready for Year Two
The NATI00NS Consortium Meeting was not only a meeting but a strategic roadmap for Year 2. It reiterated the project's central role in the EU Soil Mission, emphasising the urgency of raising awareness and guiding stakeholders in soil health and management. The General Assembly meant a significant step forward in the NATI00NS contribution to advance soil health and create lasting impact in the realm of EU missions.
REMINDER For coordinators and participants who applied to the calls "HORIZON-MISS-2023-SOIL-01-08: Co-creating solutions for soil health in Living Labs" and "HORIZON-MISS-2023-SOIL-01-09: Carbon farming in living labs". It is possible to participate in the survey until 31 October 2023.
