On February 6th the Consortium of MONTEVITIS got together for the project kick-off meeting, which was held online, reuniting partners from eleven institutions spread across five countries: Montenegro, Portugal, Germany, Italy and Luxembourg.
The meeting started with a welcome session led by UDG Vice-Rector, Milica Vukotić, who presented the vision and mission of the University of Donja Gorica and highlighted the relevance of MONTEVITIS to the University, as an excellent opportunity to strengthen research activities, develop new educational and training programs, and make connections with international and more experienced partners. The Project Officer, Paula Valente Correia, from the European Research Executive Agency, also attended the meeting and presented the Horizon Europe Programme, covering the key aspects of Twinning projects such as MONTEVITIS.
The kick-off meeting was also a great opportunity for all partners to gather for the first time and present and discuss the work plan. An overview of the project and its main objectives was presented by Kruna Ratković, from UDG, followed by each one of the six work packages: Marco Moriondo, from UNIFI, presented the first work package on the innovative tools and strategies to improve vineyard management; Christoph Menz, from PIK, presented the second work package on the implementation of knowledge transfer; Nataša Kovač, from UDG, presented the third work package on capacity building actions; Raquel Almeida, SPI, presented the fourth work package on dissemination and outreach; João Santos, from UTAD, presented the fifth work package on foundations for long-term sustainability; and, Marko Simeunović, the Project Coordinator from UDG, presented the final and sixth work package on project
coordination and management.
Marko Simeunović concluded this session with closing remarks on the importance of effective coordination and management to ensure the success of the MONTEVITIS partnership.