Just to start with a spoiler: it was a very successful and at the same time, relaxed meeting. We met in person for the first time after the Kick-off Meeting, which was held in Utrecht in April 2023. 

While the Kick-off was to get to know each other better and start up the project, this 1^st Annual meeting aimed to update each other on the progress of the first year of RESILIENCE and discuss how we would like to continue in the upcoming year. 

And there is a lot to do! Within RESILIENCE, we want to better understand tipping points, potential strategies of ecosystems to circumvent them and gain insights in how to interpret ecosystem patterns. Are particular patterns early warning signals before tipping? Or just a measure to avoid tipping? To get a bit closer to the answers to these questions, we combine different approaches, including field work, modelling, and remote sensing. Not all data will be produced by us, we will also make use of existing data and collaborate with other groups. E.g., during the meeting we started the discussion with colleagues from the SEOSAW network (https://seosaw.github.io) on how we can collaborate. SEOSAW comprises a network of scientists and also a network of woodland survey plots in Africa. The long-term goal of SEOSAW is to understand the response of African woodlands to global change, perfectly fitting to the objectives of RESILIENCE. We exchanged ideas on joint field work campaigns, on possibilities for joint educational activities and the provision of workshops. Exciting opportunities! 

Another exciting opportunity was also the presentation of RESILIENCE at the Alan Turing Institute (https://www.ed.ac.uk/bayes/interdisciplinary-research/ati), the UK’s national institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. The PIs introduced the audience to the different approaches and objectives of the project, followed by a lively discussion with the audience – in the room and online. Last but not least there was also time for a short walk enjoying the wonderful city and touch the toe of David Hume, an 18th Century philosopher! For those who are wondering why doing this: our local guide Isla told us that this is known as a good luck ritual, believing that this will bring luck and / or knowledge. Supposedly kickstarted by students hoping that rubbing the statue’s toe would see some of Hume’s wisdom rub off on them, to either pass the next exam or get the next grant. Who knows what will come after RESILIENCE? But right now, the project has just been started and is in its second recruitment phase. It is great to see how many good applications we received. We will keep you updated about the extension of our team!