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Publication Alert!

We are excited to start the new year with a new publication that explores how participatory approaches can be effectively integrated into aquatic ecosystem and ecosystem services projects. The paper provides practical guidance on selecting context-specific methods, identifying relevant stakeholder groups and their level of involvement, and reflecting on the benefits and challenges of different participatory approaches, supporting researchers, policymakers, project managers, and practitioners in making informed methodological choices.

Check it out here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2025.101808

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Verena Radinger Peer

Verena Radinger-Peer

Project coordinator, Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Ass. Professor

Verena Radinger Peer
Linkedin
Twitter
verena.radinger-peer@boku.ac.at
Ass.Prof. Dr. Verena Radinger-Peer specializes in landscape development and planning, with postdoc experience at MODUL University and visiting roles at CHEPS in the Netherlands and Fraunhofer ISI in Germany. Active in inter- and transdisciplinary research since 2013, she collaborates with academic and non-academic entities.Currently her research focuses on science-society interactions for regional sustainability transformations, ecosystem services as well as climate governance. Her work involves a broad mix of qualitative and quantitative social science methods.
Tigran Keryan

Tigran Keryan

Postdoctoral researcher, Dr.rer.soc.oec. MSc

Tigran Keryan
Linkedin
Twitter
tigran.keryan@boku.ac.at

Dr. Tigran Keryan specializes in ecosystem services and nature-based solutions, addressing sustainability challenges through transdisciplinary and participatory research. Passionate about fostering collaboration among academics, practitioners, and policymakers, he focuses on developing practical solutions for societal issues. In the EcoServ project, he focuses on the Citizen Science approach to assess ecosystem services. With a postdoc experience at UTAD University, Portugal, he earned an MSc in Geography from Yerevan State University in Armenia and a doctoral degree from the Doctoral School Transitions to Sustainability (T2S) at BOKU University, Vienna.

Rafaela Schinegger

Rafaela Schinegger

Expert in ES assessment and management, Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Assoc. Professor

Rafaela Schinegger
Linkedin
Twitter
rafaela.schinegger@boku.ac.at
Dr. Rafaela Schinegger, is an assistant professor for “Integrative Nature Conservation Planning at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). Her background is interdisciplinary with expertise in landscape planning, water management and freshwater fish ecology. Rafaela is an experienced scientist and manager of international projects and has advanced knowledge on various EU Directives (especially WFD, FD & HD) as well as in transdisciplinary activities and the science-policy interface.
Karlen Khachatryan

Karlen Khachatryan

Coordinator from YSU, Ph.D, Ass.Professor

Karlen Khachatryan
Linkedin
karlen.khachatryan@ysu.am
https://www.ysu.am/en/user/594

Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management at Yerevan State University. With a unique blend of managerial and research skills, he has led curriculum development and academic activities from 2016 to 2023. He’s secured three grants from Armenia’s Science Committee, highlighting his prowess in competitive research funding and project management. Additionally, he’s organized scientific events, such as conferences, to foster emerging talents. As the founder of “KMG Consulting,” Karlen bridges academia and business, offering consulting services that reflect his leadership and expertise in multiple domains.

Nonna Khachatryan

Nonna Khachatryan

Researcher and education expert, Ph.D, Ass.Professor

Nonna Khachatryan
Linkedin
nonnakhachatryan@ysu.am
Dr. Nonna Khachatryan, an academic with expertise in economics and education management, earned her Ph.D. focusing on Armenian higher education quality assurance. An Associate Professor at Yerevan State University, she co-develops curriculums and teaches in areas like Education and Innovation Management, Service Management, and Entrepreneurship. Her commitment to academic excellence includes participating in grant programs, trainings, and numerous publications, notably on entrepreneurship and change management methodologies. Her extensive experience and expertise significantly contribute to the EcoServ project.
Vardan Asatryan

Vardan Asatryan

Coordinator: SCZHE NAS RA, Ph.D, Lead Scientist

Vardan Asatryan
Linkedin
asatryanvardan@gmail.com
Dr. Vardan completed his PhD on ecological assessments of Lake Sevan’s inlets, creating the first multimetric index for surface water bodies in the Caucasus region. He has since developed hydrobiological monitoring tools and led diverse research projects involving partners from Germany, France, and CIS countries. Vardan serves as Armenia’s National Contact Point in Horizon Europe and has 15 years of teaching experience, including leading Armenia’s team in the International Geography Olympiad. He’s also a coordinator in the CaBOL initiative since 2020.
Marine Dallakyan

Marine Dallakyan

Co-leadership: SCZHE NAS RA, Ph.D, Lead Scientist

Marine Dallakyan
Linkedin
dallakyan.marine@gmail.com
Dr. Marine Dallakyan, an ecologist with a chemistry background, earned her PhD in 2011, focusing on Hrazdan River’s ecological status. Over a decade, she’s led projects on benthic macroinvertebrates and ecological status methodologies in Armenia. She collaborated with German institutes on biodiversity and ecosystem services. In 2013, Marine adapted EU WFD approaches for Armenian hydrobiological monitoring. In 2018, she developed a benthic macroinvertebrates database at ZFMK, Bonn. Currently, she’s leading projects on multimetric indices and ecosystem services for Armenian water bodies, and teaches a module on Ecosystem Services at the Armenian State Pedagogical University, contributing to Yerevan State University’s curriculum.