RUSTIK at REROOTED Seminar on Demographic Change in Rural Territories

On 8 July 2026, the EU‑funded REROOTED project will host the online seminar “Assessing impacts of demographic trends in rural territories. Research methods in Europe and Japan” (8:30–11:30 CEST / 15:30–18:30 JPT) on MS Teams.

Demographic change in rural areas is a growing concern worldwide, with Japan offering long‑term evidence of demographic decline while many European regions are only beginning to experience and measure similar trends.

The seminar will explore how demographic trends in rural territories are defined and assessed, which social, economic and environmental dimensions are considered, and how different data and methods can be used to identify and classify rural clusters.

 

RUSTIK contribution: functional rural areas and resilience

Francesco Mantino, WP1 leader in the RUSTIK project (“Conceptualising functional rural areas, transition, and resilience of rural areas”), has been invited to present RUSTIK’s work in Round 2 of the seminar.

His talk, “Exploring Diversity in the Rural Continuum: Insights from the RUSTIK Project”, will showcase the project’s methodological framework for analysing diverse functional rural areas, with a focus on transitions and resilience.

In particular, the presentation will highlight:

  • How RUSTIK defines and operationalises functional rural areas in relation to wider territorial systems.
  • The variables, indicators and information needs identified to analyse key transition themes affecting rural territories.
  • Approaches to assessing the resilience capacity of different rural areas and their responses to ongoing demographic and socio‑economic transitions.

By connecting these elements, the session will underline how RUSTIK’s conceptual and empirical work can support better‑informed policies and strategies for rural regions facing demographic change.

 

Dialogue with Japanese case studies and EU projects

The seminar programme is structured in two rounds.

The first round presents Japanese case studies, including research on landscape maintainability under demographic shrinkage, co‑creative planning in Obuse Town (Nagano) and rural inmigration and gentrification in Niseko driven by ski tourism. These contributions provide rich examples of how long‑term demographic decline is measured and managed, and offer valuable insights for European researchers.

The second round brings together evidence from major EU projects: GRANULAR on demographic expansion in rapid‑growth rural areas, RUSTIK on the rural continuum and functional rural areas, and the EU Rural Observatory on demographic trends in rural regions. This combination of perspectives will foster a comparative dialogue on data, methods and indicators across different territorial and institutional contexts.

 

Organisation and invitation

The seminar is organised within REROOTED’s WP1 “Understanding driving forces and impacts of demographic trends in rural EU”, and specifically Task 1.1 “Narratives and indicators of demographic change”. It is coordinated by Claudia Cassatella and Enrico Gottero (Politecnico di Torino), together with Chika Takatori (University of Tokyo), and will close with a final discussion moderated by Christian Fertner (University of Copenhagen).

JOIN THE EVENT HERE

RUSTIK at the 4th European Rural Geographies Conference

The 4th European Rural Geographies Conference took place in Porto, Portugal from 22 to 26 June 2026, hosted by the University of Porto under the theme “Reinventing Rural Spaces: Resilience, Innovation and Sustainability in a Changing World”. The event brought together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from across Europe to exchange knowledge on the futures of rural territories.

RUSTIK contributed to this year’s programme with two posters and one oral presentation, reflecting the project’s work across social inclusion, transdisciplinary methods, and digital innovation in rural areas.

 

Two Posters, Two Perspectives

The poster session featured two RUSTIK contributions, from the Institute for Rural Development Research (IfLS), the institution that coordinates the RUSTIK project.

Poster 1 — Comparing Social Inclusion Challenges in Rural Europe

“Comparing Social Inclusion Challenges in Rural Europe: Insights from Four RUSTIK Living Labs”,by Svea Thietje, Sarah Peter, and Carla Wember (IfLS).

Social and spatial inequalities increasingly shape rural development across Europe, yet their manifestations remain highly context-specific and are often poorly captured by existing data. Rural regions face challenges such as demographic change, limited services, and uneven development opportunities. The perspectives of under-represented groups are frequently missing from policy processes, highlighting the need for more participatory forms of knowledge production. Drawing on four RUSTIK Living Labs, this poster compares how different regions approach social inclusion challenges and explores what participatory methods can contribute to policy and practice.

Poster 2 — Knowledge through Transdisciplinary Methods

“Integrating System, Target and Transformation Knowledge through Transdisciplinary Methods: Insights from 14 Rural Living Labs in Europe” by Simone Sterly, and Carla Wember (IfLS).

This poster takes a project-wide perspective, presenting findings from all 14 RUSTIK Living Labs operating across 14 Pilot Regions in 10 European countries. It documents how Living Labs have experimented with new data collection and analysis tools, developed policy panoramas and transition narratives, built Theories of Change, and tested Decentralised Rural Proofing to address their specific transition challenges. The Integrating System, Target and Transformation framework is presented as a methodological contribution for structuring and advancing rural sustainability transitions.

 

Oral Presentation — Digital Innovation in Rural Areas

On 23 June, RUSTIK also featured in the oral session PS 3.6 · Changes, New Methods and Digital Innovation in Rural Areas (FCUP Auditorium FC6-029), chaired by Hossein Azadi, University of Ghent.

Under submission No. #100, Daniel Keech, Katarina Kubinakova, Aimee Morse, and Demelza Jones from the Countryside and Community Research Institute, University of Gloucestershire (UK) presented:

“Rural functions and digital transition: lessons from western England”

The presentation drew directly on the work of the Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire Living Labs — two of the RUSTIK Living Labs based in western England and Wales. The Gloucestershire Living Lab has focused on digital inclusion and data innovation, while the Monmouthshire Living Lab has explored demographic change through participatory mapping and dashboard tools. Together, they offer concrete evidence of how digital transition in rural areas requires social innovation alongside technological change — a key insight the presentation brings to the Porto audience.

 

Beyond RUSTIK’s Own Contributions

The RUSTIK presence at the conference extends beyond the project’s direct submissions. On 22 June, the Opening Session featured an inaugural lecture by Marion Eckardt from the ELARD Knowledge Hub — a RUSTIK consortium partner — under the title “From Practice to Policy: A Practitioner’s Journey Through the Development of Rural Europe”. It is a reminder that the conversation between research and practice lies at the core of what RUSTIK set out to do.

If you are attending the conference, the RUSTIK team looks forward to seeing you in Porto.

Introducing the RUSTIK Viewer Handbook

Rural areas across Europe are undergoing profound social, economic, environmental and digital transitions. Yet, these changes are often hidden behind averages and national statistics, making it hard for policymakers, researchers and local actors to truly see what is happening on the ground. That is precisely the gap the RUSTIK Data Viewer and the new RUSTIK Viewer Handbook aim to fill.



What is the RUSTIK Data Viewer?


The RUSTIK Data Viewer is an online, interactive mapping platform that brings together a wide range of territorial indicators on rural Europe. It allows users to visualise and analyse:


    

  • Socioeconomic dynamics such as population change, depopulation, social inclusion, access to services, employment and education.
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  • Environmental transition including climate risks (wildfires, droughts, heavy precipitation), land cover and land use, natural resources, protected areas and air quality.
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  • Digital transition through indicators on connectivity and digital infrastructure.
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  • Local experimentation with data from 14 RUSTIK Living Labs, where rural communities co-create knowledge and test new approaches.
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The Viewer combines harmonised European datasets (e.g. from EU statistical and environmental agencies) with more granular local information, enabling comparisons between regions as well as deep dives into specific territories.




What does the Viewer Handbook offer?


The newly released RUSTIK Viewer Handbook is a practical companion designed to help users get the most out of the platform. It serves several purposes:


    

  • Onboarding new users: It explains the overall structure of the RUSTIK Data Viewer, its main components, and the types of indicators available.
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  • Guided exploration: It walks through the different thematic areas (socioeconomic, environmental, digital and Living Labs) and shows how to navigate maps, layers and territorial units.
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  • Interpretation support: It describes what each group of indicators tells us about rural transitions—for example, how to read demographic trends, what “service deserts” look like on a map, or how climate projections can inform local adaptation strategies.
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  • Technical transparency: It details how the system is built (spatial database, map server, web viewer, security) and which reference datasets are integrated, helping users understand the robustness and limitations of the data they use.
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Whether you are a local authority wanting to diagnose challenges in your territory, a researcher comparing regions, or an innovation actor working in a Living Lab, the handbook is designed as a bridge between complex data infrastructure and practical, real-world questions.




Why this matters for rural policy and practice


Rural territories face intertwined challenges: aging populations and outmigration, unequal access to services, exposure to climate risks, pressure on ecosystems, and gaps in digital connectivity. At the same time, they hold crucial assets for Europe’s future: food production, biodiversity, renewable energy and cultural heritage.


The RUSTIK Data Viewer helps make these realities visible by:


    

  • Revealing spatial inequalities that national averages can hide.
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  • Allowing users to combine different dimensions (e.g. demographics, services and mobility) in the same analysis.
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  • Supporting evidence-based decision-making, from strategic planning and funding applications to monitoring the impact of policies over time.
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The Viewer Handbook turns this potential into something accessible: a clear, structured guide that shows where to start, which indicators to use for which questions, and how to interpret what appears on the map.




Who is the handbook for?


The guide is especially useful for:


    

  • Local and regional administrations working on rural development, cohesion policy, climate adaptation, or service planning.
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  • Researchers and analysts interested in territorial data, sustainability transitions and rural inequalities.
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  • Living Lab partners and practitioners who need to connect local insights with broader European trends.
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  • Civil society organisations looking for robust, visual evidence to inform advocacy and community projects.
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If you work with rural territories and need to ground your decisions in data, the combination of the RUSTIK Data Viewer and the Viewer Handbook is designed for you.


       
The role of data in driving transitions in rural areas | RUSTIK webinar
On 30 April, the RUSTIK project hosted an online event to explore the role of data in supporting rural transitions and shaping sustainable futures, gaining insight from the Horizon Europe RUSTIK project (Rural Sustainability Transitions through Integration of Knowledge for improved policy processes).


Rural areas provide ecosystem services, high-quality land-based products, cultural assets, and more. Nevertheless, they face increasing social and ecological challenges including demographic change, climate change, a digital divide, and limited economic diversification.


To navigate these complexities and support sustainable development, data plays a crucial role in guiding these territories toward transition pathways.  By advancing our understanding of different rural functions, characteristics and future scenarios for rural areas, data can help identify their potentials and challenges, enabling more informed place-based policies and targeted interventions.


This online conference brought together experts, project partners, and regional representatives to discuss key challenges such as data access, protection,  and integrating data in decision-making. Participants heard real-world experiences from pilot regions, engaged in hands-on workshops using the data viewer tool, and took part in meaningful discussions on the future of rural areas.


 


Missed the webinar? No worries! The recording is now live!


 


    


    




RUSTIK MIDTERM Draft Agenda


     
RUSTIK’s Osona Living Lab showcases insights at GRANULAR Webinar on Rural Innovation
Rustik's Osona Living Lab showcases insights at Granular webinar on rural innovation
The RUSTIK project took part in the latest GRANULAR webinar “Living Labs: Driving change in rural areas”, which took place on March 18, 2025. This event, organized by the European Association for Innovation in Local Development (AEIDL) as part of the GRANULAR project, aimed to disseminate innovative tools developed within its Living Labs to improve decision-making and management systems in rural areas across Europe.


On this occasion, the Osona Living Lab actively participated in a panel discussion titled “The role of data in driving innovation across Living Labs”. In this session, Marité Guevara and Andreu Blanch, both representatives from the Osona Living Lab in Spain, shared their experience and insights on how data can transform rural policies and practices, exploring both the immediate benefits and long-term impacts of the innovations implemented on rural areas.


In their speech, Marité focused on the development of a Quality of Life Index tailored to small villages, combining objective data with subjective perceptions. Andreu, on the other hand, highlighted the difficulty of acquiring detailed data at the village level, presenting Maptionnaire, a map-based survey tool that helped the Osona Linving Lab to capture local insights on mobility, safety, and public space utilization.


Living Labs impact on EU rural research


The event also featured the involvement of participants from other European institutions. Benjamin Van Doorslaer, Research Programme Officer at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI), opened the session, highlighting the importance of Living Labs in EU research.


The webinar showcased insights from two GRANULAR Multi-Actor Labs in Poland and the Netherlands. Agnieszka Kurdyś-Kujawska (Koszalin University of Technology) presented the West Pomerania Living Lab, which promotes short food supply chains and sustainable land use, addressing regional disparities, while Kimberly Wevers (P10) discussed the Dutch Living Lab, which examines rural service provision and housing challenges. Their contribution was essential in showcasing progress in the use of novel data collection methodologies that help local stakeholders to make better resource management decisions.


This webinar is part of GRANULAR’s efforts to promote effective knowledge transfer among various Living Lab initiatives, aiming to enhance sustainable development and resilience in rural areas.


Watch the recording here.


      
RUSTIK Living Lab in Austria’s Nockregion-Oberkärnten – Navigating the Future: Small Rural Businesses in Focus
Welcome to the inaugural Living Lab Report for the Austrian Pilot Region, Nockregion-Oberkärnten, situated in the heart of the Central Alps within Carinthia’s southernmost province. Covering 1,324 km² and encompassing 17 municipalities, this region grapples with the persistent challenge of population decline. With only 15% dedicated to permanent settlement, the economic landscape thrives on key sectors like tourism, agriculture, forestry, trade, industry, and construction.


Living Lab Challenge


Our Living Lab challenge focuses on Small Rural Businesses (SRB) in Nockregion-Oberkärnten. Initially exploring the application of a Quality of Life (QoL) Index, we redirected our attention to the more pertinent challenge of identifying the needs and challenges faced by SRBs and establishing a network to support them. This encompasses businesses, including farmers, with no more than 50 employees. The primary objective is to pinpoint data gaps, map the current regional state, and foster a comprehensive understanding of challenges encountered by entrepreneurs and business owners.


The groundwork laid will assess and justify the necessity of establishing a regional network/platform for SRBs. Envisioned as a central hub, this platform addresses challenges such as strengthening awareness of regional products, fostering value chains, facilitating joint training, enhancing negotiation power, addressing sustainable green business management issues, navigating rental space availability, managing challenges in employee recruitment and retention, and focusing on women as a specific target group.


Rationale


This approach rectifies oversights in previous projects by focusing on SRBs’ absence in regional strategies, especially during their foundation and takeover processes. The decision to spotlight SRBs aligns with their substantial contribution to the local economy, providing diverse employment opportunities. In Carinthia, small businesses constitute about 94% of all businesses, playing a crucial role in stimulating local activities and combating vacancies, contributing to the overall attractiveness of rural municipalities.


Knowledge to Date


Insights from expert interviews, PRP meetings, and literature research showcase existing business collaborations and challenges faced by SRBs in Nockregion-Oberkärnten. Previous initiatives like IGO and AGZ aimed at business settlements and sharing employees among different employers, underscoring the region’s efforts. Challenges, including limited time capacity for small business owners, difficulties in consolidating projects, and issues like employee retention and high rental prices, have surfaced through stakeholder engagement.


Research Questions


    

  • What is the current state of the SRB landscape in Nockregion-Oberkärnten concerning the number of businesses, sector, branches, and employment sizes?
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  • What data points and indicators are relevant for stakeholders to describe or gain a better understanding of the current situation of SRBs? What are the opportunities and shortcomings
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  • What benefits do SRBs envision from a new platform or network, and how should it be structured to ensure acceptance?
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Policy Relevance


To address the socio-economic transition, a holistic approach involving all sectors is deemed necessary. The Living Lab’s transition challenge aims to strengthen the position of SRBs in regional decision-making processes, aligning with the PRP’s objective of attracting new inhabitants and encouraging locals to stay. Establishing a network of SRBs is viewed as a critical step in adapting regional policies to address demographic change.


Emerging Data Needs


The Living Lab will focus on SRBs, aiming to identify and fill data gaps to understand their challenges and obstacles. Combining quantitative and qualitative local data will provide a comprehensive foundation for future strategies and decision-making.


Data Availability


While statistical data on workplaces, companies, and employees for SRBs is available, specific needs and challenges data are lacking. Expert interviews and consultations with stakeholders will be conducted to improve the knowledge base. OpenStreetMap data since 2012 will complement spatial analyses, providing insights into the spatial distribution of economic activities in the region.


    
RUSTIK participates at Euromontana’s Annual Conference: Navigating Transitions in Mountain Areas 
In a resounding affirmation of its dedication to tackling the challenges and seizing opportunities in rural areas, the RUSTIK project actively participated in Euromontana’s Annual Conference—an integral component of the European Year of Skills. The conference, titled “Skills for Mountains in Transitions,” served as a convergence point for influential stakeholders, researchers, and practitioners, providing a dynamic forum to delve into the intricate transitions impacting mountain economies and labor markets. 


Francesco Mantino, Architect of Rural Transitions: 


Francesco Mantino, a prominent figure in conceptualizing rural transitions for policy-making, represented the RUSTIK project at a pivotal session. As the Council for Agricultural Research and Agricultural Economy Analysis and a partner in the RUSTIK project, Mantino contributed valuable insights during the conference. He spearheaded discussions on the challenges and opportunities for skills and employment in mountain areas, sharing the stage with distinguished speakers. 


Mantino’s session, titled “Setting the scene: challenges, opportunities and approaches for employment and skills for mountain in transitions,” saw him collaborating with Guillaume Corradino, the Director of Euromontana. The duo laid the groundwork for understanding the intricate landscape of mountain transitions, discussing both challenges and innovative approaches. 


Additionally, Mantino shared the stage with Kirsty Blackstock, from the James Hutton Institute and partner of the MOVING project. Their discussion delved into “Skills for the future of mountain value chains,” shedding light on the evolving nature of skills needed in these regions. 


Rural Proofing for Mountain Areas: 


Beyond the conference sessions, Mantino actively participated in the General Assembly, engaging in a parallel session on rural proofing. Drawing from RUSTIK’s deliverables, he presented case studies from Finland and the UK, offering a nuanced perspective on the application of rural proofing in mountain areas. The discussions proved to be a melting pot of experiences, allowing participants to identify challenges and needs for effective rural proofing implementation. 


Euromontana’s Vision and Conference Focus 


Against the backdrop of declining populations, loss of attractiveness, climate change impacts, and the imperative green transition, Euromontana’s conference aimed to spotlight the challenges and solutions for employment and skills in mountain areas. The overarching goal was to explore sector-specific difficulties and opportunities while brainstorming innovative solutions to attract talent to these regions. 


In the spirit of collaboration, Euromontana provided a platform for representatives of the European Commission, researchers, and practitioners to share their expertise, shaping policy and practical solutions for talent attraction in transitioning mountain areas. 


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RUSTIK Shines at the European Research Showcase 
RUSTIK
RUSTIK made a remarkable appearance at the European Research Showcase, a significant segment of the European Researchers’ Night event held in September 2023. This event was orchestrated under the aegis of the Intersections 2023 UKRI funding project, signifying its importance in the world of research and innovation. 


At the heart of this event was the mission to foster public engagement and facilitate the dissemination of research findings across a spectrum of fields, spanning sustainability, history, virology, and more. One of the voices representing RUSTIK at this gathering was  Petri Kahila, the Director of the Karelian Institute at the University of Eastern Finland. 


During his engaging presentation, he provided valuable insights into the RUSTIK project, particularly its significant role as the leader of Work Package 4: Evidence and Indicators in Practical Strategy & Policy Implementation. In addition to shedding light on the project’s objectives and contributions, Petri Kahila took the opportunity to give attendees a glimpse into a day in the life of a researcher specializing in social sciences. 


As an esteemed expert in a multitude of domains, including regional and local governance, social and territorial cohesion, rural policy, and evaluation results, Mr. Kahila brought forth a wealth of knowledge and experience. His presentation not only underscored the paramount significance of the RUSTIK project but also unraveled the profound intricacies of social science research. This research serves as a linchpin in molding policies and strategies that uplift and enhance the well-being of communities and regions. 




Bryony Goodwin-Hawkins, Senior Research Fellow affiliated with the Countryside and Community Research Institute at the University of Gloucestershire and WP3 leader, took also the stage at the European research showcase, shedding light on the fascinating world of living labs. At the forefront of innovation within RUSTIK project, this endeavor boasts 14 living labs that serve as dynamic ecosystems for the transformation of inventive concepts into tangible solutions. These living labs act as crucibles of experimentation, harnessing the power of emerging data insights to guide and navigate the intricate landscape of rural transitions. Bryony’s presentation highlighted the invaluable role of these living labs in fostering sustainable development and sparking innovation in rural communities.


About the European Research Showcase 


The European Research Showcase is a grand stage where over 60 researchers from diverse fields across Europe take the spotlight. This illuminating event spans two enriching days, from September 29th to 30th, commencing at 9 a.m. and concluding at 9 p.m. CET each day. The rich tapestry of content generated during the event finds its home on various social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. 


Audiences are not passive spectators, but participants are encouraged to engage by watching the showcase, posing questions, and immersing themselves in the content. The ultimate goal is to accentuate the international and intersectional nature of research and emphasize its far-reaching impact on multifarious aspects of society, ranging from societal and policy issues to health and economics. At the helm of this initiative stands the Intersections project, steadfast in its mission to forge a platform where researchers and the public can unite in an enlightening exploration of the world of research. 


    
RUSTIK Colleagues presenting at RSA Annual Conference in Ljubljana
The Regional Studies Association’s Annual Conference is just around the corner, and we are excited to announce the participation of several esteemed colleagues from the RUSTIK project. The conference, organized in collaboration with the School of Economics and Business, the University of Ljubljana, and the Slovenian Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development, will provide a platform for knowledge exchange and discussion on a wide range of topics related to regional and urban development, policy, and research.


The RSA Annual Conference in Ljubljana promises to be a stimulating event, and our RUSTIK colleagues will be actively contributing to the knowledge exchange. The following partners will be actively participating in the conference:





In this article, we will highlight the presentations by our RUSTIK partners and their contributions to the conference.




    

  • “Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and Challenge-oriented Regional Innovation: A Research and Policy Agenda for European Startup Villages”

      

    • Date: Thursday, June 15 | Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM CEST
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Bryonny Goodwin-Hawkins, along with Fabrizio Guzzo, Fernando Merida Martin, and Simone Sasso, will present a paper that focuses on entrepreneurial ecosystems and challenge-oriented regional innovation. Based on their work with the JRC for the Startup Village Forum, the presentation will shed light on the EU’s Long-term Vision for Rural Areas and discuss a research and policy agenda for European startup villages.


    

  • “Conceptualising Functional Rural Areas: Policy Directions and Research Foundations” 

      

    • Date: Friday, June 16 | Time: 2:50 PM – 4:20 PM CEST
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Simone Sterly, Project Coordinator, and Bryonny Goodwin-Hawkins, Living Labs Coordinator will be presenting a compelling paper in this session. The paper, titled “Exploring Functional Rural Areas: New Pathways for Multifunctional Rural Regions,” and prepared together with the consortium members Franco Mantino, Ilona Rac, and Aimee Morse, delves into the conceptualization of Functional Rural Areas which is directly based on the work developed by the RUSTIK Consortium on rural functionalities


This research, rooted in the RUSTIK Consortium’s work, offers valuable insights into policy directions and research foundations in this emerging field. We look forward to their presentation at the RSA Annual Conference and the stimulating discussions it will generate among scholars, policymakers, and researchers interested in the future of rural-urban dynamics and regional development.


    

  • “Accommodation and Housing of Asylum Seekers and Recognised Refugees in Rural Areas – Two Cases from Rural Austria” 

      

    • Date: Friday, June 16 | Time: 2:50 PM – 4:20 PM CEST
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Ingrid Machold will present a paper that examines the accommodation and housing of asylum seekers and recognized refugees in rural areas, focusing on two cases from rural Austria. While this paper is not directly related to the RUSTIK project, it highlights the importance of supporting our colleagues and their valuable research.


    

  • JRC SMARTER Conference Stream Policy Dialogue Session: “Making Policy Work for Future Generations – Sustainability Transitions as a Long-term Recovery” –

      

    • Date: Friday, June 16 | Time: 4:50 PM – 6:30 PM CEST
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Bryonny Goodwin-Hawkins will be participating in the JRC SMARTER conference stream policy dialogue session, where she will interview Slovenian MEP Frank Bogovic. Additionally, she will contribute to a panel discussion with Lars Coenen and Peter Benczur. The session aims to explore sustainability transitions as a long-term recovery strategy.


Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this enlightening conference!, the RSA Annual Conference is a remarkable platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration in the field of regional studies. Our RUSTIK colleagues’ presentations highlight crucial areas such as entrepreneurial ecosystems, functional rural areas, and refugee accommodation in rural settings. Their contributions will undoubtedly enrich the conference and inspire fruitful discussions among attendees. We wish them all the best for their presentations and look forward to the valuable insights they will bring back to our RUSTIK community.