The timing of the workshop was particularly important. As several core components of the research have now been completed, the meeting provided an opportunity to take stock of the project's progress, compare findings across the three participating countries and further develop a shared framework for interpreting the results.
During the two days, the partners presented and discussed the outcomes of the national survey, the parliamentary document analyses and the media analyses. Several colleagues who were unable to travel to Austria joined the sessions online, ensuring that the discussions benefited from the expertise of the entire research team. Beyond reviewing the research findings, the workshop offered valuable space for exchanging ideas, discussing emerging questions and refining the common analytical approach that will underpin the comparative phase of the project. These in-person discussions play a crucial role in strengthening cooperation and building a shared understanding across national research contexts. The meeting concluded with a planning session in which the consortium agreed on the next milestones, defined the tasks for the coming months and allocated responsibilities among the different working groups.
The workshop combined productive discussions with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We are especially grateful to our Austrian colleagues, Eva Grigori and Christoph Omann, for their excellent organisation, as well as to the FH-Prof. Mag. Dr. Johannes Pflegerl, Head of Ilse Arlt Institute for Social Inclusion Research and the team members of International Office of University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten for their generous hospitality. Their efforts created the ideal environment for two inspiring and highly productive days of collaboration.