The Mallorca Colloquium was a great success. The level and rigor of research gets better every year thanks to the brilliance of our new and younger members who engage meta-analysis and present their research at such high and rigorous levels. The discussions were rich, helpful, and insightful thanks to the engagement and wide participation of our members. This was the year of meta-analysis methods, many promising new approaches were introduced, and Zuzana Irsova offered a helpful practitioner's guide that nicely summarizes the current consensus of ‘best practice’ for both those relatively new to the field and for others who wish to expand their approach.
Of special note are the keynotes on critical issues of our current times: Richard Tol on the impact of climate change and Abel Brodeur on p-hacking and publication bias. How is it possible that the scientific rigor keeps improving, and yet the Colloquium is so fun? Everyone expressed their great satisfaction with both the level of research presented and the welcoming nature of the MAER-Net community.
Our sincere thanks go to Heiko Rachinger and the Universitat de les Illes Balears for their generous and gracious hospitality, as well as their meticulous planning. Heiko guided us on a lovely remote beach walk with a swim in the gorgeous Mediterranean. His pleasant disposition and willingness to share his island’s gems seem to know no bounds. The social interactions that were fostered, as a result, were truly special and fun. Thanks again to Heiko Rachinger, the Universitat de les Illes Balears, our members who remain engaged in this important perspective on research, and to younger scholars for their willingness to share their important research with us.
We are pleased that the 2024 MAER-Net Colloquium will be held at the University of Augsburg, Germany. Augsburg, a city steeped in history, is renowned for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture, notably the awe-inspiring Augsburger Dom cathedral. It also holds the distinction of being the hometown of the influential banker Jakob Fugger. This rich heritage makes Augsburg a must-visit destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike. We hope to see you in Augsburg, September 13-14, 2024.
