Researchers from 15 countries across Europe gathered at the COST Association headquarters in Brussels on September 26 to kick off COST Action STOCHASTICA. This first meeting of the management committee was focused on planning for the first year of the Action. The Action management structure was discussed and approved. Leadership positions were filled by election, and a draft Work and Budget Plan for Year 1 proposed. 

Three STOCHASTICA members - Pawel Morkisz, Şahin Işik, and Oana Lang  - participated in the Leadership Workshop organised by the COST Academy and held on 5 September 2025 at the COST premises in Brussels. Bringing together a diverse group of emerging researchers from across Europe, the event offered an inspiring environment to explore the multifaceted challenges of leadership and to navigate the strategic and collaborative dimension of a COST Action. Guided by Dr. Ronald de Bruin, Director of the COST Association, and featuring insightful testimonies from experienced network leaders, participants actively engaged in practical individual and group leadership exercises. The workshop contributed to participants’ development as emerging leaders, with several now taking on expanded roles within STOCHASTICA.