The first part of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the project as a whole and summarising activities carried out under the different work packages. Presentations highlighted how EGT-TWINN has strengthened geological, geophysical, and geochemical expertise at the Geological Survey of Estonia, improved digital data workflows and subsurface modelling capacity, supported geothermal energy research, and enhanced skills in project management, proposal writing, communication, and dissemination. Together, these contributions illustrated how the project has functioned as a broad and integrated research capacity building effort.
A substantial part of the meeting was devoted to open discussion on future cooperation possibilities. Participants reflected on the wider impacts of EGT-TWINN, noting that the project also created valuable opportunities for universities to involve students in selected activities. Internally at EGT, the project was seen as a strong motivating factor, with high enthusiasm among staff to participate in training courses, workshops, and international exchanges. Several speakers observed that EGT has become increasingly visible in Estonia over the past years and that younger geologists have grown more confident in presenting their work, engaging with media, and communicating their expertise to wider audiences.
Future collaboration opportunities were discussed in detail. Partners shared information on upcoming EU funding calls, including Horizon Europe and other targeted instruments related to critical raw materials, geothermal energy, remediation, and post-conflict regions. Existing cooperation within EGT-TWINN was seen as a strong basis for developing new joint proposals, with mutual understanding of partners’ capabilities making future project preparation more efficient. The importance of continued Nordic and Baltic cooperation was emphasised, particularly in the context of upcoming meetings linked to the Nordic Geological Winter Meeting in Turku, where both Nordic and Baltic geological surveys will meet to discuss future research directions.
Several thematic avenues for continued collaboration were highlighted. These included critical raw materials exploration, geothermal energy research, environmental and surficial geochemical methods, and mineral processing. Educational cooperation was also discussed, with ideas ranging from joint courses and student exchanges to better integration of students and early-career researchers into future EU-funded projects. The value of unique research infrastructure, such as pilot-scale mineral processing facilities and long-standing expertise in applied geoscience, was emphasised as a strong foundation for future joint work.
The discussion also underlined the importance of keeping the full partnership network engaged. All partners expressed interest in remaining involved in future initiatives, noting that peer-to-peer exchange and long-term professional relationships have been among the most valuable outcomes of EGT-TWINN.
The final meeting concluded with a shared understanding that, while EGT-TWINN as a project is drawing to a close, its legacy is firmly in place. The strengthened skills, increased confidence, expanded networks, and concrete ideas for future cooperation ensure that EGT-TWINN will continue to shape collaboration, research, and capacity building well into the future.
