The IGU Commission of Mountain Studies (CMS) held its Business Meeting on 19 August 2026 as part of the IGU Regional Conference Istanbul 2026, hosted at Istanbul University, Faculty of Letters.

Chaired by Fausto O. Sarmiento, the meeting brought together CMS members to review the Commission’s recent activities, discuss ongoing initiatives, and identify priorities for its future development.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review and discuss several key areas of CMS activity, including:

** the development of the CMS General Membership Network and expansion of its international membership;

** Honorary Membership nominations and recognition of distinguished mountain scholars; 

** recent and upcoming international conferences, scientific sessions, and collaborative activities; 

** the development of the CMS Mountain Podcast Series and new opportunities for scientific outreach; 

** international and interdisciplinary partnerships, including collaboration with other IGU Commissions and mountain-related organizations; 

** the Montology book series, including recent publications and plans for future volumes;

** further development of the CMS website, communication channels, public engagement, and outreach activities; 

** and the Commission’s strategic priorities for 2026–2028, including strengthening the international visibility of Montology, expanding the global membership network, supporting early-career researchers, and increasing the global presence and impact of CMS. 

The meeting also provided an open forum for members to exchange ideas and discuss opportunities for new collaborations, publications, scientific events, educational resources, and broader engagement within the international mountain research community.

The meeting concluded with a brief update from CMS Secretary Neslihan Dal on the Commission’s website and communication activities, followed by final remarks on future priorities and collaboration.