On February 21st, the European Climate and Health Cluster hosted its first thematic workshop on Numerical Tools for Climate, Meteorological, and Impact Modeling and Early Warning Systems (EWS) in Brussels. Organised by the cluster’s Working Group 4 on Early warning systems & models and led by the CLIMOS project, it aimed to share methods and research within the Cluster for predictive models and EWS, provide information on potential synergies and opportunities for shared learning among the cluster research projects and identify key research areas related to methods. The workshop was structured into three sessions, starting with an introductory session allowing members of each project to familiarise themselves with the activities of the six cluster projects, followed by two more technical sessions delving into specific project details.
After each session, a series of questions and debates were held, with active participation from all cluster members, demonstrating a continued interest in collaboration. The discussions mainly focused on the pathways for future collaboration and/or exchange of knowledge so that the best approaches to modelling or the most detailed modelling solutions are used by all. It was proposed to continue this dialogue in Working Group 2 on Data analysis, management, protection & standardisation and in Working Group 4. In that respect the workshop additionally initiated brainstorming on collaborative (science) writing, which would be truly cluster-specific outputs.
One of the important topics discussed in the workshop was the definition and purpose of an Early Warning System for each project, where all agreed that the definition proposed by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) covered all necessary aspects:
“An integrated system of hazard monitoring, forecasting and prediction, disaster risk assessment, communication and preparedness activities systems and processes that enables individuals, communities, governments, businesses and others to take timely action to reduce disaster risks in advance of hazardous events.”
“For me, the biggest achievement of this workshop was the proactive collaboration of all the workshop attendees. By giving a detailed summary of each project. I think all members got a good understanding of what is being done on each project and where everyone is at. In addition, we discussed issues and areas for collaboration, not only in terms of data sharing but also in terms of improving and applying new modelling techniques to add value to the cluster’s activities. Everyone increased their awareness of the importance and potential of our cluster in future activities.” Sergio Natal (Predictia; CLIMOS).
“The first workshop triggered significant brainstorming on collaborative (science) writing projects, which are poised to serve as truly cluster-specific outputs.” Suzana Blesic (Institute for Medical Research; CLIMOS).
In conclusion, this first workshop marked a significant step forward in fostering collaboration among the cluster projects Through insightful discussions and active participation, attendees shared valuable methods and research, identified opportunities for synergies, and explored avenues for future cooperation, laying a strong foundation for continued collaboration within the cluster, promising advancements in climate and health research and preparedness efforts.
