On September 25th, the IMDEA Institutes participated in the 17th edition of the European Researchers’ Night in Madrid. Coordinated by the Fundación para el Conocimiento madri+d, the event focused on how science and technology can be crucial in preventing and managing emergencies, from fires and floods to earthquakes and accidents.
Under the title Science in the Face of Natural Disasters, researchers from the seven IMDEA Institutes (Water, Energy, Materials, Nanoscience, Networks, Nutrition, and Software) shared their research with Annika Coll Eriksson, head of ERICAM (Emergency Response Team of the Community of Madrid), and Agustín de la Herrán Souto, head of Occupational Risks at the Madrid Regional Fire and Rescue Service. The event fostered an exchange of perspectives between those researching new technological solutions and those working on the front lines of emergencies.
Representing IMDEA Networks, Carlos J. Bernardos, a professor at IMDEA Networks and Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, presented the potential of future mobile networks to incorporate sensing and communication capabilities useful in emergencies, focusing on the concept of integrated sensing and communications linked to the development of future 6G networks.
These technologies could enable the use of existing communication infrastructures to gather environmental information through distributed sensors. Bernardos also highlighted the potential of drones as support tools for response teams, providing them with situational awareness and aiding their work.
Meanwhile, IMDEA Software presented how artificial intelligence and territorial models can help identify risks and plan access and evacuation routes. IMDEA Materiales showcased research on safer fire-resistant materials, while IMDEA Nanociencia emphasized the potential of nanomaterials to detect gases and other compounds in emergency situations. Other topics addressed included battery safety, power system resilience, the nutrition of professionals working under extreme conditions, and the analysis of the effects of phenomena such as floods, wildfires, and droughts.
The discussion demonstrated how scientific knowledge can meet the specific needs of emergency response teams, from improving communications and detecting hazardous substances to developing safer materials and anticipating risks. The participation of professionals from the Madrid Regional Fire and Rescue Service connected these research areas with real operational challenges.
The activity concluded with a Q&A session, allowing the audience to delve deeper into the topics discussed and learn more about the work carried out at the IMDEA Institutes and its potential applications in emergency situations.
