Project description
Redefining inclusive emergency evacuations
In emergency situations, building evacuations often prioritise the needs of adults without functional limitations, putting vulnerable populations at risk The increasing frequency of natural hazards, the challenges posed by an ageing population, and rising security concerns underscore the urgent need for more inclusive evacuation strategies. Despite progress in accessibility and universal design, current evacuation systems still lack universal accessibility. The ERC-funded Egressibility project aims to change this by shifting the focus of evacuation research toward inclusivity, ensuring that all individuals can safely exit buildings during emergencies. Through cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality and inclusive machine learning, Egressibility will redefine evacuation design, paving the way for a safer, more resilient, and equitable built environment.
Objective
The Egressibility project aims at a paradigm shift in the field of building evacuation research by addressing the critical need for inclusive emergency evacuation. While accessibility and universal design have contributed to significant developments in creating inclusive built environments, this research will transform current evacuation design into universally accessible evacuation design, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups such as older populations and people with disabilities. This project is a timely initiative, aiming at shifting the field of evacuation to Egressibility by establishing a scientific discipline dedicated to the safety and security of every person during emergency evacuation, aligning with the broader goals of creating a resilient and inclusive built environment in Europe and beyond. With natural hazards becoming more frequent and more severe due to climate change, ageing populations and geopolitical uncertainties threatening European security, the demand for efficient and inclusive emergency evacuations has never been more pressing. To date, egress provisions and building design tools are still considering adult healthy populations as starting point. By using qualitative and quantitative methods including virtual reality and inclusive machine learning (following the principles of ethical artificial intelligence), the project addresses equal access to safety for all individuals, irrespective of their functional abilities. Egressibility stands at the intersection of technology and a growing awareness of diversity. The Egressibility project will provide a scientifically rigorous approach allowing a paradigm shift in evacuation research and inform policy making and design. This will enable a future in which technology can be used to ensure an inclusive and safe use of the built environment. Egressibility is not merely an academic pursuit; it is a commitment to a fair and equal society.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2024-COG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
22100 Lund
Sweden
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.