Periodic Reporting for period 2 - EXtremeClimTwin (Twinning for the advancement of data-driven multidisciplinary research into hydro-climatic extremes to support risk assessment and decision making)
Período documentado: 2022-06-01 hasta 2023-10-31
In southeastern Europe, communities are facing an escalating threat from rising heat extremes. These extreme temperatures, coupled with diminishing summer rainfall and recurrent droughts, pose significant risks to public health and agriculture. As climate change continues its march, central and southern Europe are witnessing a noticeable uptick in temperatures. This trend is particularly concerning for the Southeast Europe (SEE) region, which is projected to become increasingly vulnerable to these climate shifts.
Recognizing the urgent need to bolster its resilience to extreme hydro-climate events, the University of Novi Sad Faculty of Sciences (UNSPMF) has embarked on a transformative journey. Collaborating with esteemed EU institutions such as Climate Risk Analysis (CRA) in Germany, Loughborough University in the UK, and CICERO in Norway, UNSPMF is tapping into their expertise to enhance its scientific prowess.
The overarching goal is clear: to fortify research capabilities and foster collaboration between UNSPMF and these prestigious EU counterparts. This initiative aims to not only elevate UNSPMF's research standing but also to equip it with the necessary tools to tackle temperature and hydrological extremes head-on.
The specific objectives are ambitious yet achievable:
1. To raise the research profile and scientific excellence of UNSPMF.
2. To enhance the current and scale up the overall research capacity of the UNSPMF in the field of temperature extremes.
3. To significantly increase research skills, knowledge, and innovation of the UNSPMF in the field of hydrological extremes.
4. To unlock the potential of Early-Stage Researchers (ESR) at UNSPMF.
5. To facilitate strategic linking of UNSPMF with internationally leading research institutions through sustainable partnerships which provide transfer of knowledge, results, and methodologies.
Recognizing the urgent need to bolster its resilience to extreme hydro-climate events, the University of Novi Sad Faculty of Sciences (UNSPMF) has embarked on a transformative journey. Collaborating with esteemed EU institutions such as Climate Risk Analysis (CRA) in Germany, Loughborough University in the UK, and CICERO in Norway, UNSPMF is tapping into their expertise to enhance its scientific prowess.
The overarching goal is clear: to fortify research capabilities and foster collaboration between UNSPMF and these prestigious EU counterparts. This initiative aims to not only elevate UNSPMF's research standing but also to equip it with the necessary tools to tackle temperature and hydrological extremes head-on.
The specific objectives are ambitious yet achievable:
1. To raise the research profile and scientific excellence of UNSPMF.
2. To enhance the current and scale up the overall research capacity of the UNSPMF in the field of temperature extremes.
3. To significantly increase research skills, knowledge, and innovation of the UNSPMF in the field of hydrological extremes.
4. To unlock the potential of Early-Stage Researchers (ESR) at UNSPMF.
5. To facilitate strategic linking of UNSPMF with internationally leading research institutions through sustainable partnerships which provide transfer of knowledge, results, and methodologies.
The work throughout the project was successfully implemented according to the amended GA despite Covid 19. All tasks have been executed and all deliverables submitted. EXtremeClimTwin activities in RP2 also helped raising UNSPMF capacities by participating of ESRs and ERs in research through EXtremeClimTwin short term scientific missions, workshops, webinars, practical trainings and at the conferences.
Work Package 2 (WP2) emerged as a beacon of light, illuminating our path towards Objective 1. Its focus was to define a scientific and innovation roadmap that would guide our journey. The culmination of our efforts in WP2 resulted in the creation of The Strategy, a document that laid the foundation for organizing future events. It became a guiding framework, ensuring that all our initiatives and activities were aligned with UNSPMF's overarching goals and strategic vision.
Work Package 3 emerged as a cornerstone, dedicated to enhancing scientific knowledge and fostering networking opportunities to achieve our Objective 2. At its heart lay a series of workshops designed for SRs. Guided by the Science and Innovation Strategy, the Workshop 3, orchestrated by CICERO, stood out for its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and inter-faculty networking. It was a melting pot of presentations, discussions, breakout sessions, and dialogues, all aimed at fostering interdisciplinary cooperation. Meanwhile, UNSPMF SRs focused on Short Term Scientific Missions (STSM) at CICERO. Researchers delved deep into precipitation and air temperature data, gaining invaluable insights into socio-economic impacts, risk assessment, and decision-making processes.Through these initiatives, WP3 was not only about enhancing scientific knowledge but also about building bridges between researchers and institutions, paving the way for a more collaborative and impactful approach to climate change research.
In the realm of hydrological research, Work Package 4 (WP4) dedicated to enhancing the understanding of hydrological extremes and their impacts was designed to achieve Objective 3. At the heart of RP2 activities in WP4 was the International Conference on Hydro-Climate Extremes, Society, and Ecosystems held in Novi Sad in June 2023. The conference was a platform for diverse networks to engage in discussions on extreme hydro-climate events and their societal impacts. It comprised three sessions with invited speakers discussing advancements in predicting and managing weather extremes. A roundtable on Extreme Weather and Climate Resilience included stakeholders from public water management and forestry companies in Novi Sad.
WP5 focused on ESR development at UNSPMF to enhance their skills and knowledge. ESR Workshop 3, held from September 26-28, 2022, provided a holistic learning experience with theoretical sessions and practical exercises. Climatron events offered a unique format where participants focused on challenges during 40-hour sessions. Climatron + extended this format, fostering collaboration among attendees from January 24-26, 2023.
ESRs' practical training involved five visiting partner institutions, contributing to academic and skill development while strengthening the research network. Teaching and e-learning materials developed for the ESR workshops are available for download, ensuring the project's legacy extends beyond its completion.
WP1 managed Project Coordination and Management, focusing on Objective 5 to develop a roadmap and training plan for efficient research administrative support. Tasks executed during RP1 led to the submission of the strategic document in month 19 and its second iteration in month 33. These included a webinar on academic excellence and career pathways featuring Dr. Manfred Mudelsee, and a study visit in May 2023. A specialized workshop during the final EXtremeClimTwin International Scientific Conference at UNSPMF in June 2023 established the Departmental Research Coordinators (DRC) task force. This initiative mirrored LU's model, providing department-level support to academics and fostering external partnerships and broader impact.
The Lunchtime Talk Series - Colleagues to Colleagues, organized three events during RP2, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration among researchers. Led by Dr. Biljana Basarin in collaboration with LU, CICERO, and CRA partners, this series played a crucial role in overcoming barriers.
Work Package 2 (WP2) emerged as a beacon of light, illuminating our path towards Objective 1. Its focus was to define a scientific and innovation roadmap that would guide our journey. The culmination of our efforts in WP2 resulted in the creation of The Strategy, a document that laid the foundation for organizing future events. It became a guiding framework, ensuring that all our initiatives and activities were aligned with UNSPMF's overarching goals and strategic vision.
Work Package 3 emerged as a cornerstone, dedicated to enhancing scientific knowledge and fostering networking opportunities to achieve our Objective 2. At its heart lay a series of workshops designed for SRs. Guided by the Science and Innovation Strategy, the Workshop 3, orchestrated by CICERO, stood out for its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and inter-faculty networking. It was a melting pot of presentations, discussions, breakout sessions, and dialogues, all aimed at fostering interdisciplinary cooperation. Meanwhile, UNSPMF SRs focused on Short Term Scientific Missions (STSM) at CICERO. Researchers delved deep into precipitation and air temperature data, gaining invaluable insights into socio-economic impacts, risk assessment, and decision-making processes.Through these initiatives, WP3 was not only about enhancing scientific knowledge but also about building bridges between researchers and institutions, paving the way for a more collaborative and impactful approach to climate change research.
In the realm of hydrological research, Work Package 4 (WP4) dedicated to enhancing the understanding of hydrological extremes and their impacts was designed to achieve Objective 3. At the heart of RP2 activities in WP4 was the International Conference on Hydro-Climate Extremes, Society, and Ecosystems held in Novi Sad in June 2023. The conference was a platform for diverse networks to engage in discussions on extreme hydro-climate events and their societal impacts. It comprised three sessions with invited speakers discussing advancements in predicting and managing weather extremes. A roundtable on Extreme Weather and Climate Resilience included stakeholders from public water management and forestry companies in Novi Sad.
WP5 focused on ESR development at UNSPMF to enhance their skills and knowledge. ESR Workshop 3, held from September 26-28, 2022, provided a holistic learning experience with theoretical sessions and practical exercises. Climatron events offered a unique format where participants focused on challenges during 40-hour sessions. Climatron + extended this format, fostering collaboration among attendees from January 24-26, 2023.
ESRs' practical training involved five visiting partner institutions, contributing to academic and skill development while strengthening the research network. Teaching and e-learning materials developed for the ESR workshops are available for download, ensuring the project's legacy extends beyond its completion.
WP1 managed Project Coordination and Management, focusing on Objective 5 to develop a roadmap and training plan for efficient research administrative support. Tasks executed during RP1 led to the submission of the strategic document in month 19 and its second iteration in month 33. These included a webinar on academic excellence and career pathways featuring Dr. Manfred Mudelsee, and a study visit in May 2023. A specialized workshop during the final EXtremeClimTwin International Scientific Conference at UNSPMF in June 2023 established the Departmental Research Coordinators (DRC) task force. This initiative mirrored LU's model, providing department-level support to academics and fostering external partnerships and broader impact.
The Lunchtime Talk Series - Colleagues to Colleagues, organized three events during RP2, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration among researchers. Led by Dr. Biljana Basarin in collaboration with LU, CICERO, and CRA partners, this series played a crucial role in overcoming barriers.
The engagement with various stakeholders through outreach events and the International Scientific Conference on Hydroclimate Extremes and Society significantly raised awareness of the scientific outcomes of EXtremeClimTwin. Collaborating with three leading EU partners has propelled UNSPMF's climate change and climate extremes research beyond the state-of-the-art by applying advanced methods. This collaboration is poised to make UNSPMF the regional leader in Southeast Europe (SEE).
The partnership has yielded impressive results, including 17 publications on SEE hydroclimate extremes. UNSPMF's active participation in over 40 Horizon Europe applications and its involvement in the new MSCA SE ClearClimate (GA 101131220) project highlight the project's impact. EXtremeClimTwin's activities have also led to the upscaling of the Statistical DownScaling Model (SDSM), further enhancing its scientific contributions.
The partnership has yielded impressive results, including 17 publications on SEE hydroclimate extremes. UNSPMF's active participation in over 40 Horizon Europe applications and its involvement in the new MSCA SE ClearClimate (GA 101131220) project highlight the project's impact. EXtremeClimTwin's activities have also led to the upscaling of the Statistical DownScaling Model (SDSM), further enhancing its scientific contributions.