Under the title "Science in the face of natural disasters," researchers from IMDEA and members of the Community of Madrid Fire Department shared their knowledge on how science aids in tackling catastrophes. The event took place at the Residencia de Estudiantes de Madrid on September 25th, as part of the 17th edition of The European Researchers' Night.
Annika Coll, head of ERICAM (Community of Madrid's Response Team for Catastrophes), and Agustín de la Herrán, head of Occupational Risk for the firefighters, detailed the challenges of intervening in disaster zones, where help arrives when normal infrastructure fails. They were joined by researchers from various IMDEA institutes: Mario Ballesteros (Water), Milan Prodanovic (Energy), Jimena de la Vega (Materials), José Sánchez Costa (Nanoscience), Carlos Jesús Bernardos (Networks), Cristina María Fernández (Nutrition), and José Aguilar (Software).
These researchers presented projects whose outcomes aim to improve firefighter interventions, prevent disasters, or mitigate their effects. IMDEA's commitment to science that is useful for society was the main reason for their participation, seeking to provide better tools to prevent disasters or reduce their consequences.
