AlertHub strengthens collaboration with the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network
AlertHub and the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network (UCPKN) have established a partnership aimed at enhancing knowledge exchange, visibility, and impact in the field of disaster risk and warning communication.
The collaboration aims to strengthen the visibility and impact of AlertHub’s results and insights, while facilitating the transfer of knowledge to a broad community of practitioners working in disaster management and warning communication across Europe and beyond.
Launched in December 2021, the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network is one of the key instruments of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism. It serves as a central hub connecting first responders, disaster risk managers, scientists, and decision-makers. By promoting innovation, dialogue, and cooperation among Member States’ civil protection authorities, the Knowledge Network enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of training, exercises, and operational preparedness.
AlertHub, a pan-European research network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Association, kicked off in September 2024 and has since grown into a vibrant community of currently around 150 experts from diverse fields, all united by the goal of improving disaster warnings in the face of extreme weather events.
Through their partnership, AlertHub and the UCPKN will join forces to share best practices, exchange expertise, and promote cross-sectoral collaboration in disaster management as well as risk and crisis communication. The collaboration will ensure that the scientific evidence and innovative approaches produced within AlertHub reach those who need them most — the practitioners and institutions working every day to protect people and communities from disasters.
This partnership marks an important step toward bridging the gap between research and practice and strengthening Europe’s collective capacity to communicate warnings effectively and save lives.
Erwan Marteil (Head of Unit, Prevention and Preparedness Capacity Building, Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO)):
‘The UCPM Knowledge Network was set up to connect the disaster risk and civil protection community. We are proud to welcome AlertHub to our Platform,
whose work in sharing good practice in science and innovation will be a real asset to our Knowledge Library, which we know is one of the areas that our community most values.’
Prof. Florian Meissner (Chair of AlertHub):
“AlertHub and UCPKN share the same mission: strengthening Europe’s resilience to disasters. This partnership is a natural fit, connecting researchers and practitioners from across the continent to turn knowledge into action.”
Prof. Corina Buzoianu (Vice Chair of AlertHub):
"The partnership with UCPKN is rooted in AlertHub’s efforts to transfer knowledge and strengthen cooperation between researchers and practitioners.
We greatly appreciate UCPKN’s key role in promoting the exchange of expertise, and we look forward to working together."