Around 120 researchers, policymakers and civil protection practitioners from across Europe gathered in Tallinn, Estonia, from 26 to 28 May for the fifth Evidence for Policy in Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Summer School.
Hosted by Tallinn University, the event provided a platform to share knowledge, strengthen cross-border collaboration, and explore how science, policy and practice can work together to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience.
The Summer School opened with remarks from representatives of academia, Estonia's authorities and the European Commission, who highlighted the importance of evidence-informed decision-making in an increasingly complex risk landscape.
On behalf of Tallinn University, Vice-Rector for Research Tiina Pajuste emphasised the university's commitment to ensuring that scientific knowledge informs policymaking. Margo Klaos, Director-General of the Estonian Rescue Board, stressed the importance of maintaining an all-hazards approach and highlighted the value of European solidarity in disaster response. Tuuli Räim, Deputy Secretary General at Estonia's Ministry of the Interior, underlined the need for rapid cross-border information exchange and a shared situational picture, noting that preparedness must be built before crises occur.
From the European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, Erwan Marteil, Head of Prevention and Preparedness Capacity Building unit, highlighted the need to strengthen links between science, policy and operations.
Marteil pointed to a changing risk landscape that includes climate-related disasters, cyber threats and wider security challenges. Referring to Estonia and the Baltic-Nordic region, he highlighted efforts to strengthen preparedness through improved warning systems, shelter networks, stockpiles, and work on emerging issues such as artificial intelligence and civil-military coordination.
The opening day concluded with a keynote address by Tiina Pajuste on the role of science in policymaking and international jurisprudence, illustrating how scientific evidence increasingly shapes legal and governmental decision-making.
“One of the central challenges in Disaster Risk Management is uncertainty. We work with probabilities and scenarios, but uncertainty does not remove responsibility. The precautionary principle applies: when there is a risk of serious or irreversible harm, action is required. The key question becomes whether authorities acted reasonably in light of the available scientific evidence.”
Exploring emerging challenges in disaster risk management
The core programme featured two days of interactive classes and workshops. Participants selected from eight thematic courses covering key DRM challenges and policy priorities, including:
Through lectures, discussions and practical exercises, participants explored how innovative methods, technologies and governance approaches can strengthen preparedness and response across Europe.
Putting preparedness planning into practice
The Summer School concluded with a scenario-based exercise designed to translate learning into action. Working in multidisciplinary groups, participants developed preparedness plans for two scenarios: catastrophic wildfires affecting Arganil, Portugal, and a security incident involving drones and a radioactive waste storage facility in Paldiski, Estonia.
The exercise challenged participants to develop coordinated, evidence-based preparedness plans while considering the broader social, economic, environmental and security dimensions of crisis management.
Building a stronger European preparedness community
Beyond the formal programme, participants exchanged experiences, built professional networks and strengthened connections across the European disaster risk management community.
Now in its fifth edition, the Evidence for Policy in DRM Summer School continues to bring together science, policy and practice to support evidence-informed disaster risk management and contribute to a more resilient and better-prepared Europe.
Until next year!
The Knowledge Network editorial team is here to share the news and stories of the Knowledge Network community. We'd love to hear your news, events and personal stories about your life in civil protection and disaster risk management. If you've got a story to share, please contact us.
Sectors
Thematic series