Data Innovation to the Rescue: Protecting Lives and Making Infrastructure Extreme-Weather-Proof

The human-induced climate crisis presents modern societies with increasingly complex challenges, particularly due to the rising number and intensity of extreme weather events. These events have far-reaching consequences for infrastructure, mobility, and societal systems, manifesting in various global contexts: from the floods in Germany’s Ahr Valley to devastating wildfires in Greece, Portugal, and North and South America.

This online workshop in the DRIVEN by DATA series addresses these complex challenges under the title "Data Innovation to the Rescue: Protecting Lives and Making Infrastructures Extreme-Weather-Proof" from an innovative perspective. Organized by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) as part of the mFUND funding initiative, it provides experts from research and practice with a platform for interdisciplinary exchange.

The focus is on data-driven solutions to tackle climate-related risks. Key topics include digital technologies, data-supported early warning systems, and resilient infrastructure planning. The aim is to develop innovative approaches that protect lives and make infrastructures more resistant to extreme weather events.

By linking research and practice, the workshop seeks to develop new perspectives and strategies to address the challenges of climate change comprehensively and with a future-oriented approach.

Agenda: 

15.00 Welcome and thematic orientation
Tim Rittmann, German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport

15.05 Thematic keynote  
Transport system resilience to disruptive events and long-term trends: Identifying the need to change and appraising modifications
Bryan Adey, ETH Zurich / Switzerland

15.30 Projects pitches, discussions and networking 
Operação São Paulo Sem Fogo – The Use of Geostatistical Dashboards in Forest Fire Prevention 
Kauê Grecco, Secretariat of Environment, Infrastructure and Logistics (SEMIL) / Brazil

HeavyRain – Heavy Rain sensor-based Artificial Intelligence Nowcast (mFUND)
Henning Oppel, Okeanos Smart Data Solutions / Germany

This mFUND project develops a heavy rainfall nowcasting system with maximized lead time by detecting rain cell formation using advanced sensors and data fusion. In cities like Bochum and Lübeck, enhanced sensor networks provide high-resolution data for an AI-driven early warning system. A precipitation data product is planned in collaboration with the German Weather Service (DWD).

SEMFOGO-DF – A Fire Management Intelligent System for the Brazilian Cerrado Biome 
Priscila Solis Barreto, University of Brasília (UnB) / Brazil

Using artificial intelligence and state-of-the-art camera technology, the Sem Fogo-DF project supports the fire brigade in combating wildfires in Brazil's Federal District. Early warning systems detect smoke and fire within a radius of up to 25 kilometers, enabling rapid response. The collaboration between science, technology, and environmental protection demonstrates how innovative approaches can effectively safeguard nature.

TEMA – Trusted Extremely Precise Mapping and Prediction for Emergency Management (HEU)
Ioannis Pitas, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki/ Greece 

TEMA is a Horizon Europe project utilizing AI and data analytics for natural disaster management. It develops a platform for precise event modeling, 3D mapping, and long-term forecasting, supported by augmented reality to optimize decision-making during disasters.

16.30 Exchanges and discussions 
Moderation: Marcia Giacomini and Johanna Marie Drumann, TÜV Rheinland 

Contributions from participants and discussion, focussing on possible innovations and how to scale up solutions generated by research and innovation (R&I) projects 

16.50 Announcements and farewell 
Tim Rittmann, German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport

17.00 End of global workshop

About DRIVEN by DATA

Data has become a key driver in all areas of our modern society, and its importance is increasing daily. Data forms the foundation of most digital innovations, offering immense potential for new business models and products.

In the transport sector, digital technologies and data are extensively used to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and safety of services and infrastructure. At the same time, data-driven solutions contribute to reducing resource consumption and combating climate change. Citizens benefit significantly from data-supported solutions that enable seamless multimodal transport, enhance safety, and improve mobility experiences across various domains.

With the virtual conference "Open Data for Smart Mobility in Europe," held under the auspices of Germany’s EU Council Presidency on November 17, 2020, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (formerly the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure) initiated a European dialogue on examples of data innovations in the mobility sector across Europe.

To continue this knowledge exchange and foster new partnerships between European projects and stakeholders, the BMDV funding initiative mFUND established an online workshop series on "Data Innovations for Smart Mobility." By the end of 2022, 14 online workshops had been conducted.

Since 2023, the format has been renamed to "DRIVEN by DATA." The series continues to invite experts to present their research and innovation projects in short talks. Networking and discussions in breakout rooms complement the events.