Registration opens for European Researchers' Night activities

As part of the extensive programming for this annual science outreach event, the IMDEA Institutes have joined forces with the Community of Madrid Fire Department to organize the round table “Science in the face of natural disasters”. The activity, which will take place at the Residencia de Estudiantes in Madrid (C/ Pinar, 21), presents a direct dialogue between emergency professionals and IMDEA researchers, who will show how current and future scientific advances can be of great help in saving lives and reducing damage.

Representing the IMDEA Software Institute will be José Aguilar, Project Scientist who recently joined our center. In this event, he will explain how software science can revolutionize prevention and response efforts during disasters. His research career focuses on areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, combinatorial optimization, and decision-support systems. One of the fundamental lines of work Jose focuses on is the deployment of distributed smart sensor networks that allow monitoring variables in real time; such as temperatures, river levels, or soil saturation. Thanks to the collection of this data, forest fires, floods, or structural failures can be predicted before it is too late.

Another use of software in these matters is logistical optimization and virtual simulation. Using optimization algorithms, it is possible to plan the ideal location for fire stations, design efficient evacuation routes, or coordinate the distribution of brigades during simultaneous emergencies.

To participate in the event, registration is required through this form. All the information can be found on the event’s webpage. Additionally, the debate will be broadcast live from the Residencia de Estudiantes website.