Dear colleagues,
We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the first joint activity of the eNOVATION project, which took place from February 28th to March 1st, 2025, at Dortmund Firefighter Training Centre (FDDO), Germany. This event marked a significant milestone in advancing collaboration and preparedness for CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) threats, bringing together experts, first responders, and key stakeholders from across Europe.
About the eNOVATION Project
The eNOVATION project (Extended Network of CBRN Training Centres for Innovation) is a cutting-edge initiative aimed at enhancing the preparedness of first responders in the face of biological and chemical threats. By providing state-of-the-art tools, training, and technologies, eNOVATION builds upon the foundation of the eNOTICE Network to establish a sustainable and unified CBRN response capability across the European Union. The project's key objectives include:
- Strengthening crisis response mechanisms,
- Standardizing training protocols and methodologies,
- Encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing among security stakeholders,
- Fostering innovation in CBRN threat detection and management.
CBRN incidents pose significant challenges to first responders, particularly in high-risk emergency scenarios. To address these concerns, the eNOVATION project is committed to developing advanced training techniques to better prepare responders for real-world situations. Over the next three years, the Belgian National Crisis Center (NCCN) will oversee the European-funded eNOVATION project, in partnership with a consortium of 22 institutions. Officially launched at a kick-off meeting in Leuven, the project is set for completion in August 2027.
Highlights of the Joint Activity in Dortmund
The joint activity in Dortmund was successfully attended by Dr. Alba Iannotti on behalf of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, which actively participated in all phases of the event. The agenda included:
- Frontal Lectures and Demonstrations: The National Protection University of Ukraine conducted engaging sessions on psychological approaches to managing stress and decision-making in CBRN emergency scenarios.
- Innovative Demonstrations: Cutting-edge CBRN threat detection technologies were showcased by experts from the University of Louvain and IBATECH, presenting novel solutions for rapid identification and mitigation of hazardous substances.
- Tabletop Exercise on Chemical Accident: A scenario-based tabletop exercise simulated an accident in a bus that led to the release of hazardous substance vapors. Participants analyzed potential consequences, formulated strategic responses, and assessed coordination mechanisms among emergency services.
- Full-Scale Exercise with Decision Makers and First Responders: The event culminated in a comprehensive full-scale exercise, where decision-makers, end users, and first responders, including CBRNe specialists and healthcare professionals, worked together in a simulated real-world emergency. This exercise tested response efficiency, and operational effectiveness.
The joint activity was attended by representatives from all consortium entities, creating an invaluable opportunity for collaboration and knowledge exchange. We were particularly delighted to reunite with our esteemed colleagues from Gemelli Hospital – Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and Fondazione SAFE, who actively contributed to discussions and training sessions.
Acknowledgments
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Principal Investigator (P.I.) of this project at the University of Rome Tor Vergata – Department of Industrial Engineering, Prof. Pasquale Gaudio, for his unwavering dedication and leadership. Thank you to Dr. Colomba Russo and Dr. Daniele Di Giovanni for their continuos support in CBRNe activities. We also express our deep gratitude to the coordinators of eNOVATION, Prof. Jean Luc Gala and Dr. Olga Vybornova from the University of Louvain, whose guidance and commitment continue to drive the project’s success.
We sincerely appreciate the outstanding organization, professionalism, and dedication demonstrated during our time at the Dortmund Firefighter Training Centre. Your expertise, attention to detail, and hospitality made the experience truly valuable and enriching. A special thank for your exceptional support to Dr. Sylvia Pratzler-Wanczura—we look forward to future collaborations.
Stay Tuned for Future Updates!
The eNOVATION project is making significant strides in enhancing CBRN preparedness and response capabilities across Europe. We look forward to sharing more updates on upcoming training sessions, joint activities, and advancements in CBRN security.
Stay connected and follow our progress!
Write a comment