The Erasmus+ KA220 project SUDEM – Sustainable Disaster and Emergency Management Processes Digitization was presented at Inter Drone Expo 2024, one of the leading international exhibitions and conferences dedicated to unmanned aerial systems, drone technologies, and innovative applications. The event took place from 1 to 4 October 2024 at the Sofia Inter Expo Centre, Bulgaria, bringing together researchers, industry representatives, public authorities, and technology providers from across Europe and beyond.
The Space Research and Technology Institute – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (SRTI-BAS), coordinator of the SUDEM project, participated both as an exhibitor and as a keynote conference participant. During the conference programme, Prof. Dimo Zafirov delivered the presentation “Drones in Science and Education – STEAM” within the panel “European Drone Cluster Competitiveness”. His presentation highlighted the growing role of unmanned aerial systems, remote sensing technologies, and digital innovation in education and disaster management.
As part of his presentation, Prof. Zafirov introduced the objectives and expected outcomes of the SUDEM project, demonstrating how the project contributes to the development of modern higher education and lifelong learning through interdisciplinary curricula focused on digital disaster and emergency management. Particular attention was given to the integration of drone technologies, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), data-driven decision support, and remote sensing into educational programmes that prepare future specialists for increasingly complex disaster scenarios.
The SUDEM presentation attracted considerable interest from conference participants, who recognised the importance of combining advanced technologies with innovative educational approaches to strengthen disaster preparedness, response, and resilience. The event also provided valuable opportunities for disseminating the project’s results, establishing new professional contacts, and discussing future international cooperation.
Among the distinguished guests was the Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth of the Republic of Bulgaria, who visited the exhibition and expressed interest in the activities presented by SRTI-BAS, including the SUDEM project and its contribution to digital transformation in disaster and emergency management.
Participation in Inter Drone Expo 2024 formed an important part of the SUDEM dissemination strategy, increasing the project’s visibility among representatives of academia, industry, government institutions, and the international drone community while supporting the long-term sustainability and impact of the project’s results.
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