Date: 26–30 September 2024
The Erasmus+ KA220 project SUDEM – Sustainable Disaster and Emergency Management Processes Digitization was presented at the International Technical Fair Plovdiv 2024 (ITFP 2024), Bulgaria’s largest international exhibition for engineering, high technologies, and industrial innovation. The event was held from 26 to 30 September 2024 at the International Fair Plovdiv, attracting companies, research organisations, universities, governmental institutions, and technology developers from numerous countries.
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 conference speaker. During the conference programme, Prof. Dimo Zafirov delivered the presentation “Application of Unmanned Aerial Systems for Disaster and Emergency Response”, demonstrating the growing importance of drone technologies in supporting disaster preparedness, emergency response, and resilient infrastructure management.
The presentation highlighted the objectives and activities of the SUDEM project, focusing on the integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), remote sensing, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and data-driven decision support into higher education and lifelong learning. Participants were introduced to the project’s multidisciplinary curriculum and its contribution to preparing future professionals for the digital transformation of disaster and emergency management.
The presentation generated considerable interest among conference participants and promoted discussions on the role of innovative digital technologies in addressing current and future disaster management challenges. The event also provided valuable opportunities to disseminate the project’s objectives and establish new contacts with representatives from academia, industry, and public authorities.
In addition to presenting the SUDEM project, SRTI-BAS showcased several innovative developments in the field of unmanned aerial systems and aerospace technologies. The institute’s innovations received recognition during the exhibition, reflecting its long-standing expertise in research, technology transfer, and innovation relevant to disaster monitoring and emergency response.
Participation in ITFP 2024 formed an important part of the SUDEM dissemination strategy, strengthening the project’s international visibility and promoting collaboration between higher education institutions, research organisations, industry, and public authorities.
More information about the event:
- https://fair.bg/en/
- https://fair.bg/bg/news/novini/2024/ekspozitsiia-dronovete-kato-usluga-na-mezhdunaroden-tekhnicheski-panair-2024
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C48oHf1TOcg
