Successfully organized the 3rd Exchange of Experts training program on the development and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms for disaster management. The training program was supported by the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism and took place on 2-4 November 2022, at the University of Cyprus premises.
Amongst the participants were 10 experts from seven European countries (Italy, Croatia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Slovakia, and Finland) as well as 17 national first responders from the Cyprus Civil Defence, Fire Service, Cyprus Police, and the Department of Forestry.
The three-day training program consisted of two parts:
- A training session aimed at explaining the topic and demonstrating AI technological solutions, focusing on emergency management needs. Presentations included topics on drone technologies, AI algorithms, vision technologies for UAVs, and mission planning software tools.
- A field-exercise that demonstrated the use of AI tools as a way to enhance the situational awareness and decision-support capabilities of first responders during the response phase. The exercise was organized in collaboration with the Cyprus Civil Defence and took place at the Famagusta District area. The field-exercise scenario considered a search-and-rescue mission and tested the capabilities of multiple national and international teams in coordinating and sharing information during the emergency.
The Exchange of Experts training program provided participants with valuable knowledge, experience, and skills regarding the use of AI tools in several emergency situations. Furthermore, it gave the opportunity for networking and exchanging of views between participants.
This training is the outcome of the expertise developed at KIOS CoE through the EU DG ECHO funded preparedness and prevention projects PREDICATE, SWIFTERS, AIDERS, buffer capacity project LEAPFROG and knowledge network project ARTION.