On December 11, 2024, the VALORADA project team came together for a General Assembly, held online, to evaluate the progress achieved over the past 6 months and define the next steps toward advancing the project’s objectives. This full-day event, which brought together partners, Work Package Leaders (WPLs), Advisory Board members, and key stakeholders, marked a crucial milestone in the VALORADA journey.
The assembly opened with a welcome address and an overview of the project’s initial 18 months. This session set the tone for the day, providing a roadmap for discussions and highlighting the collaborative efforts that have driven the project forward.
The morning session focused on the progress of each Work Package, where WPLs presented detailed updates on scientific objectives, project impacts, and key performance indicators (KPIs). These discussions underscored the achievements to date and laid the groundwork for the upcoming periodic report. This segment was complemented by a deep dive into the demonstration regions, with reports offering valuable insights into local progress and the tangible outcomes of VALORADA’s initiatives on the ground.
The afternoon session shifted to future strategies and next steps. The dissemination and upscaling strategies, presented by EARSC and Aerospace Valley, were at the center of this segment. These strategies emphasized the importance of maximizing the project’s visibility and ensuring its scalability to other regions. Following these discussions, ECMWF introduced an updated Data Management Plan, which was subsequently approved by the consortium, ensuring the long-term sustainability of VALORADA’s data and outputs.
The later part of the day was dedicated to discussions on tools and data usability. FMI, HCU, and HEREON presented advancements on data catalogues and the usability of tools across the project’s demonstrators. Terranis shared updates on non-climate data manipulation, visualization tools, and downscaling techniques, showcasing the project’s commitment to innovation and practical application.
The meeting concluded with an open discussion, giving all partners the opportunity to share their perspectives and ideas. This collaborative exchange reinforced the project’s inclusive approach to decision-making and set the stage for the next General Assembly. A vote was conducted to decide on the location of the upcoming in-person General Assembly, scheduled for May 13–15, 2025.
The outcomes of this General Assembly reaffirm the strong partnership and collective vision driving VALORADA. The discussions and decisions made during the meeting will shape the next phases of the project, ensuring its continued success and alignment with its mission to equip European cities and regions with tools and strategies to adapt to climate challenges.
Stay tuned for updates as VALORADA continues to pave the way for sustainable and resilient urban and regional development across Europe. For more information about the project and its progress, visit our Linkedin page or YouTube channel to learn more.
