First EMBRACE General Assembly and User Requirements Workshop
In 11-13 March 2025, the EMBRACE project recently convened its first General Assembly, alongside a User Requirements Workshop, bringing together project partners and end users in Larnaca, Cyprus, to review progress, address challenges, and strategise for the next phase of implementation. Over the course of two days, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on technological advancements, ethical considerations, and practical applications in crisis management.
General Assembly – 11 March 2025
The General Assembly opened with a series of presentations highlighting the progress made in the first six months of the project. The meeting provided the opportunity to share insights into scientific, technical, and ethical developments, as well as work package updates. Key achievements and challenges were discussed, setting the stage for collaborative problem-solving and future planning.
Following a coffee break, the session continued with focused discussions on key project aspects, including the trial preparation and ongoing work allocation and collaboration with other projects, initiatives and organisations.
Participants then split into workgroups dedicated to crucial project areas such as stakeholder engagement, standardisation, crisis management, and biomarker studies. The afternoon session was dedicated to the Trials Working Group, which included reporting on previous trials and planning future exercises.
Workshop – 12-13 March 2025
The two-day EMBRACE User Requirements Workshop provided a structured forum for exploring existing gaps in crisis management technology and methodologies.
Day 1
After an initial welcome and introduction, participants analysed the current state of crisis response capabilities, identifying critical gaps and areas requiring enhancement. The day featured three rounds of breakout sessions, which brought together end users and technology providers, allowing for detailed discussions on thematic topics. These interactive sessions provided a platform for stakeholders to contribute their expertise and refine project deliverables.
Day 2
The second day began with an open discussion reflecting on key takeaways from the first day. This was followed by a technical overview session, where innovations and technical challenges were addressed. The workshop concluded with a summary of outcomes and future steps, reinforcing the project’s commitment to enhancing European crisis response capabilities.
A video snippet of the EMBRACE User Requirements Workshop can be found at the project's YouTube channel.
Looking Ahead
The General Assembly and Workshop were instrumental in shaping the next phase of the EMBRACE project. By fostering collaboration and strategic planning, these meetings ensure that the project remains on track to deliver cutting-edge solutions for crisis management. With the next milestone meeting set for October in The Hague, the consortium continues its mission to enhance resilience and preparedness across Europe.