RESILENS aims to promote the adaptation and uptake of resilience management strategies in urban societies

RESILENS is a research project funded by the European Commission and led by Irish SME Future Analytics Consulting, which aims to promote the adaptation and uptake of resilience management strategies in urban societies.

Global warming and political instability have increased the incidences of natural and manmade disasters, making it increasingly important to ensure that critical infrastructure systems can withstand and recover from threats. Minimising disruption to essential services not only lessens inconvenience, but potentially saves the economy millions.

Modern societies are increasing complex systems with interconnected and interdependent sectors. A breakdown in one system can cause a series of cascading effects which can compromise the overall functioning and security of society. In this environment, the application of practical resilience concepts which offer holistic integrated approaches to threat are not just desirable, but essential.

The €4.1 million project is a transnational partnership working together to develop solutions which will make our society’s critical infrastructure more resilient to risks and disasters. The investment will enable partners to develop software and tools so that ‘critical infrastructure’ providers such as electricity, water and transport networks can test their vulnerability before disaster strikes. This will enable them to prepare adequately and respond effectively, reducing the impact of these events.

The project involves Trinity College Dublin, Irish Water and the Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly, bringing an Irish research perspective to the consortium which also includes partners from four EU and affiliated countries.

To find out more about the RESILENS project, visit www.resilens.eu