On 18 September, the webinar “Pathway to Impact: Benefits of Scientific Research for Rural Fire Management” took place, organised by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and CoLAB ForestWISE. The event gathered more than 100 participants and brought together representatives from science and higher education, the public and private sectors, and civil society.

In the first session, Sandra Valente, Senior Researcher at CoLAB ForestWISE, presented the report “Mobilising R&D Programme for the Prevention and Suppression of Forest Fires – Pathway to Impact”. The analysis of the results produced and the impact assessment of the research projects developed under the R&D Programme for the Prevention and Suppression of Forest Fires, promoted by FCT between 2017 and 2019, were presented. This programme was established by Council of Ministers Resolution No. 159/2017, following the major wildfires of 2017. This report is now available for consultation (PT).

Subsequently, a roundtable was held under the theme “Transfer and Uptake of Research Results as a Driver of Societal Impact”, moderated by José Manuel Mendonça, Senior Researcher at INESC TEC, former Chairman of the Board of Directors and Emeritus Professor at the University of Porto. The following speakers took part in this reflection and knowledge‑sharing session: Daniela Fraga, Deputy of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Command; Luís Fontes, R&D Manager at Altri Florestal; Manuela Pintado, Full Professor at the School of Biotechnology of the Catholic University of Portugal; and Paulo Lucas, Member of the Board of ZERO – Sustainable Terrestrial System Association. Different perspectives were explored regarding the evolution of collaboration between entities of the National Scientific and Technological System and the various organisations of society, identifying challenges and opportunities associated with this process.

In addition, key factors were discussed that may support strategies to strengthen the transfer and uptake of applied research results, with the objective of increasing their impact on society. Arlindo Santos, AGIF ‘s Knowledge and Innovation Deputy, representing the Collegiate Monitoring Forum, closed the session with the round table’s final remarks.

Watch the recording of this webinar here (PT)!