In light of the rapid technological advancements in drones and robotics, regular exchange between science and practice is becoming increasingly important. Research plays a central role in both the prevention and management of disaster events. The successful transfer of scientific findings into practice, along with dialogue with experts from authorities, response organizations, and the business sector, is crucial to being optimally prepared for current and future challenges.

The aim of the conference "Disaster Research Meets Practice – Drones and Robotics," taking place from September 18 to 20, 2025, as part of the RETTER fair in Wels (Upper Austria), is to closely connect science and practice. This will be encouraged through lectures, discussion rounds, interactive workshops, and practical demonstrations.

The event will be held at the Wels fairgrounds, organized by DCNA, the Austrian Road Safety Board (KFV), and the Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association (ÖBFV).

Call for Abstracts

Would you like to submit an abstract to the conference program? Approved submissions will be published in a conference proceedings volume. The most interesting contributions will undergo peer review and be included as oral presentations in the event program. All others are invited to present their contributions in a poster session.

Selected scientific articles will have the opportunity to be published in a special issue of the International Journal for Disaster Risk Reduction.

We welcome contributions that highlight innovative developments, research results, and case studies in the following areas:

• Drones in Disaster Management: New applications, challenges, and innovations.
• Robotics in Disaster Response: How robots increase efficiency in hazardous environments.
• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Integrating drones and robotics into the operational practices of various organizations.
• Telemedicine and Emergency Care: Medical support, improving supply chains in crisis situations, and evacuation.
• Artificial Intelligence and Automation: The role of AI in unmanned systems for disaster scenarios.
• Ethics and Legal Aspects: Regulatory challenges, data protection, and ethical considerations.
• Special Needs of Vulnerable Groups: Support for older people, people with disabilities, or those in remote areas.
• Future Trends: New technologies and their potential for disaster management.

Submission Guidelines for Abstracts:

• General: Submitted abstracts should present original research, innovations, or case studies that emphasize the integration of science and practice in disaster management, especially the operational use of drones and robotics.
• Format: An abstract (two pages including tables and figures) may be written in German or English and should align with the specified focus areas.
• Submission Deadline: January 31, 2025

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Call for Sessions

Would you like to organize a workshop as part of the conference? We are looking for proposals for interactive and participatory workshops that bridge the gap between research and application in disaster management.

Workshops should focus on practical applications, joint problem-solving, and hands-on demonstrations, particularly in the following areas:

• Live Demonstrations of Drones and Robotics: Showcasing deployment capabilities in real disaster scenarios.
• Scenario-Based Simulations: Practical exercises for managing complex incidents using technology.
• Training and Capacity Building: Training for the use of drones and robotics in disaster response.
• Cross-Border Collaboration and Coordination: Promoting international cooperation through technology.
• Innovation and Technology: Presenting new methods for integrating unmanned systems into operations.
• Ethics and Law: Addressing regulatory and security challenges in the use of drones and robotics.

Submission Guidelines for Workshop Proposals:

• Format: 500–700 words describing the concept, objectives, process, and expected outcomes; additionally, include the workshop title, moderators, and specific requirements.
• Workshop Duration: 60 minutes
• Participant Limit: Max. 25 participants
• Selection Criteria: Relevance, interactivity, and practical benefit for participants
• Submission Deadline: January 17, 2025

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Timeline

• Until 17.01.2025: Workshop submission period
• Until 31.01.2025: Abstract submission period
• Until end of February 2025: Review period
• By end of March 2025: Paper selection for special issue (International Journal for Disaster Risk Reduction), conference program, and poster session.