Disaster Research meets Operational Practise

Drones and robotics in focus

The symposium ‘Disaster research meets operational practice - drones and robotics in focus’ for organisations with security tasks will take place from 18 to 20 September 2025 as part of the RETTER trade fair in Wels.  

In view of the rapid technological developments in the field of drones and robotics, an intensive and regular exchange between science and practice is becoming increasingly important. Research plays a central role in both the prevention and management of disasters. The successful transfer of scientific findings into practice and dialogue with experts from authorities, emergency organisations and industry are crucial in order to be best prepared for current and future challenges. 

The aim of the symposium is the close networking of science and practice. This will be promoted through lectures, discussion rounds, interactive workshops and practical demonstrations. 

The event is being organised at the Wels Exhibition Centre by the Disaster Competence Network Austria (DCNA), the Austrian Road Safety Board (KFV) and the Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association (ÖBFV). 

Call for Abstracts

Would you like to submit a paper for the conference programme? Positively reviewed submissions will be published in the conference proceedings.  

The most interesting contributions will undergo peer review and will be included as oral presentations in the conference programme. All others are invited to present their contribution 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 findings and case studies in the following subject 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 operational practices across 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: Care for the elderly, people with disabilities or people in remote areas. 
• Future trends: New technologies and their potential for disaster management. 

Submission instructions for abstracts: 

General: Submitted abstracts should present original research, innovations or case studies that highlight the integration of science and practice in disaster management, particularly the operational use of drones and robotics. 

Format: An abstract (two pages with tables and figures) can be written in German or English and should be related to the main topics listed. 

Submission deadline: 31 January 2025 

Call for Sessions

Would you like to organize a workshop as part of the symposium? As part of the “Symposium on Disaster Research Meets Operational Practice - Focus on Drones and Robotics”, we are looking for proposals for interactive and participatory workshops that close the gap between research and application in the field of disaster management.  

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

• Live demonstrations of drones and robotics: demonstration of operational capability in real disaster scenarios. 
• Scenario-based simulations: Practical exercises for dealing with complex incidents using technology. 
• Training and capacity building: Training on the use of drones and robotics in disaster relief operations. 
• Cross-border cooperation and coordination: promoting international cooperation through technology. 
• Innovation and technology:  Presentation of new methods for integrating unmanned systems into operational procedures. 
• Ethics and law: Addressing regulatory and safety challenges in the use of drones and robotics. 

Submission instructions for workshop proposals: 

Format: 500-700 words for description of the concept, objectives, process and expected results; additionally: title of the workshop, facilitators and specific requirements 

Workshop duration: 60 minutes 

Number of participants: max. 25 participants 

Submission deadline: 17 January 2025 

Selection criteria: Relevance, interactivity and practical benefit for the participants 

Event timeline

...until 17.01.2025: Submission period for workshops 

...until 31.01.2025: Submission period for abstracts 

...until the end of February 2025: Reviewer period 

...until the end of March 2025: Paper selection for Special Issue (International Journal for Disaster Risk Reduction), as well as conference program and poster session