EU funding for research on urban crisis preparedness

Researchers at the Swedish Defence University will receive 4 million SEK over a three-year period as a grant for the research project Sonar-Cities, which focuses on how crisis preparedness in European cities can be strengthened.

The Sonar-Cities research project aims to increase the resilience to crises and disasters in European cities, in part by designing tools and methods for crisis management with a focus on decision-makers, vulnerable groups, and emergency services personnel. The goal is to improve preparedness and management of crises and risks by more inclusively involving vulnerable groups in the process.

"Strengthening the inclusion perspective in crisis management is central. We will conduct a case study of Stockholm where we will build on research and empirical data from, for example, the management of the COVID-19 pandemic", says Lindy Newlove Eriksson, PhD, university lecturer at the Department of Political Science and principal investigator for the Swedish Defence University’s part in the EU project.

Preparedness for crises and disasters

The project, which includes 13 different partners under the leadership of the Institut Pasteur, has been granted funding from Horizon Europe totaling over three years. The project in total share the amount of 46.8 million SEK starting in December 2024 and ending in December 2027. The Swedish Defence University will primarily contribute research on how crisis management preparedness can be improved.

Case studies of six European cities

The researchers in the project will analyze past crises in a total of six European cities, then design tools and methods for crisis management based on the results. The methods will promote inclusive preparedness, increase knowledge about health and crisis communication, and strengthen capacity and decision-making to reduce risks in future crises. The tools and methods will be disseminated through an interactive platform and a support network will be established to assist authorities during crises and emergencies.

"Cities, where the population already has a higher rate of illness and mortality in connection with crises, face specific challenges that can increase social and health inequalities, especially for vulnerable groups with poorer access to health information and care. The hope is that Sonar-Cities will help make Europe's cities more resilient in crises and disasters", says Lindy Newlove Eriksson.