Tiina Ristmäe, coordinator of EU-funded projects at the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), believes that research can improve the lives of first responders and increase the number of those they help to save. Her work on the CURSOR project is a key example of this, with innovative solutions that enhance preparedness and improve disaster response, which have gained international recognition, including demonstrations at the G7 and an upcoming showcase at the 2025 Osaka World Expo.
Tiina is also a member of the Commission expert group for the Community for European Research and Innovation for Security (CERIS) and co-author of the first CERIS report.
Her journey into the world of research and European project coordination was not straightforward. With a background in safety promotion and crime prevention, she initially wondered how she could contribute to research without a traditional scientific background. However, she took on the challenge and has since become a driving force, in the development of new technologies for disaster response.
The human side of research
We sat down with Tiina to discuss her experiences and insights on the human side of security research. The first question we asked was: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
“I enjoy collaborating with a diverse group of people, including researchers, industry partners, and first responders. To generate innovation, I believe it's key to have the freedom to test new ideas. I like the fact that we can encourage people to try things out in a safe environment that would be dangerous in the deployment phase.”
Tiina's experience with the CURSOR project has shown her the importance of involving first responders in the development process.
"When I involve first responders from THW to test our technologies, I see how interested they are in the fact that somebody is looking into solutions to improve the way they work," she says.
The project's focus on providing alternatives for first responders in dangerous scenarios has led to the development of innovative solutions, such as SMURF, a small robot that can detect people stuck under rubble.
The power of feedback
Tiina emphasises the need for clear communication and feedback between researchers, industry partners, and first responders. "Testing something in the field and giving feedback or drafting reports is not the same as observing and using," she told us. "First responders are crucial to ensure that technologies meet their needs, and we need to accept the results, even if they say that a particular technology cannot be used."
Role of rescuers and first and second responders in research
Tiina praises the early involvement of end-users, including those from the disaster risk management community, as a requirement for participation in Horizon Europe - Cluster 3: Civil Security for society calls for funding. I think the next step will be better defining their role and contribution, making the words "testing," "validation," and "piloting" straightforward and not subject to interpretation.
We wanted to know how she thinks the feedback from first responders can improve the development of new technologies.
“Feedback from first responders is crucial in ensuring that the technologies we develop meet their needs and are effective in real-world scenarios. By involving them in the development process, we can identify potential issues and make improvements that might not have been apparent otherwise.”
We also wanted to know if there was a specific example of feedback from first responders that was implemented.
“Yes, of course! The SMURF robot is a great example. The partner came with a solution for the wheels, but the first responders said they were not suitable for the surface we have after earthquakes, which is often covered in small stones. They suggested a new type of wheel, which the technical partners immediately implemented in the next prototype. The change was a significant improvement.”
Finally, we asked Tiina which advice would you give to other end-users considering applying for upcoming call for proposals?
“Just do it, don't hesitate. There's nothing to lose, but much to gain. It's a management decision to participate in research, and it is essential to have the resources and support to make it happen. In THW, we started years ago as an associated partner, then we continued as a partner and now we are coordinating large research projects. It was a step-by-step learning process that helped us a lot."
Contributing to the Preparedness Union
As the European Commission prioritises EU’s preparedness to emerging threats, Tiina believes that projects like CURSOR and SYNERGISE can play a crucial role in responding to natural and human-induced disasters."We can contribute to preparedness by providing technologies that prepare first responders better to respond to disasters.” Additionally, she emphasises the need for training, not just for first responders but also for local government officials who are often the decision-makers in disaster response situations.
The EU Preparedness Union Strategy aims to advance preparedness through 30 key actions and a detailed Action Plan, as well as a 'preparedness by design' culture across all EU policies. Tiina's work demonstrates this approach, highlighting the importance of collaboration, innovation, and training in disaster response. By developing new technologies and involving first responders in the development process, we can enhance our preparedness and improve our response to disasters, ultimately saving lives.
Further information
EU Preparedness Union Strategy – Press reselase
Safer together: A path towards a fully prepared Union - European Commission
Details
- Publication date
- 26 March 2025
- Author
- European Research Executive Agency