Francisca, what is your organization’s role in the FAIR2Adapt (F2A) project?
In FAIR2Adapt, FC.ID leads Work Package 6 on ‘Case studies and end-user applications’, leveraging and testing the FAIR2Adapt FAIRification framework and open data sharing protocols. This WP intends to support regions, cities and local authorities in their practical efforts to build resilience against current and projected risks of climate change. WP6 will feature six case studies, covering a broad range of adaptation-relevant stressors, socio-ecological systems, geophysical scales and data management challenges. Within WP6, FC.ID will test, in practice, the FAIR2Adapt approach to test the design of Portugal’s first National Adaptation Hub.
How does F2A relate with you and your team’s background and interests?
F2A relates to my background because, as a researcher, I work with data to solve problems and hopefully help make science-based decisions. Easy-to-find and accessible data makes research possible, and F2A’s focus on sharing and reusing data supports collaboration and helps my work have a lasting impact. This aligns with my goal of creating practical and sustainable solutions.
How will F2A optimize and contribute to the development of climate change adaptation (CCA) strategies?
The FAIR2Adapt project will improve the efficiency of the data-to-knowledge supply chain in the field of climate change adaptation, through the use of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) technologies and services. The FAIR services will help to overcome barriers to accessing, using, and reproducing data, and consequently support stakeholders during their decision-making process.
Which stakeholder groups can benefit from F2A?
Several stakeholder groups will benefit from the creation of a FAIR by design Portuguese National Adaptation Hub (case study 6). Researchers and adaptation practitioners are expected to be the most frequent users of the National Adaptation Hub, followed by policy makers and civil society.
Which are the most significant challenges and opportunities related to climate change adaptation in your opinion?
The biggest challenge in climate change adaptation is the complexity of systems within systems, where problems are deeply interconnected. Understanding these systems is already difficult, and solving them is even more challenging, especially since they are dynamic and constantly in transition. Legislation is both a major opportunity and a challenge, as is motivating everyone to work toward solutions. The biggest opportunity, though, is that we already have (or so I hope) the knowledge and science-based data we need. I believe the key is translating this into action and implementation. This starts with having science-based data readily available, which I hope this project will help achieve.
Which are your personal expectations for the FAIR2Adapt project?
My personal expectations for the FAIR2Adapt project are that it will make science-based data more accessible, usable and reusable, helping to bridge the gap between research and action. I hope the project will support better collaboration among stakeholders, drive informed decision-making and ultimately contribute to practical solutions for climate change adaptation. I also expect it to highlight the importance of sharing and implementing knowledge to create long-lasting, sustainable impacts.
How far will the F2A project contribute to the improvement of citizen’s climate literacy?
The results from the FAIR2Adapt project will be disseminated through various social media channels and platforms (e.g., project website, EOSC website, X platform). Because the results from this project will feature real-world case studies, civil society can have as easy grasp of what FAIR information is, then easily assess the information, and be better informed on climate change adaptation.
Do you have professional ambitions and visions that you hope to achieve in the climate sector?
My professional ambition is for my work to contribute to making the world a bit of a better place. I believe that solving climate change related issues requires a systems-thinking approach and the ability to make meaningful connections across disciplines, stakeholders, and solutions. To do that, we need data that is accessible and available, that is the basis of informed decisions and impactful action.
What are you proud of, personally?
Personally, I am proud to see so many wonderful people working with such purpose to tackle a huge challenge like climate change. The amount of knowledge and data being created reflects some of the best qualities of humanity. It gives me hope, and I feel proud to be part of a collective effort where I can contribute, even if just a little, to making a difference.
In your opinion, how can women be further supported so that gender equality can be sustainably improved?
Gender equality can only be sustainably improved if we focus on both systemic changes and cultural shifts. I believe that education, information and knowledge are always the key to ensure equality and fairness in how everyone is treated.
