Inês, 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?
As a researcher, I am eager that all the knowledge I create (and all relevant information connected to them, such as supplementary data, script analysis and data) can be easily found, and used by other researchers, stakeholders and adaptation practitioners. If such is possible, then there is a higher change that my research can induce societal change at some level.
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?
Adaptation to climate change implies changes at the political level, which are often quite slow to occur and dependent on socio-economic constraints. Additionally, public administrations are commonly segmented to increase efficiency (e.g. department for climate, environment and energy, department for urban planning, and department for public spaces) but there is little communication between them, which makes the application of trans-sectorial adaptation measures more difficult.
Which are your personal expectations for the FAIR2Adapt project?
I expect FAIR2Adapt to facilitate the flow of information between researchers and adaptation practitioners, consequently increasing the accuracy of adaptation strategies, in relation to the most recent scientific information available. I also expect that we can supply a useful and easily understandable tool for Portuguese stakeholders to work with in climate change adaptation.
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?
I envision that research and public sectors, namely public infrastructure, education and environment, will be more intimately connected through information and knowledge on best practices. I believe scientists and civil society should be interconnected, because the main purpose of science is to supply knowledge to any fields of interest. Knowledge drives development and therefore, can drive society to be more sustainable and climate change-aware.
What would you wish for all ladies on March 8th?
I wish gender and racial equality, understanding between nations and cultures, support for families under struggling circumstances (particularly those suffering from war).
