Recently, the PhD researchers in JCAR ATRACE came together to reflect on a central question: how can scientific research contribute more effectively to preparedness for climate extremes?
Day 1: Connecting Research to Practice
The first day focused on placing their research in a practical context and exploring how it can better support decision making in practice.
Dr. ir. Vincent Wolf (Sumaqua) opened the session with insights from the Living Lab Herk and Mombeek. He shared how modelling results were translated into action pathways by involving stakeholders throughout the process. The discussion highlighted the importance of establishing networks with the target audience early in the research process, and co-create knowledge to support research to becomes recognised as legitimate and related to the lived realities of practitioners
Insights were also shared from the Practice meets Science workshop held in December 2025 at the University of Twente. A key takeaway was that engaging practitioners throughout the research process is essential. Their perspectives, questions and challenges play an important role in shaping research, alongside the scientific outputs themselves.
These points were further explored during a Q&A session with Bas Worm (Waterschap Vechtstromen). He emphasised the importance of making research outcomes relatable by using concrete examples rather than abstract results, noting that linking information to people’s own experiences can make it easier to use in practice. The discussion also highlighted the need to tailor outputs to specific audiences and to explore more interactive ways of engaging stakeholders, for example by meeting in the physical environment where challenges occur.
In the afternoon, PhD researchers presented their work using a shared set of guiding questions, including the problem addressed, approach taken, relevant stakeholders, and conditions needed for uptake. This format helped create a clearer overview of the different research topics and how they can help answer each other’s research questions.
Day 2: Exploring Collective Themes
The second day focused on identifying shared insights across the PhD projects and exploring how these can support relevant stakeholders in their daily work.
Building on the first day, participants discussed ideas for joint dissemination activities and the importance of starting this process early. Understanding shared responsibilities between stakeholders and gaining experience in communication and facilitation were seen as important elements in this process.
Five themes were identified that connect multiple research topics:
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Response during flood events, including early action, crisis communication and decision making
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Business damage and recovery, focusing on impacts for the private sector
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Technical insights, such as model choices, calibration and evaluation
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Land use in rural areas, with a focus on long term resilience and planning
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Technology as a connector, exploring how tools can support collaboration across organisations
These themes reflect areas where different PhD projects overlap and where there is potential to support specific stakeholder groups.
The group also reflected on the skills needed to support these efforts. Facilitation of workshops, stakeholder engagement and clear communication were identified as key areas for further development. Opportunities to take on active roles in workshops and events were mentioned as a way to build this experience.
Strengthening connections with stakeholders, developing visual materials and improving communication approaches were also discussed as practical next steps.
