The AGILE project was represented at the XVI Ukrainian Internet Governance Forum (IGF-UA 2025), where Vitaly Zublok (PIMEE, Ukraine) contributed to discussions on “Stress-testing of Digital Infrastructure.”

The session addressed digital resilience as a growing challenge for critical infrastructure management. Stress-testing of digital systems is increasingly recognised as an essential component of sustainable infrastructure governance, extending beyond traditional “strength tests” to examine how systems operate, recover, and adapt over time—not only during an initial shock, but in the minutes, hours, days, and weeks that follow.

Within this context, AGILE is developing a three-tier stress-testing methodology for complex cyber-socio-technical systems. Currently, Tier 1 and Tier 2 stress tests are being implemented through case studies, involving system operators, stakeholders, and public authorities. These activities support the analysis of negative scenarios, cascading effects, and resource needs, contributing to improved adaptation and recovery strategies.

The outcomes of this work will inform future international practices and recommendations aimed at strengthening the resilience of critical digital infrastructures.

The AGILE project was represented at the XVI Ukrainian Internet Governance Forum (IGF-UA 2025), where Vitaly Zublok (PIMEE, Ukraine) contributed to discussions on “Stress-testing of Digital Infrastructure.”

The session addressed digital resilience as a growing challenge for critical infrastructure management. Stress-testing of digital systems is increasingly recognised as an essential component of sustainable infrastructure governance, extending beyond traditional “strength tests” to examine how systems operate, recover, and adapt over time—not only during an initial shock, but in the minutes, hours, days, and weeks that follow.

Within this context, AGILE is developing a three-tier stress-testing methodology for complex cyber-socio-technical systems. Currently, Tier 1 and Tier 2 stress tests are being implemented through case studies, involving system operators, stakeholders, and public authorities. These activities support the analysis of negative scenarios, cascading effects, and resource needs, contributing to improved adaptation and recovery strategies.

The outcomes of this work will inform future international practices and recommendations aimed at strengthening the resilience of critical digital infrastructures.

 On 18–19 September 2025, Factor Social took part in the 6th Annual Meeting of the Society for Risk Analysis Europe – Iberian Chapter, hosted at the University of Évora, Portugal, under the theme “Systemic risks in a changing world: Bridging science and society for evidence-based practice”.

Our partners, Beatriz Rosa and José Manuel Palma-Oliveira presented two posters developed within the AGILE Project:

• Preparing for the Unpredictable: A Framework for Threat-Agnostic Resilience Stress Testing
• Taming Uncertainty: Risk Communication in High-Impact Low-Probability Events

These contributions reflect the AGILE project’s approach to strengthening resilience by advancing threat-agnostic stress testing and enhancing risk communication for HILP events, thereby supporting preparedness for uncertain and complex risks.

The AGILE project was actively represented at ESREL SRA-E 2025, held in Stavanger, Norway.

At ESREL SRA-E 2025, Ali Cheschomi, together with Nazli Yonca Aydin and Tina Comes from Delft University, presented a systematic review on stress testing of critical infrastructures. The presentation introduced a conceptual framework aimed at supporting the development of new stress-testing methodologies better suited to address High Impact Low Probability (HILP) events. The conference provided a valuable platform for exchanging insights with researchers and practitioners working at the intersection of risk analysis and resilience.

The World Bosai Forum in Sendai brought together global experts and citizens to tackle disaster risk reduction. The concept of Bosai, encompassing actions before, during, and after disasters, resonates deeply with the AGILE project’s mission to enhance resilience against High Impact Low Probability (HILP) events.

AGILE at the World Bosai Forum

• Gordana Cveljo, our Project Coordinator from Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V. delivered a flash talk on “Agnostic Risk Management for HILP Events: A Systemic Approach to Resilience Stress Testing”, presenting AGILE’s innovative stress-testing framework.
• A valuable exchange with Rosa Tamborrino, Project Coordinator of Resiliage, exploring potential synergies between AGILE and Resiliage for strengthen disaster resilience.
• Silvia Torresan, AGILE’s partner from CMCC Foundation – Centro Euro Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici shared insights on MYRIAD-EU, another EU-funded project on multi-hazard risk assessment and management.
• A productive, exciting in-person meeting with Miwako Kitamura, AGILE’s partner from Tohoku University, discussing project developments, aligning on key objectives, and strengthening our collaboration with Japan-based colleagues.

AGILE project participated in the EU-Japan Forum on Research and Innovation Communication in Support of Disaster Societal Resilience and Risk Governance, held at Kyoto University (Uji Campus) on 3–4 March 2025.

Organised in cooperation with the Community for European Research and Innovation for Security (CERIS), the forum brought together EU-funded projects, policymakers, researchers, first responders, and industry experts to address key challenges in disaster risk governance and societal resilience, with a particular focus on strengthening the link between research, innovation, and real-world implementation.

The AGILE project was represented by its Project Coordinator, Gordana Cveljo (Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V.), together with partners from UCL Risk & Disaster Reduction (RDR), CMCC Foundation – Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici, and Tohoku University.

AGILE Project Contributions

• Disaster Preparedness Panel (4 March 2025)
  “Enhanced preparedness and management of high-impact, low-probability (HILP) or unexpected events”
  Gordana Cveljo presented AGILE’s perspectives on improving preparedness and response strategies for high-impact and unforeseen disasters.
• Governance Panel (4 March 2025)
  “The importance of foresight in planning for disaster”
  Prof. David Alexander (UCL Risk & Disaster Reduction) contributed insights on how foresight and proactive risk anticipation can strengthen disaster preparedness and governance frameworks.

The forum provided an engaging and thought-provoking platform for exchange between European and Japanese stakeholders, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in disaster risk reduction and resilience-building.

The AGILE consortium extends its sincere thanks to Philippe Quevauviller for his leadership in organising this impactful event, and to CERIS and Kyoto University for hosting and facilitating this essential dialogue.

Collaboration Across EU-Funded Projects
The forum also featured contributions from several EU-funded projects, including:
B-prepared Horizon Europe project
SYNERGISE project
Synergies Project
Resiliage
PARATUS project
TeamUP project
FASTER-project Horizon 2020
By fostering global cooperation and knowledge exchange, this event is a crucial step toward stronger, more resilient societies in the face of disasters.

Our AGILE project partner, José Manuel Palma-Oliveira participated in the XVII Conference of Environmental Psychology in Málaga, Spain, organized by the Association of Environmental Psychology (PSICAMB) from February 3-6, 2025. The event focused on Psychology in the Face of New Environmental Challenges, bringing together experts to discuss the role of psychology in global environmental issues.

José presented a poster titled “Agnosticism in Societal and Psychological Impacts of Disasters: A Foundation for Resilience Stress-Testing”. This explored the psychological impacts of disasters through the lens of threat-agnosticism, contributing to the concept of resilience stress testing within the scope of AGILE project.

Gordana Cveljo, coordinator of the AGILE project, and Tiina Ristmäe, coordinator of the SYNERGISE project, attended the second congress, “Forschung für den Bevölkerungsschutz,” held at the World Conference Center in Bonn. Organized by the Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), the event serves as a key platform for bringing together end-users, policymakers, aid organizations, researchers, universities, first responders, fire brigades, and municipal authorities to discuss the latest advancements in civil protection and disaster response.

Engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders is essential for strengthening collaboration and enhancing the impact of security research in Europe. The AGILE project is committed to contributing to these discussions and exchanging insights that drive innovation in crisis management.

AGILE project’s partner, Asso. Prof Dr. Saman Ghaffarian from the UCL Department of Risk and Disaster Reduction (RDR), participated in the COP29 session titled “Bridging the Digital Divide: Ensuring Inclusive Frontier Technology for Climate Action” at Baku, Azerbaijan.

This impactful sessionbrought together speakers from prominent organizations, including GIZ, UN-SPIDER, UNESCO, and key EU projects such as MedEWSa and CLINT, all sharing their efforts to address capacity gaps and promote equality in the field of climate action. During the discussion, AGILE’s contributions to advancing inclusivity through AI and machine learning were highlighted, emphasizing the role of innovative technologies in fostering equitable solutions for climate resilience.

Highlights of the discussion:

• How AGILE addresses challenges of inclusivity in model development.
• Tackling inequality by developing cutting-edge, inclusive AI solutions.
• Innovations in AI methodologies that close capacity gaps.
• Strategies to ensure equitable access to technology for climate resilience.

AGILE remains committed to empowering communities by integrating frontier technologies with disaster risk management to create a more resilient and equitable future.

Maurice de Beer from Veiligheidsregio Rotterdam-Rijnmond of the AGILE project was excited to participate in the inaugural Innovation & Technology Expo, hosted by the Nederlands Instituut Publieke Veiligheid (NIPV) in collaboration with the IFAFRI – International Forum for Advancing First Responder Innovation. The event, held in Nijkerk, Netherlands, brought together first responders, developers, and scientists to showcase the latest innovations in disaster risk management.

The event featured a series of engaging workshops and sessions, covering critical topics such as the future of first response, emergency management, human-AI collaboration, and the pivotal role of first responders in driving technological innovation. The expo hall was filled with groundbreaking technologies, including extinguishing robots, cargo drones, and even a flying car!

AGILE was proud to be part of this exciting event, showcasing our project alongside other EU initiatives. We engaged with first responders, exchanging valuable insights, and actively contributed to IFAFRI’s new podcast series, Frontline Innovators, recording episodes on key themes in first responder technology.

The expo offered a unique opportunity for the AGILE team to connect with industry leaders and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on enhancing disaster response and resilience through innovative solutions.