SCEWERO Project: Launching a Collaborative Path to Innovation We are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the SCEWERO Project Kick-Off Meeting, held as a hybrid event in Cluj-Napoca, on 28 October 2024. Hosted by Babes-Bolyai University, the project’s coordinating institution, the meeting brought together distinguished representatives from partner organizations, members of the External Expert Advisory Board, the REA project officer and researchers involved in the project. The event also featured participation from the Romanian’s national Widening & ERA focal point.

This meeting served as a dynamic platform for presenting the project’s primary goals, refining initial work plans, and facilitating open and constructive dialogues. These discussions facilitated the alignment of collective efforts, establishing a unified direction for the subsequent phases of the project.

The main objectives of the project are to: (i) Improve the excellence capacity and resources of the coordinator (UBB) in the research area of extreme temperature, precipitation, and compound events as well as science communication on climate changes; (ii) Raise the scientific reputation, research profile and attractiveness of UBB; and (iii) Strengthen research management capacity and administrative skills in the Faculty of Geography of the Coordinator (UBB).

Beyond marking a pivotal milestone, the event served as a vital forum for strengthening existing collaborations and fostering new partnerships. Participants engaged in insightful discussions, addressing potential challenges and opportunities while collaboratively developing a clear and strategic roadmap for achieving the project’s objectives. The collaborative atmosphere of the meeting ensured that all participants had the opportunity to articulate their perspectives, share expertise, and identify areas where their distinctive capabilities could be most effectively applied.

The momentum generated by this Kick-Off Meeting lays a robust foundation for the successful achievement of the SCEWERO Project’s ambitious goals. With this critical milestone achieved, we look forward to the continued commitment, innovation, and collaborative efforts that will drive the project’s success in the coming phases.