FROST.INI: Kick-off and Public Event

On March 11 and 12, 2025, the inaugural events of the FROST.INI project will take place in Trieste.

The goal of the project is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of permafrost degradation to reduce risks for infrastructures in high mountain regions and to make them more resilient to climate change. At the core of the project is the development of digital twins to study the interaction between permafrost and infrastructures, assessing the impact of climatic changes. The insights gained will be integrated into spatial planning policies to optimize adaptation to climate risks.

During the Kick-off Meeting on March 11, the project partners will present the planned measures and main research areas. This includes the identification of pilot sites, the analysis of stability risks through in-situ measurements and remote sensing, and the development of models to assess the future evolution of permafrost. Additionally, shared guidelines will be developed to serve as a basis for adapting infrastructures to climate risks.

On March 12, a public event for interested participants will be held at the Aula Magna of the Campus di Miramare, Trieste. After registration at 10:00 AM, the event will start with a presentation of the Interreg Italy-Austria program and continue with talks on the challenges of permafrost degradation in South Tyrol and the Salzburg region. This will be followed by presentations on research methods, the impacts of climate change in alpine environments, and the communication of climate issues. To conclude, the FROST.INI project will be presented, followed by an open discussion for questions. The event will end with a buffet.

The project is supported by a broad partnership, with the Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale – OGS as the lead partner, along with several research institutions and authorities from Italy and Austria.