Participate in Shaping RA VI Research Priorities for 2026–2027

News
06 March 2026

The Second Regional Scientific Forum for the WMO Regional Association VI (RA VI), held from 4–6 November 2025 in Prague, Czechia, brought together scientists, forecasters, and innovators from across WMO RA VI to strengthen society’s resilience to rising water and heat risks. Under the theme “Bridging Research and Operations in an Earth-System Approach: Increasing Water and Heat Resilience in RA VI”, the Forum highlighted the urgent need for research to directly support actionable, impact-based early warning systems and climate resilience across the Region VI. 

From discussions on the weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation and the rise of heatwaves, droughts, and sand and dust storms, to cutting-edge applications of artificial intelligence in operational forecasting, the Forum emphasized that Europe’s climate challenges are immediate, complex, and interconnected. Beyond technology, participants stressed that community engagement, trust, and effective communication remain essential to turn forecasts into protective action. Read more about the Forum.

A major outcome of the Forum was the identification of the Region’s research priorities for 2026–2027. Across sessions, panels, and collaborative discussions, participants agreed that the highest priorities are:

  1. Strengthening resilience to high-impact hydrometeorological hazards – including floods, flash floods, heatwaves, and their compound effects on health and society.
  2. Advancing impact-based and user-oriented services – integrating social science, vulnerability analysis, and localized knowledge into operational forecasting.
  3. Enhancing data integration and sharing – combining multi-source observations with AI-supported predictions across hydrology, meteorology, and health sectors.
  4. Promoting cross-border coordination – ensuring consistent risk messaging, early warnings, and preparedness across national and transboundary contexts.

The Forum also highlighted structural challenges, such as delays in translating research into operational practice. To overcome these, participants recommended co-designed regional demonstration projects, joint training, knowledge exchange, and open, interoperable data systems. Engaging users and operational partners from the outset was emphasized as critical to maximize uptake and sustainability.

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Poster inviting participation in shaping RA VI research priorities, featuring scientific imagery, landscapes, and a message on driving future science and resilience.
Regional Office for Europe

Have Your Say – The RA VI Research Priorities Survey

To capture the broad perspectives of the RA VI community, a survey on research priorities was launched at the Forum and is still open. This survey provides a unique opportunity for scientists, forecasters, operational partners, and other stakeholders to contribute to shaping the RA VI research agenda for 2026-2027.

Your input will help RA VI focus on:

  • Impact-based multi-hazard early warnings for water and heat resilience
  • Integration of social and behavioral sciences into operational services
  • Data-driven, cross-border, and community-focused solutions
  • Strengthening research-to-operations pathways

While the survey has no fixed deadline, inputs collected before the upcoming RA VI Hydrology Assembly and RA VI 19th Session will be particularly valuable in informing strategic discussions and shaping RA VI’s future directions. Your prompt feedback would greatly strengthen the region’s shared research agenda.

Fill out the RA VI Research Priorities Survey here.

The Second RA VI Regional Scientific Forum reaffirmed that resilience is a shared responsibility — and your voice is crucial in defining the research directions that will help RA VI meet the challenges of a rapidly changing climate.