We are pleased to announce a change in leadership at IFAFRI. After a successful tenure, the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) will be stepping down as chair of IFAFRI. We are excited to welcome the Safety Region of Rotterdam-Rijnmond (VRR) from the Netherlands as the new chair of the organization, starting in 2025.
THW leaves big shoes to fill. It successfully reactivated the Research & Development Committee and established regular IFAFRI Gap Showcases, effectively highlighting the research needs in first responder innovation to the academic community. Under THW’s leadership, IFAFRI’s visibility has grown substantially. The relaunch of the website and consistent social media engagement made information about IFAFRI and its Capability Gaps far more accessible. Among THW's many accomplishments, one of the most notable is the introduction of regular IFAFRI Technology Showcases. These events, particularly the joint showcases with the EU research projects MEDEA and DAREnet in Aschheim near Munich and with the MEDEA project in Athens, were standout successes that brought significant attention to IFAFRI's work. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Tiina Ristmäe and Klaus-Dieter Büttgen for their contributions during their time as chair.
Building on the strong foundation laid by THW, Robbert Heinecke, Program Manager Innovation and Development at VRR, aims to drive IFAFRI’s mission forward by fostering closer ties between first responders, industry, and academia. His approach will focus on involving first responders more deeply within the network to ensure their voices directly shape the innovation agenda. With his extensive experience in emergency response in a highly urbanized and industrial region, as well as in development and exploitation of innovative technologies, Heinecke is well-positioned to lead this effort.
As we embark on this new chapter, IFAFRI remains committed to fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and advancing innovative solutions to support first responders around the globe. We look forward to the leadership of VRR and the exciting initiatives that lie ahead.
For more information, please stay tuned to our website and social media channels.
