From Extreme Heat to Systemic Risk
Preparedness. Collaboration. Resilience. A one-day forum uniting scientists, institutions, and communities to strengthen Europe's preparedness for a warming climate.
- Thematic chapters
- 4
- Sectors in focus
- 6
- Partner organisations
- 12+
A shared space for exchange, relationship-building and collaboration.
As heatwaves reshape everyday life across Europe, preparedness now touches every part of society. The Forum brings scientists, responders, civil society and institutions into one room to work on it together.
- Health
- Food security
- Finance
- Tourism
- Communication
- Social cohesion
More than a climate conference, this Forum is an invitation to build a growing community of practice around heat and climate disaster preparedness.
Organised by
Mindworks Lab
In partnership with
National Observatory of Athens (NOA) and REOS Partners
Supported by
European Climate Foundation
One day, four chapters.
22 September 2026, Megaron The Athens Concert Hall. Four chapters anchor the day, framed by welcome, breaks and closing moments. A few roles marked TBC are still being confirmed.
Arrival
Welcome
Dr Vassiliki Kotroni
Director of Research, National Observatory of Athens (NOA)
Diya Deb
Executive Director, Mindworks Lab
Keynote Speech
Haris Doukas
Mayor of Athens
Heat & Climate Extremes: Understanding Risk, Anticipation & Preparedness
10:15–11:15
From Heatwaves to Compound Climate Risks
As heat increasingly interacts with droughts, wildfires, floods and cascading societal impacts, how can climate science help societies prepare for a more uncertain future?
Spotlight
Dr Vassiliki Kotroni
Researcher, National Observatory of Athens
From Monitoring to Action — presenting NOA's systems for anomaly detection, heat monitoring, early warning and preparedness, and discussing how climate intelligence can support institutions, municipalities and citizens in anticipating climate extremes.
Food Security, Foresight & Climate Intelligence: Preparing Food Systems for an Uncertain Future
11:15–12:15
Food Security in an Age of Climate Uncertainty
Introducing the AUGURES project and exploring the importance of climate foresight — not simply prediction — in supporting food security, agriculture, investment planning and long-term decision-making.
Networking over plant-based lunch
Communities, Narratives & Collective Resilience: From Awareness to Agency
13:00–14:00
From Awareness to Action: Strengthening Agency and Collective Resilience
Financing Resilience: Investing Before the Crisis
14:00–15:00
Financing Climate & Heat Resilience
How do we finance preparedness before disaster strikes? Exploring how public and private finance can support anticipation rather than reaction, and how resilience can become a long-term investment rather than simply a recovery cost.
Closing Reflections
A reflection on the day's discussions and a call to strengthen collaboration, preparedness and collective resilience in the face of growing climate risks.
Kriton Arsenis
Environmental Strategist & Former MEP, MP, MPACE | Founder, reLife Earth
The Founding of HeatLab — From Awareness to Preparedness
Networking over coffee and refreshments
Convened with leading institutions.
Mindworks Lab
Organiser
European Climate Foundation
Supporting Partner
National Observatory of Athens
Knowledge Partner
REOS Partners
HeatLab Founding Partner
A long-term hub for heat resilience and climate disaster preparedness.
The Forum concludes with the official launch of HeatLab — bringing together researchers, communities, public institutions, health professionals, innovators, businesses, philanthropies and investors around one shared ambition: helping societies become better prepared before climate-related disasters occur.
Incubator
Supporting community-led ideas, pilot initiatives and practical experimentation.
Accelerator
Helping promising initiatives grow through mentoring, partnerships, visibility and access to funding.
Catalyst
Connecting science, communities, public institutions, philanthropy, finance and business to accelerate systems change.
Space for Human Resilience
Supporting the psychological and social dimensions of climate adaptation through learning and peer support.
Seats are limited to keep the conversation working.
22 September 2026 · 09:30–16:30 EEST · Megaron The Athens Concert Hall. Reserve your place to join scientists, institutions and communities preparing Europe for a warming climate.
Venue: Lecture Hall, Music Library of Greece "Lilian Voudouri", Megaron - The Athens Concert Hall (Vas. Sofias & Kokkali, 11521 Athens)
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