PyroLife is built upon four axes of diversity: interdisciplinarity, intersectorality, geography, and gender. Its unique integrated training program provides 15 early stage researchers the in-depth, interdisciplinary, integrated and transferable knowledge and skills required to successfully complete their research projects and maximize their future employability. In a field that is still male-dominated, PyroLife is characterized by strong female participation not just as a gender equity goal but as a strategy to stimulate creativity and changing the way that fire is approached, moving from fire resistance to landscape resilience, and fostering community resilience with participatory approaches.
PyroLife brings cohesion to European fire research through its integrated, interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary and overarching approach, connecting Member States with very diverse climates, landscapes, governance and emergency management systems and cultures.
Our intersectoral consortium encompasses the key disciplines and actors in fire: from academia and research institutes to small and large businesses, advocacy, governance and emergency management. By working closely with governments and emergency services, PyroLife will actively integrate science and practice through participatory approaches and transdisciplinary research.
Fire safety and wildfire science is a field where women are traditionally underrepresented, particularly in leadership positions where male dominance in keynotes and all male panels are still prevalent. The PyroLife consortium is strongly committed to increasing gender equality in fire. Inclusivity and diversity are an integral part of PyroLife’s training methods and recruitment.
PyroLife partners and beneficiaries are located around the world, including seven countries across the European Union — from the Netherlands, Germany and the UK to Spain, Portugal, France and Cyprus. Important to the PyroLife experience is cross-geography knowledge sharing, providing ESRs with knowledge and perspectives between NW and South Europe (and providing the ability to integrate those perspectives).