The Research Innovation Unit (RIU), represented by Ms. Shirley Attard, participated in the 7th Joint Project Meeting and the 5th Collaborative CiPeL Workshop of the EU-funded JUSTNature Project, held between 1–3 April 2025 across Vienna and Szombathely. The event brought together city representatives and scientific partners from across Europe to reflect on the project’s progress and future impact as it enters its final year.
Exploring Digital Tools and Co-Governance in Vienna
The meeting opened on April 1st in Vienna at the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT), where participants were introduced to AIT’s City Intelligence Lab — a hub for digital innovation in urban design. Discussions focused on how AI, interactive simulations, and digital twins can improve Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and thermal comfort in urban settings. RIU contributed to the dialogue on ethics and co-creation, particularly the implications of digital justice when applying AI in nature-related policy and planning.
In the Digital Twins session, participants tested simulation tools on their own pilot areas, including Gżira, gaining valuable insights into seasonal climate modelling and community-facing applications. Ms. Attard noted the relevance of these tools in strengthening local engagement and enhancing RIU’s ongoing digital transition efforts.
Project Review and Strategic Discussions in Szombathely
The meeting continued in Szombathely, Hungary, on April 2nd and 3rd, with a comprehensive review of JUSTNature’s work packages, exploitation planning, and governance protocols. The Mayor of Szombathely welcomed the consortium and celebrated the transformation of the city’s pilot sites, now fully implemented.
RIU contributed to the discussions on:
- Ethical data governance in digital twin platforms
- Gender-sensitive engagement strategies in co-governance processes
- Feedback on the JUSTNature App and its future utility in the Gżira CiPeL
- Insights on Nature-based Solutions monitoring and maintenance challenges
Site visits showcased the progress of Szombathely’s green interventions, including the transformation of a schoolyard into a sustainable urban garden and the revitalised Százhold Park — now a hub for eco-recreation and biodiversity.
Highlighting Malta’s Progress and Future Contributions
On the final day, all City Practice Lab (CiPeL) representatives presented updates. Shirley Attard highlighted Malta’s work in heat risk mapping, citizen co-design, and the early alignment of RIU’s tools — such as the Malta Heat Severity App — with JUSTNature’s digital transformation goals. The Gżira CiPeL was praised for integrating digital twins with participatory methods, enabling citizens to understand and respond to urban climate risks in real-time.
Looking Ahead
As the JUSTNature project approaches its conclusion, Malta’s role continues to demonstrate the power of small states in pioneering urban climate justice. The RIU team looks forward to contributing to the final project milestones and to sharing its innovations at the upcoming Final Conference later this year.
