The ClimEx-PE project is a collaborative effort involving multiple European research institutions. The consortium is focused on addressing extreme climatic events and ensuring a sustainable water supply through innovative, nature-based solutions.  

Members of the consortium: 

• Eötvös Loránd University (Hungary) – consortium leader  

• University of Barcelona (Spain)  

• Trinity College Dublin (Ireland)  

• University of Utrecht (the Netherlands)  

• University of Zaragoza (Spain) 

This diverse consortium aims to develop scalable solutions for mitigating the impacts of climate change on water resources.  

Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Budapest, Hungary, is the oldest and largest university in the country. It is a leading research university, known for its academic excellence and vibrant community. ELTE offers a wide range of programs and is a popular choice among applicants each year. The university is committed to internationalization and provides numerous opportunities for students to engage in global research and educational activities. 

The principal investigator of ELTE and the scientific coordinator of the project: 

Prof. Judit Mádl-Szőnyi 

She is a full professor at the Department of Geology at Eötvös Loránd University. She holds a DSc degree and is the head of the department, as well as the vice-dean for Strategy and Innovation at the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on hydrogeology, including groundwater flow systems, the vulnerability of aquifer systems, and geothermal energy. She has published extensively on topics such as the impacts of climate change on groundwater systems and the hydraulic evaluation of karst areas. She is a member of several national and international organisations, most notably as chair of the Regional Groundwater Flow Commission of the International Association of Hydrogeologists. Prof. Mádl-Szőnyi is also involved in teaching various courses related to hydrogeology, geophysics, and environmental science at the doctoral level and has been and continues to play leading roles in many national and international projects. 

Work package (WP) leaders from ELTE: 

• Brigitta Czauner – WP1 lead - Project coordination and management  

• István Hoffman – WP4 lead - Societal and legal tools for enhancing the application and acceptance of NB-MAR 

The University of Barcelona (UB) is a public university located in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain. It is renowned for its commitment to quality education and research, offering the widest range of courses in Spain. UB is a leader in research and is highly ranked internationally. The university is deeply integrated with the city of Barcelona and Catalonia, fostering a community of nearly 100,000 people who share values of liberty, democracy, justice, equality, and solidarity. UB is also dedicated to social responsibility and the Sustainable Development Goals. 

The principal investigator of UB: 

José F. García Martínez 

He is a Professor at the University of Barcelona, specifically within the Department of Analytical Chemistry. He is also affiliated with the Water Research Institute (IdrA) at the university. His research focuses on analytical chemistry, with a particular interest in water quality and environmental analysis. As a leading researcher, he has contributed significantly to the field through numerous publications and active participation in international research projects. 

Work package (WP) lead from UB: 

• Jose Maria Carmona – WP3 lead - Development of natural groundwater flow-based MAR (NB-MAR) tools 

Utrecht University (UU) in the Netherlands is a prestigious international research university founded in 1636. It is known for its high-quality education and interdisciplinary research, focusing on four main themes: Life Sciences, Pathways to Sustainability, Dynamics of Youth, and Institutions for Open Societies. UU emphasizes modern educational concepts and has a strong connection to the city of Utrecht. The university is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and it collaborates globally to address societal challenges. 

The principal investigator and WP5 - Communicational and educational strategies for raising public awareness of NB-MAR - lead of UU: 

Dr. Katrin Merfeld 

She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Law, Economics, and Governance at the Utrecht University School of Economics. Her research and teaching focus on sustainability marketing. Dr. Merfeld adopts a triple-bottom-line perspective to understand and promote sustainable behaviours. Her work includes projects on nature-based solutions, such as green roofs and street trees, as well as innovations in mobility and the sharing economy.  In addition to her research, Dr. Merfeld coordinates the Master’s program in Business & Social Impact and teaches a course in Marketing & Society. 

Trinity College Dublin (TCD), established in 1592, is Ireland’s leading university and a prominent research institution. Located in the heart of Dublin, TCD combines a rich historical heritage with cutting-edge research and education. The university is known for its vibrant community of students, staff, and alumni, and it plays a significant role in shaping global leaders. TCD is also home to the world-famous Book of Kells and the Long Room Library, attracting visitors from around the globe. 

The principal investigator and WP2 - Baseline assessment of the effects of extreme hydroclimatic events on groundwater and the society – lead of TCD: 

Dr. Patrick Morrissey 

He is the Martin Naughton Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering at Trinity College Dublin. His research interests include groundwater, the unsaturated zone, numerical modelling, environmental engineering, and wastewater treatment. Dr. Morrissey has authored numerous publications focusing on the impacts of climate change, groundwater flooding prediction, and the analysis of electric vehicle charging behavior. He is also a member of the Irish RAMSAR Wetlands Committee and the International Association of Hydrogeologists. 

The University of Zaragoza (UNIZAR), founded in 1542, is a public university located in Zaragoza, Spain. It is a major center for technological innovation and research in the Ebro Valley. UNIZAR offers a variety of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs and is recognized for its strong international collaborations. The university has campuses in Zaragoza, Huesca, and Teruel, and it is dedicated to fostering a sustainable and inclusive academic environment. 

The principal investigator of UNIZAR: 

Dr. Ignacio Cazcarro 

He is a Senior ARAID Researcher in the Department of Economic Analysis at the University of Zaragoza, belonging also to the Agri-food Institute of Aragon (IA2). He is also an Associate Researcher at the Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3). Dr. Cazcarro’s research focuses on the economics of natural resources, and especially water and energy, looking at global and local environmental changes and challenges, typically through different economic techniques, notably input-output economics. He has a BA, MA, and PhD in Economics from the University of Zaragoza, where he received the “Summa cum laude” distinction (European Doctorate) and the Doctorate Extraordinary Prize for 2011/2012. He has led more than a dozen projects and his work includes numerous publications in international journals such as Nature Communications, Environmental Science and Technology, Science of the Total Environment, Ecological Economics, Economics Systems Research, Scientific Reports, Regional Environmental Change, Journal of Industrial Ecology, Journal of Cleaner Production or Advances in Water Resources.