Celebrating 37 years of excellence in education, research, and knowledge sharing
On 27November, 2023, the European Centre for Disaster Medicine - CEMEC celebrated its 37th anniversary, marking over three decades of dedicated efforts to advance public health preparedness in emergency and safety education. Established in 1986 as a specialized center under the Council of Europe’s major hazards agreement, CEMEC has consistently been a beacon of excellence in fostering the skills of professional rescuers and raising public awareness about disaster prevention and safety measures.With a remarkable track record of training over 17,000 individuals throughout its existence, this year alone showcased impressive figures, including 60 comprehensive basic, intermediate, and advanced courses with over 800 participants. Additionally, in 2023, CEMEC expanded its initiatives, collaborating with communities and educational institutions in multiple endeavors involving teachers, students, and the general public.
Internationally renowned for its expertise in research, education, and knowledge sharing in the field of public health, mass emergencies, and risks associated with chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive events, CEMEC hosted the "Memorial Day" Workshop at the University of Rome “Sapienza” this year, honoring the late Professor Giovanni Galassi, former Secretary-General until 2017, with over 70 student attendees.
Under the leadership of Professor Roberto Mugavero, President since March 2023, and Secretary General Professor Alessandro Balducci, CEMEC expanded its international partnerships, leveraging Professor Mugavero's decade-long experience across Europe and various continents this year.
The Center also unveiled its new website, www.cemec-sanmarino.eu, serving as a comprehensive platform to showcase its multifaceted activities and knowledge dissemination.
In 2023, CEMEC achieved significant milestones, including the official release of two international books, one of which was presented to the distinguished San Marino Republic Captains Regent on 23 November.
Moreover, this year, the European Centre for Disaster Medicine initiated various international research and projects, an international traineeship program, and became the founding institution of the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine (WADEM) European Chapter.
The Center also organized more than 20 advanced courses in the field of large-scale emergencies, public health, and disaster management. Additionally, it hosted over 10 international workshops, conferences, and congresses. Moreover, the Center conducted four live training exercises on medical and civil defense for large-scale emergencies in European and extra-European countries.
As CEMEC commemorates its 37th year, the institution stands ready to continue its crucial mission, shaping the future of public health and emergency preparedness on both European and global scales.