Meet the Partner: VITO - Turning High-Resolution Modelling into Actionable Urban Climate Solutions

Our weekly series introducing the organisations behind the UrbanAIR project continues with VITO.

UrbanAIR is a Horizon Europe project developing a digital twin for cities to tackle urban heat and air pollution. Each week, we’re spotlighting one of our partners contributing to better-informed, more climate-resilient urban planning.

About VITO

VITO is a leading European research and technology organisation in the field of cleantech and sustainable development, based in Belgium.  Its expertise spans climate change, air quality, health, sustainable land use, and digital transition, making it well-positioned to contribute to complex urban challenges. VITO’s mission is to support both public and private sectors in making evidence-based decisions for a more sustainable future.

VITO bridges the gap between research and practical solutions to societal challenges, helping policymakers, industry, and civil society manage complex environmental challenges through advanced modelling and strategic planning.

Learn more: vito.be

VITO’s Role in UrbanAIR

In UrbanAIR, VITO plays a key role as research performer, technology developer, and intermediary between science and stakeholders, ensuring effective translation of research into practice. Its contributions include:

• High-resolution simulations of urban heat and air quality, combined with expertise in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies

• Application of digital twin technologies to support dynamic, data-driven urban planning and scenario analysis.

• Stakeholder engagement and support for policy recommendations

• Support participatory co-design processes with citizens and stakeholders

• Translate environmental data into actionable insights for local governments and urban planners

  
  

With a strong interdisciplinary team and close collaboration with public authorities, VITO will ensure that UrbanAir’s innovations are both scientifically sound and socially embedded.

The VITO Team

• Nele Veldeman - Project Manager

• Dirk Lauwaet - Senior Researcher – Heat Stress

• Jorge Sousa - Senior Researcher – Air Quality

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