The SHRINEs Project has reached a pivotal moment as it progresses into its final phase. The fourth Management Board Meeting, recently hosted by DCL partner in its premises in Riga (Latvia), marked a critical step in aligning strategic priorities and preparing for the project’s upcoming key initiatives.
One of the primary focuses of the meeting was the planning of the “Tech for SHRINEs” Hackathon, a flagship event that will bring together innovators all over Europe to showcase their cutting-edge solutions aimed at enhancing the security of places of worship. The Consortium reviewed the preliminary agenda for the Hackathon, discussing on potential side events and other initiatives to broaden stakeholder engagement and maximize the impact of the event. These discussions also included an in-depth evaluation of the technology proposals submitted by tech applicants, with the objective of identifying the most promising innovations to bolster the protection of religious sites across Europe.
Another essential element of the meeting was a dedicated workshop on the development of the Work Package 6 (WP6) Operational Guidelines. This document will serve as a cornerstone of the SHRINEs Project, including its key findings and providing applicable strategies for securing places of worship. The guidelines will offer a comprehensive framework for religious communities, security professionals, and public authorities to enhance the resilience of sacred spaces.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to reflect on the current status of the SHRINEs Project, presenting the progress made and outlining the activities planned for the upcoming months. The Consortium emphasized the importance of promoting the “Tech for SHRINEs” Hackathon and taking advantage of this event to further engage stakeholders and expand the project’s reach.
As SHRINEs moves forward, the project remains committed to its core mission: protecting places of worship through interfaith dialogue and integrating innovative technologies. With the support of its partners and stakeholders, SHRINEs aims to deliver meaningful, long-lasting solutions to the security challenges faced by religious sites.