Meet Dr Federico Tartarini

Federico is a researcher with a multifaceted background in indoor environmental quality and thermal comfort. Joining the Heat and Health Research Incubator (HHRI) at the University of Sydney, Federico leads impactful projects, including the development of web application ‘HeatWatch’ a free app that allows people to calculate their personalised heat health risk and provide cooling recommendations.

Federico's contributions have been recognised through prestigious awards and invitations to present at renowned conferences, reflecting his outstanding achievements and leadership in this area of research.

Can you tell me about your research background?

I am an Engineer by training. My research focuses on determining and quantifying the effect that the indoor environment has on thermal comfort, productivity, health, and well-being.

My main research areas include human thermal comfort, indoor environmental quality, heating ventilation and air conditioning systems, cognitive performance, thermophysiological modelling, and the development of non-intrusive methodologies to monitor IEQ parameters.

My research outcomes are mainly based on original research conducted both in the laboratory and in field studies. My research aims to develop occupant-centric solutions and tools to improve the performance of existing and new buildings.

Can you tell me a bit about your new Horizon Fellowship?

My project, "Beat the Heat," tackles a critical challenge - reducing heat-related health risks in our warming world. This multidisciplinary research will bring together experts from the School of Architecture, Design and Planning, Medicine and Health, and the Sydney Environment Institute.

My research focuses on three main objectives. Firstly, it aims to expand existing human heat strain models to gain deeper insights into vulnerabilities across diverse populations. Secondly, it seeks to create Australia's inaugural free online tool, designed to calculate individualised heat stress risk, facilitate safe outdoor activity planning, and recommend effective cooling measures. Lastly, the research endeavours to simulate the impact and efficacy of interventions such as warning systems and public cooling initiatives, operating at multiple scales ranging from urban planning to individual behaviour.

This data-driven approach, informed by a human-centred perspective, holds immense potential to safeguard communities in Australia and Worldwide in the face of a warming world caused by climate change.

Can you share any upcoming projects or initiatives that you'll be contributing to in the near future?

I will be engaging in several exciting projects and initiatives. I aim to expand human heat strain models to enhance our understanding of vulnerabilities across diverse populations.

Additionally, I will focus on improving the HeatWatch application and developing a preparedness tool. I am committed to maintaining and enhancing the functionality of existing tools while also creating new ones that enable users to visualise and calculate results from various thermophysiological models.

Collaborating with the SEI team, we’re developing several ARC grants, including research on the displacement of communities during and after a flood event. I’ll also be facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations between experts from the Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning, the Faculty of Medicine and Health, and the Sydney Environment Institute.

I am also working to strengthen my partnerships with UC Berkeley and the National University of Singapore, with ongoing efforts such as the submission of USYD NUS ignition grants.

What do you see as the biggest challenges or opportunities in the climate adaptation space?

In the realm of climate adaptation, identifying and addressing the most significant challenges and opportunities is paramount.

There's a pressing need to overhaul building codes to enhance the resilience of our homes against the evolving climate conditions. It's crucial to ensure that the solutions devised are not only grounded in evidence but are also accessible and feasible for vulnerable groups disproportionately affected by rising temperatures.

Fostering robust connections between various Faculties and Schools is essential for tackling complex climate-related issues through a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach. By addressing these key areas, we can effectively navigate the challenges of climate adaptation while maximising the opportunities for sustainable and resilient futures.

What attracted you to the work of SEI, and what are you most excited about in your new position?

Joining SEI presents an exciting opportunity to engage in multidisciplinary research. Having previously collaborated with Prof David Schlosberg, I'm eager to continue our partnership. In my new role, I'm particularly excited about two aspects: firstly, establishing robust connections between the School of Architecture, Design and Planning, Faculty of Medicine and Health, and SEI, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations to address complex challenges. Secondly, I look forward to collaborating with other esteemed researchers within SEI, contributing to impactful research endeavours alongside world-renowned experts.

As a theme lead, what specific goals or initiatives do you hope to achieve within your area of expertise?

In my role as a theme lead, I aspire to lead ground-breaking research projects targeting grand challenges, particularly those arising from the profound effects of global warming on individuals, communities, and infrastructure. Additionally, I aim to influence the enhancement of building codes and standards, advocating for improvements to address existing deficiencies and adapt to evolving environmental conditions.

Is there anything else you would like our members and readers to know?

In 2020, I started an educational channel on YouTube (@FedericoTartarini). My videos have been viewed more than 750k times and I have more than 5000 subscribers. I use it to disseminate my research findings to a wide audience.