UNESCO has endorsed the International Institute of Refrigeration’s (IIR) SPARK programme under its International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033). The eight-year initiative, running from June 2025 to December 2033, aims to strengthen the use of scientific evidence in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump policy.
SPARK (Science-Policy Alignment through Research and Knowledge-exchange) will connect scientists and policymakers through training, mentoring, workshops, webinars and fellowships. The programme will publish the Global Refrigeration Outlook in 2027 and 2031, develop policy briefs and toolkits, and establish an open-access knowledge repository based on the IIR’s FRIDOC database.
The initiative will also introduce policy-focused activities at the International Congress of Refrigeration in 2027 and 2031. It targets scientists, policymakers, industry, academic institutions and civil society, with particular attention to underserved regions, including Africa and Small Island Developing States.
SPARK has an estimated budget of €4.2 million (approximately US$4.5 million), of which €1.2 million (approximately US$1.3 million) has been secured through IIR co-financing and private sector partnerships. The IIR is seeking an additional €3 million (approximately US$3.2 million). Supporters include Tsinghua University’s Department of Building Science, the Czech Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Scientific Instruments, the Chinese Association of Refrigeration, the Association Française du Froid, Daikin Industries and SOFRIGAM Group.
“Scientific knowledge should not stop at publication. It must reach those making decisions and help shape policies that respond to real challenges,” said Yosr Allouche, Director General of the International Institute of Refrigeration.