Early Researcher Spotlight: Meet Alberto Fernandez Perez.

Resilient infrastructure is crucial for ensuring the stability of interconnected transportation and energy systems in a changing climate. Researchers like Alberto Fernandez-Perez are exploring ways to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen resilience across critical infrastructure networks.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Environmental Change Institute (ECI) within the School of Geography and the Environment at the University of Oxford, Alberto plays a key role in the Multi-hazard Infrastructure Risk Assessment for Climate Adaptation (MIRACA) project. His work focuses on analyzing how disruptions in one sector can cascade through others, potentially leading to systemic failures.

We asked Alberto to tell us more about his contributions to MIRACA, and his vision for more resilient infrastructure systems.

From coastal engineering to systemic risk analysis

Alberto’s academic path began with a PhD in Coastal and Environmental Engineering from the University of Cantabria, where he developed adaptive and flexible strategies for coastal and port infrastructure facing climate change. His research emphasized a complex risk perspective, integrating environmental, social, and economic factors to design resilient adaptation plans.

“My PhD research focused on understanding how coastal and port infrastructure can adapt to climate change through flexible, forward-thinking strategies,” Alberto explains. “By integrating climate projections, engineering solutions, and policy considerations, I aimed to enhance the sustainability and robustness of critical coastal systems in an era of increasing uncertainty.”

Before joining ECI, Alberto worked at IHCantabria in Spain, where he applied his expertise in infrastructure resilience to real-world projects. Now, at MIRACA, he is expanding his focus beyond coastal environments to a broader analysis of energy and transportation networks.

A systems approach to infrastructure resilience

Alberto’s role in MIRACA centers on analyzing the interdependencies between critical infrastructure systems and identifying strategies to strengthen their resilience against climate stressors.

“Infrastructure systems don’t operate in isolation—they are deeply interconnected. A disruption in one sector, such as energy, can quickly impact transportation and supply chains, leading to cascading failures,” he explains. “My work in MIRACA uses dynamic network analysis and flow models to better understand these relationships and to develop adaptation strategies that mitigate systemic risks.”

This interdisciplinary approach aligns with Alberto’s expertise, blending engineering, climate science, and socioeconomics to create comprehensive adaptation frameworks.

Driving meaningful change through MIRACA

What excites Alberto most about MIRACA is the opportunity to contribute to an innovative project that embraces the complexity of multi-hazard risks and infrastructure interdependencies.

“MIRACA allows me to expand my research beyond coastal infrastructure and apply systemic risk analysis to a wide range of critical networks. Understanding how disruptions propagate across sectors is key to developing comprehensive resilience strategies,” he says. “I look forward to collaborating with experts from different fields to develop solutions that can inform real-world decision-making.”

Alberto hopes his research will lead to practical improvements in infrastructure resilience and climate adaptation planning. “By identifying vulnerabilities and interdependencies, we can help decision-makers develop strategies that prevent systemic failures and promote sustainability. Ultimately, I want my work to contribute to policies and designs that not only protect infrastructure from climate stressors but also enhance long-term economic and social stability.”

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Life beyond research: Exploring the mountains

Outside of academia, Alberto’s passions revolve around mountain adventures. “Trail running, hiking, climbing, cycling, and cross-country skiing are my go-to activities. The higher and farther, the better!” he says.

Keep up with Alberto’s work

Follow Alberto Fernandez-Perez’s research and insights on LinkedIn.

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About MIRACA

Led by a consortium of top researchers, engineers, and climate specialists, the Multi-hazard Infrastructure Risk Assessment for Climate Adaptation (MIRACA) project is strengthening Europe’s critical infrastructure against the impacts of climate change. MIRACA equips public authorities with an innovative decision-support toolkit—featuring technical guidance, a resilience-testing workbench, and an interactive online viewer—to assess risks, explore adaptation strategies, and close data gaps. With open-access models and practical insights from five diverse European use cases, MIRACA empowers communities to implement cost-effective, resilient infrastructure solutions across the continent.