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The Risk Institute project aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific innovation in the field of risk and disaster management in regions that are vulnerable due to the strong interdependence of human-, natural-, and technology-induced hazards. In addition to the Grenoble area, the project focuses on vulnerable areas in the Beirut region of Lebanon, Port-au-Prince in Haiti, Peru, and Nepal. The project also aims to establish a risk institute within the University of Grenoble Alpes.

The Issues

Natural disasters leave 14 million people homeless each year; in 2017 alone, they cost 330 billion euros. The Risk Institute project therefore aims primarily to contribute to the proactive reduction of disaster risks and the development of a culture of risk awareness. It addresses a global and regional challenge that will be critical in the coming decades, due to population growth—often accompanied by uncontrolled densification of urban areas—the increasing human impact on ecosystems, and the emergence of new risks linked to climate change and technological development.

Interdisciplinarity

The project brings together about 100 researchers from 15 laboratories in the humanities and social sciences, information and systems sciences, geosciences, and engineering. The scientific challenges of collecting and processing heterogeneous data, modeling complex and cascading phenomena, supporting multi-objective decision-making, and evaluating or defining risk governance frameworks require the implementation of truly comprehensive and interdisciplinary approaches.

The site's structure...

The project proposes an innovative scientific approach to address the following challenging obstacles: managing data heterogeneity through a participatory approach; incorporating rare or emerging events and cascade effects; shifting from a static/reactive risk management approach to a dynamic/proactive one; developing tailored strategies for disaster risk reduction—particularly based on a relevant assessment of vulnerabilities and local cultures—and communication strategies to better manage risk and strengthen risk culture.

... and its international visibility

The project is fully aligned with the framework for disaster risk reduction actions established by the 2015 United Nations Sendai Conference, which encourages governments to focus on prevention and preparedness. It aims to become a key partner for various stakeholders in risk management in France and abroad, particularly at the five selected study sites (the business community, government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and academic networks or risk management centers).

The project will make a significant contribution to the development and visibility of the University of Grenoble Alpes in the field of risk management, ultimately establishing a risk management institute that is unique in France. It will promote the development of new interdisciplinary methodologies by teams that will learn to work together. It will help promote research in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and decision-makers. It will play an active role in strengthening the interdisciplinary training programs for risk executives and managers.