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The concept of risk is central to governance in contemporary societies. Our multi-disciplinary research incorporates social and environmental science to advance understandings of risk and its perception, as well as communication and regulation in a wide range of environmental, social and country contexts.

Topics range from floods, wildfires, food safety and healthcare to the latest techniques of risk governance and resilience.

Our research has made major contributions to academic understandings of risk and policy know-how. We work closely with policymakers and businesses, and seek to apply our knowledge in western contexts, as well as globally. Funding for our research comes from UK research councils, government departments, international organisations and world-leading firms.

People

Helen Adams

Senior Lecturer in Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation

George Adamson

Reader in Climate and Society

Marlies Barendrecht

Lecturer in Natural and Environmental Hazards

David Demeritt

Professor of Geography

Giovanna Gini

Postdoctoral Research Associate on Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC)

Projects

Urban Africa: Risk Knowledge logo
Urban Africa: Risk Knowledge (Urban ARK)

Urban Africa: Risk Knowledge (Urban ARK) is a three year research and capacity building programme, funded by the Department of International Development and the Economic and Social Research Council. Led by Professor Mark Pelling, the work seeks to open up an applied research and policy agenda for risk management in urban sub-Saharan Africa.

Preparing for extreme and rare events in coastal regions logo
PEARL: Preparing for extreme and rare events in coastal regions

The PEARL project aims to develop adaptive risk management strategies for coastal communities, focusing on extreme hydro-meteorological events. It uses a multidisciplinary approach to integrate social, environmental and technical research and innovation. It also considers the fundamentals in the risk governance cycle, focusing on the enhancement of forecasting, prediction and early warning capabilities.

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Antimicrobial Resistance in Colombia's Livestock Revolution

Investigating animal husbandry, prescribing practices and the control of veterinary medicines and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

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Can big data improve healthcare quality regulation? An international comparative analysis

Comparing international practice in how 'big data' indicators are used to monitor and regulate the quality of healthcare in hospitals.

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How States Account For Failure in Europe (HOWSAFE)

Exploring the institutional factors driving, shaping and constraining the application of risk-based approaches to governance across Europe.

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SINATRA: Susceptibility of catchments to INTense RAinfall and flooding

Advancing scientific understanding of the drivers, thresholds, and impacts of flooding from intense rainfall in Britain.

Publications

    News

    Geography academics lead authors on latest IPCC report: climate change affects all forms of life

    Climate experts and Geography academics, Dr Helen Adams and Professor Mark Pelling are lead authors on the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change...

    Volunteers clean up after mud slide

    People

    Helen Adams

    Senior Lecturer in Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation

    George Adamson

    Reader in Climate and Society

    Marlies Barendrecht

    Lecturer in Natural and Environmental Hazards

    David Demeritt

    Professor of Geography

    Giovanna Gini

    Postdoctoral Research Associate on Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC)

    Projects

    Urban Africa: Risk Knowledge logo
    Urban Africa: Risk Knowledge (Urban ARK)

    Urban Africa: Risk Knowledge (Urban ARK) is a three year research and capacity building programme, funded by the Department of International Development and the Economic and Social Research Council. Led by Professor Mark Pelling, the work seeks to open up an applied research and policy agenda for risk management in urban sub-Saharan Africa.

    Preparing for extreme and rare events in coastal regions logo
    PEARL: Preparing for extreme and rare events in coastal regions

    The PEARL project aims to develop adaptive risk management strategies for coastal communities, focusing on extreme hydro-meteorological events. It uses a multidisciplinary approach to integrate social, environmental and technical research and innovation. It also considers the fundamentals in the risk governance cycle, focusing on the enhancement of forecasting, prediction and early warning capabilities.

    Image missing an alt value
    Antimicrobial Resistance in Colombia's Livestock Revolution

    Investigating animal husbandry, prescribing practices and the control of veterinary medicines and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

    Image missing an alt value
    Can big data improve healthcare quality regulation? An international comparative analysis

    Comparing international practice in how 'big data' indicators are used to monitor and regulate the quality of healthcare in hospitals.

    Image missing an alt value
    How States Account For Failure in Europe (HOWSAFE)

    Exploring the institutional factors driving, shaping and constraining the application of risk-based approaches to governance across Europe.

    Image missing an alt value
    SINATRA: Susceptibility of catchments to INTense RAinfall and flooding

    Advancing scientific understanding of the drivers, thresholds, and impacts of flooding from intense rainfall in Britain.

    Publications

      News

      Geography academics lead authors on latest IPCC report: climate change affects all forms of life

      Climate experts and Geography academics, Dr Helen Adams and Professor Mark Pelling are lead authors on the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change...

      Volunteers clean up after mud slide