The Willis Research Network: 15 years of Science for Resilience

You are cordially invited by the Willis Research Network (WRN) team to join us for our 2021 conference and to celebrate our 15-year anniversary. Since inception, we have grown to a network of more than 60 partnerships with top universities, research centres and think tanks all around the globe, collaborating to develop practical, applied research that can deliver innovative insights and a deeper understanding of the challenges we face. Over three days we will be looking at how WRN research has helped to develop a better understanding and knowledge across the risk landscape, covering a range of topics from natural catastrophes to geopolitical risks, the future of technology and emergent risks likely to shape the research agenda in the future.

The event will be a mixture of live online events, panel sessions and pre-recording talks available on demand. Please save the dates on your calendar and we look forward to seeing you there ‘virtually’!

Day 1 - Tuesday 18 May - Weather, Climate and Flooding

Weather and flood related risks drive significant economic and insured natural catastrophe losses, posing considerable challenges across global insurance portfolios and large complex organisations, especially in the context of a changing climate. Since 2006, WRN partners have advanced understanding of these challenges and supported the development of practical solutions. On Day one we will explore some of the most impactful research on weather, climate and flood, and key themes for the years ahead.

Day 2 - Wednesday 19 May - Earth Risks and Secondary Perils

The 10-year anniversary of Tohoku reminds us that earthquakes have unpredictable and devastating consequences and require in depth understanding of the science and physics behind them. It was also a reminder that so-called secondary perils need more focus alongside traditional risks. On Day two we will discuss key challenges across earthquake, tsunami and volcanic risk and look at how WRN projects on global/local catastrophe modeling are helping to shape industry response.

Day 3 - Thursday 20 May - Emerging Risks, The Digital Future and Societal Resilience

The past year has shown the nature of risk is changing dramatically. New insights are needed as risk is recognised as increasingly interconnected and people and technology-driven, with discussions around “digital-first” and societal resilience taking centre stage. Day three will consider this new risk landscape, provide insights on how research can support business strategy and influence policy, and explore what emerging risks are expected over next 15 years.

Thank you!

The Willis Research Network Team