Hosted by the Centre for Societal Risk Research (CSR), RisCon26 will take place at Karlstad University, Sweden.
RisCon26: a conference on societal risks for researchers and practitioners
In an era defined by rapid climate change, digital vulnerability, and complex global interdependencies, the need for integrated risk management has never been more urgent. RisCon26 brings together the world’s leading researchers and practitioners to move beyond theory. Hosted by the Centre for Societal Risk Research (CSR) at Karlstad University, this conference serves as a premier forum for cross-sectoral dialogue, innovative simulations, and the sharing of actionable insights. Join us in Sweden this October to help shape the frameworks that will protect our societies tomorrow.
Aim
To bridge the gap between science and practice on the scope of societal risks, driving action that strengthens a resilient society for both everyday and crisis scenarios.
RisCon26 is committed to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Theme
Multisectoral approaches to societal risks: bridging science and practice
T1. Understanding and managing societal risks
In this sub-theme, we focus on governance, decision-making, and policy development of societal risks. We also focus on lessons learned from integrated frameworks and multi-hazard management.
T1.1 All-hazard perspective — integrated frameworks for risk assessment and communication, multi-hazard and composed disasters, cascading, compound, and interacting risks.
T1.2 Governance and cross-sectoral decision-making — policy implementation, coordination, and disaster risk management.
T2. Climate, environment, and health
In this sub-theme, we focus on natural hazards, health, and climate change. We also focus on human vulnerability and social determinants of risk.
T2.1 Natural hazards — extreme weather, geophysical hazards, and climate change impacts, Food-Water-Energy nexus.
T2.2 Health-related societal risks — societal impact of climate change on health, vulnerability of populations, social determinants of risk.
T3. Preparedness, response, and capacity building
In this sub-theme, we focus on preparedness, response, and capabilities for future events. We also emphasize the implementation of practical measures and the use of training and simulation to build capacity (tools and methods).
T3.1 Civil preparedness and contingency planning — readiness at local and national scales.
T3.2 Crisis training and simulation — from municipal exercises to digital/analog games for decision-making and visualization.
T3.3 Cybersecurity in crisis management — safeguarding critical systems and data during emergencies.
How to participate
During the conference researchers and practitioners will meet to explore and discuss key issues in disaster science, societal risks including natural and health-related hazards, and civil preparedness, as well as other issues that shape our collective ability to strengthen our societies for future challenges.
This conference is designed for researchers, PhD students, master and undergraduate students, national authorities, policy makers, emergency responders, industry professionals, NGO representatives, community representatives, and other practitioners sharing on-the-ground insights.
What to Expect
Expect outstanding keynote speakers, interactive sessions, and lively discussions with experts and peers from diverse disciplines, alongside hands-on workshops, realistic simulations, and opportunities to exchange experiences while working on real-world challenges.
Registration
Conference registration is open until September 7. For more information and to register, please visit the registration page.
Abstract submission
Researchers and practitioners who wish to present are invited to submit their research abstract or practitioner idea by May 17. For more information, please refer to the abstract/idea submission site and the presentation guidelines.