The summer school brought together over 80 participants including researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. Together, they explored new ways to integrate scientific evidence into policy making.

The event kicked off with opening remarks from key speakers, including Professor Ronald Maier from the University of Vienna and Siegfried Jachs from Austria’s Ministry of Interior, who stressed the challenges posed by modern disasters and the need to bridge the gap between science and policy. Erwan Marteil from DG ECHO highlighted the role of the event in improving disaster preparedness and prevention in Europe. The session was moderated by Thomas Glade frrom the University of Vienna and Petra Van Nierop from ICF.

The opening session was followed by a presentation by Chloe Hill, Policy Manager of the European Geosciences Union (EGU), on the need to ‘be bilingual in science and policy’ and how to overcome challenges in integrating evidence into policymaking . She emphasised the importance of using scientific evidence in decision-making, stating, “In a world facing increasingly complex challenges, the role of evidence and scientific advice in policymaking has never been more critical." Hill also encouraged scientists to communicate clearly, build strong networks, and work closely with policymakers to improve outcomes. She also emphasised the role of knowledge brokers in helping translate scientific findings into practical policy recommendations. "There are limited opportunities for two-way dialogues between scientists and policymakers. This conference is exceptional and a great opportunity," Hill remarked, capturing the essence of the summer school’s mission.

I thoroughly enjoyed the DRM Summer School. It provided a unique opportunity to engage with professionals from diverse fields—people we don’t typically interact with in our day-to-day work. As someone from an operational background, I particularly valued the chance to connect with experts from the scientific community and those involved in policymaking. The sessions and workshops were also great as they managed to convey complex concepts in a way that was easy to understand, even without specialised knowledge. One example was learning how AI can be used to better forecast severe meteorological events, such as floods and droughts.

Masterclasses: A Deep Dive into Key Disaster Risk Management Topics

Participants had the opportunity to attend three out of eight masterclasses, over the course of two days, each tackling a vital aspect of disaster risk management. These sessions combined theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, including group discussions, simulations, and problem-solving activities. Topics ranged from the use of AI in disaster response to addressing systemic risks, population displacement, and cyber threats.

The Multiple Uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Disaster Risk Management highighted how AI is revolutionising disaster response, enabling faster data analysis and real-time decision-making. Participants learned how AI enhances the speed and accuracy of data analysis, supports risk modelling, and enables real-time decision-making during crises. They discussed how AI can be integrated into existing policy frameworks and explored its applications in areas such as disaster forecasting and humanitarian crisis management.

Preparedness and Resilience for Managing the Systemic Risk of Compounding Disasters focused on understanding and preparing for systemic risks, particularly when disasters are interconnected. Participants worked through various case studies that illustrated how compounding disasters, like simultaneous natural and man-made events, create unique challenges. They discussed strategies to strengthen resilience and examined decision-making processes during such complex scenarios.

Population Displacement in Emergencies and the Role of International Disaster Law: This session equipped participants with the tools and knowledge needed to handle disaster-induced population displacement effectively. The class covered essential aspects like identifying different types of displacement, prioritising assistance for vulnerable groups, and developing long-term strategies for displaced populations. Participants worked together on a case study, applying their knowledge to real-world scenarios and collaboratively developing solutions. This gave them an understanding of the legal frameworks and practical challenges in protecting displaced communities.

Economics for Investing in Disaster Prevention and Preparedness delved into he financial side of disaster risk management, examining how strategic investments in prevention and preparedness can lead to significant long-term benefits. Participants explored public finance management, budgetary constraints, and cost-benefit analyses. Discussions also focused on how investing in disaster prevention could not only save costs in the long run but also improve overall resilience and recovery in affected regions.

Polycrises and Applying Foresight in Disaster Risk Management: in this masterclass, foresight methods and systems thinking took centre stage. Participants were taught to anticipate and address polycrises—situations where multiple crises overlap and amplify each other’s effects. The masterclass provided tools to better foresee and mitigate emerging threats by considering a broad spectrum of risks, encouraging a proactive approach to disaster management.

Can Hybrid Experts Help Bridge the Science-Policy Gap? explored the roles of scientists, decision-makers, and hybrid experts—professionals with expertise in both research and policymaking. Participants were tasked with interpreting each of the three roles discussing the actions they would take, the information they would require, and the analyses they could provide in each role. This hands-on approach allowed them to experience the different challenges each role faces, fostering a better understanding of how these roles interact and support each other in shaping effective disaster policies.

Developing a Behavioural and Risk Communication Approach that Engages the Public addressed the key challenges of effectively communicating disaster risks to the public, highlighting the difficulties in conveying threats and the importance of preparing communities for future events. Participants explored how people perceive and respond to risks, often influenced by media and personal experience, and how these perceptions can shape public behaviour during a disaster.

Cyber Security Incidents, Blackouts, and Energy Disruptions as Emerging Disasters tackled the growing threat of cyber-attacks and energy disruptions, providing participants with insights into how to handle these emerging forms of disaster. The interactive format featured a realistic tabletop exercise where participants worked through a simulated crisis scenario. This exercise gave them a practical understanding of the complexities involved in responding to such incidents and the importance of coordinating physical and cyber response efforts.

Returning to the Evidence for Policy in Disaster Risk Management Summer School as a co-trainer this year was an incredibly enriching experience. The vibrant discussions and exceptional participants made it clear that, as the saying goes, 'If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room.' I genuinely believe that we, as trainers, often learn more from the participants than they learn from us. I would absolutely do it again, as it's a fantastic opportunity to exchange knowledge and grow together.

This edition of the summer school included activities that encouraged interaction and knowledge sharing. Participants came from a range of diverse backgrounds, including European universities, international organisations, and local authorities, creating a truly interdisciplinary environment. In addition to the formal sessions, there were plenty of opportunities for networking and informal discussions, allowing attendees to connect with experts from different fields. Many participants appreciated the chance to meet peers from various sectors. As one participant noted, “It was invaluable to interact with such a diverse group of experts and practitioners. The insights gained will certainly influence my approach to disaster risk management moving forward”.

There was a strong interest in the topics covered. This event not only expanded each participant's essential contact list but also deepened their understanding. Over time, this will lead to the sharing of information and lessons learned in DRM. I particularly enjoyed the role-playing and brainstorming sessions, which provided a fascinating opportunity to learn how others perceive the same topics based on their diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

The event concluded with a reflective closing session, where participants summarised the key takeaways from their masterclasses and emphasised the importance of continued collaboration between scientists, policy makers, and practitioners to build more resilient communities across Europe.

As the field of disaster risk management continues to evolve, the Evidence for Policy in Disaster Risk Management Summer School remains a crucial platform for fostering dialogue and improving the integration of science into policy. The 2024 edition built on the successes of previous years, highlighting the ongoing need for collaborative approaches to address the increasing complexities of disaster management.