[07/26] How can we communicate uncertain hazard and risk information clearly, credibly, and responsibly when consequences are serious, decisions are urgent, and public trust is at stake?
The Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience (IHRR) is organising a workshop to examine how forecasts, warnings, and predictions about hazardous natural phenomena and their impacts can be communicated clearly, credibly, and responsibly under uncertainty.
Scientists, institutions, professional communicators, and public authorities are often expected to provide guidance when evidence is incomplete, probabilistic, or rapidly evolving. The challenge is to explain what is known, what remains uncertain, and what can realistically be predicted, while avoiding confusion, ineffective responses, or loss of public trust.
The workshop will explore how hazard, risk, and uncertainty information can be translated into messages that are understandable, trustworthy, and useful for decision-making. It will consider different audiences, levels of knowledge, communication tools, language, and channels.
The event will be held at the Calman Learning Centre, Durham University, on 7 and 8 September 2026. The format will combine short case-study presentations, focused group discussions, and plenary debates supported by guiding questions. There is no registration fee.
Further information, including the programme, will be available soon. People interested in attending can contact Prof Fausto Guzzetti at fausto.guzzetti@durham.ac.uk.
Photo credit: AI-generated illustrative banner created with ChatGPT 5. AI-generated illustrative representation of themes covered by the workshop.
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