Thirty researchers from the social and natural sciences gathered in Innsbruck to discuss inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to natural hazard risk research. The meeting focused on mountain regions.
The annual meeting of the working group Natural Hazards and Risks ( Arbeitskreis Naturgefahren und Naturrisiken der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Geographie - DGfG ) working group was convened on the 22nd and 23rd of May 2025 at the University of Innsbruck. The event was organised by the research group Human-Landscape Systems: Risk & Resilience (CHLS) from the Department of Geography. The meeting focused on interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches to natural hazard research. Particular focus was placed on mountain regions, with discussions exploring how insights from other disciplines can inform natural hazard risk studies in these areas. The discussions covered the integration of diverse academic disciplines into interdisciplinary work settings, the involvement of relevant stakeholders, and to enhance the understanding of risk and resilience within complex socio-ecological systems. Recent events have demonstrated the need for systemic and integrated approaches to risk management under increasing climate and socio-economic change.
The workshop featured keynote talks by leading experts in physical and human geography and integrative hazard risk research. These talks stimulated the participants to share their perspectives, experiences, and the challenges they face in their day-to-day research activities.
Martin Mergili (University of Graz) discussed the evolution of natural hazard modelling, emphasising the balance between model complexity and usability for risk managers. He demonstrated the potential of next-generation 3D models for real-time hazard simulations, however he also highlighted the challenges of bridging the gap between model developers and users. Simone Sandholz (United Nations University, Bonn) examined the significance of local knowledge and social dynamics in disaster risk reduction (DRR). Drawing on research from Nepal, she emphasised the importance of aligning DRR measures with community priorities, and addressing issues such as data gaps and non-monetary values. Sven Fuchs (BOKU University, Vienna) offered a thought-provoking critique of the conventional separation between the natural and social sciences in risk research. To maintain manageable levels of complexity, he called for clearer terminology and visualisations to improve analysis, communication and decision-making in risk management, particularly in the context of climate change. The workshop emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration to address the complexities of natural hazard risk.
Notably, all three keynote speakers are alumni of the Department of Geography at the University of Innsbruck, thereby reflecting the department's extensive and integrative expertise in hazard risk research.
The participants also undertook a field excursion led by Leopold Stepanek who is working for the local Torrent and Avalanche Control Service (Wildbach- und Lawinenverbauung, WLV). They examined the avalanche barriers protecting the city of Innsbruck and the surrounding villages along the slopes of the Karwendel mountains. Despite being constructed almost a century ago, these barriers continue to play an integral role in mitigating the magnitude and velocity of snow avalanches. Consequently, the excursion emphasised the challenges involved in maintaining these critical structures.
