UCL Risk and Disaster Reduction

Throwback to the 16th UCL Risk and Disaster Reduction annual conference last week ✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us at UCL East for a day exploring how cities can navigate emerging risks and build resilience. As part of London Climate Action Week, we welcomed delegates from across research, practice, policy and industry.

We’re excited to share the keynote recording from Loretta Hieber Girardet (UNDRR), 'Cities on the edge '.

The talk was a powerful look at extreme heat, compound risk, un‑insurability and the futures of urban governance.

On our event webpage, you can find:
• Photos from the day
• Keynote recording
• Full programme

Explore it here https://www.ucl.ac.uk/mathematical-physical-sciences/events/2026/jun/16th-ucl-risk-and-disaster-reduction-annual-conference?utm_campaign=rdr_monthly&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

Building resilience where it matters most ⚠️

Exploring how science supports real‑world emergency decisions is at the heart of the Risk, Disaster and Resilience MSc.

After graduating, alumna Sarah Kitching stepped into a role in emergency planning. She helped a London borough prepare for and respond to major incidents as part of the UK’s Category 1 responder system.

Sarah delivered training and exercises, supported staff during emergencies, and led community‑resilience projects that helped residents plan for the unexpected.

The MSc gave her applied insight into risk governance, emergency management and institutional resilience, alongside scenario‑based learning and guest speakers who highlighted the many career paths in disaster risk reduction.

Find out more about Sarah's career path and how the MSc can support your next step.https://www.ucl.ac.uk/mathematical-physical-sciences/case-studies/2026/may/sarah-kitching?utm_campaign=rdr-pgtstudy&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

Three ways climate action can be more inclusive for 1.3 billion disabled people How to place disabled people, who are some of the most vulnerable, at the centre of climate change negotiations.

Tomorrow’s the day!

The 16th UCL Risk and Disaster Reduction annual conference arrives at UCL East.

A full day of panels on 'Cities of the future', from multi‑hazard risk to infrastructure resilience and urban displacement.

Last remaining tickets available here https://www.ucl.ac.uk/mathematical-physical-sciences/events/2026/jun/16th-ucl-risk-and-disaster-reduction-annual-conference?utm_campaign=rdr_monthly&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook