Risk and Vulnerability Program

The long-term aim of the IIASA Program on Risk and Vulnerability (RAV) is to conduct conceptual and applied analyses that contribute to decreasing the risk and vulnerability of societies and ecosystems, and promoting their adaptation and resilience, to stresses imposed or aggravated by global change phenomena. The research will be relevant mainly, but not exclusively, to developing countries. By addressing the social, economic and ecological system, and considering multiple stresses and system resilience, vulnerability as a researchorganizing concept is more complex than risk. Addressing this complexity is the fundamental challenge of this research program. The specific goals of the program are fourfold: to advance the conceptual and methodological development of risk and vulnerability research; to carry out selected risk and vulnerability assessments; to carry out integrative stakeholder-led case studies; and to develop interactive tools that can provide training on vulnerability and adaptation. In support of these strategic goals, seven projects are planned for 2006. The program will build on the methodologies, activities and experience gained from the previous IIASA Risk, Modeling and Society (RMS) Program, will integrate across other IIASA programs (including the Greenhouse Gas Initiative) and will link closely with the vulnerability/resilience research communities.