To view the full program as a PDF, click here to download.Risk analysis in the Nordic area in a time of transition10th SRA-Europe Nordic Chapter ConferenceEdda – Institute for Icelandic Studies, ReykjavíkTuesday, October 1st. 202608:30–09:00 Registration and coffee on arrival09:00–09:10 Welcome and opening09:10–09:20 SRA EUROPE – Tom JansenRIVM, NLA short introduction to SRA Europe and how to get involved09:20–10:05 KEYNOTE – Katherine McComasProfessor, Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, US“When the Earth Moves: Risk Perception and the Politics of Geothermal Acceptance”10:05–10:30 Coffee10:30–11:15 PLENARY SESSION 1 – “Whose acceptance? Publics, policy and the energy transition”Chair: Gisela Böhm10:30 Frederic Bouder (University of Stavanger, NO) – Risk acceptance and tolerance of wind power: comparing Nordic and non-Nordic experiences10:45 Gisela Böhm (University of Bergen, NO) – Aligning public perceptions and national policy: a mental models approach to energy transition pathways in the Netherlands and Norway11:00 Aistė Balžekienė (Kaunas University of Technology, LT) – Uncertainties and risks in the green transition: the role of civil society11:15–12:10 ROUNDTABLE 1 – “Whose acceptance, whose transition? Energy, geothermal and public trust in the Nordic region”Moderator: Þórhallur HalldórssonPanel: Katherine McComas, Frederic Bouder, Gisela Böhm and Aistė Balžekienė12:10–13:20 Lunch13:20–14:35 Parallel sessionsA1 – Sectoral systems under pressure: energy, maritime, markets and foodChair: Gisela Böhm13:20 Kari Mäki (Tampere University, FI) – Cross-sectoral energy system resilience13:35 Mojtaba Barzehkar (Aalto University, FI) – Wintertime maritime traffic and offshore wind farm interactions, Northern Baltic13:50 Dominykas Linkevičius & Laima Okunevičiūtė Neverauskienė (Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, LT) – Emerging real estate investment risks under the green and digital transition14:05 Paulina Budrytė (Kaunas University of Technology, LT) – Monitoring local digital currencies and managing emerging risks14:20 Maija Nikkanen (University of Helsinki, FI) – Collaborative risk governance in the dairy sector: trust and tensionB1 – Vulnerability-informed preparedness capacityChair: Kati Orru13:20 Kati Orru (University of Tartu, EE) – Disaster preparedness capacity analysis: multi-hazard scenarios13:35 Sten Hansson (University of Tartu, EE) – Disaster preparedness education for children: a comparative framework13:50 Ida Joao-Hussar (University of Tartu, EE) – Vulnerability assessment for people with physical disabilities14:05 Ahmed Atia Rezk (University of Tartu, EE) – Adoption of innovation in disaster risk management systems in Europe14:20 Session discussion (15 min)14:35–14:55 Coffee14:55–16:00 Parallel sessionsA2 – Perception, culture and communicationChair: Frederic Bouder14:55 Linda Kvarnlöf (Mid Sweden University, SE) – Safe places? Rural imaginaries in risk biographies15:10 Sigurður Emil Pálsson (University of Iceland, IS) – From sagas to cyberspace: a practitioner’s view of Icelandic resilience15:25 Benjamin Scheibehenne (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, DE) – Risk as range15:40 Michael Stieber (Harz University of Applied Sciences, DE) – Managing the expectation gap: psychosocial risk in ICE environments15:55 Session discussion (5 min)B2 – Catastrophic risk, foresight and decision under uncertaintyChair: Tom Jansen14:55 H. Orri Stefánsson (Stockholm University, SE) – Risk management under severe uncertainty15:10 Mateusz Sosnowski (KTH Stockholm and Södertörn Fire and Rescue Service, SE) – Sufficient and satisfactory? A sufficientarian framework for civil protection15:25 Nick Wilson (University of Otago, NZ) – Volcanic winter and famine: Tambora 1815 and statistical associations 1–1900 CE15:45 Ingeliis Siimsen (University of Tartu, EE) – Strategic foresight in disaster risk management: practices across Europe16:00–16:30 Coffee16:30–17:15 PLENARY SESSION 2 – “Security, defence and democratic resilience in the Nordic-Baltic region”Chair: Aistė Balžekienė16:30 Sara Bondesson (Lund University, SE) – Can protecting democratic values put them at risk? Security, risk and democratic values in Swedish total defence planning16:45 Christine Große (Luleå University of Technology, SE) – Lost in transition? The (re-)construction of comprehensive defence in Sweden17:00 Anna Moraczewska (Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, PL) – Strategic islands as risk observatories: can Greenland and Gotland anticipate future systemic risks?17:15–17:40 DISCUSSION – “Whose security, whose resilience? Total defence, civic mobilisation and democratic values in the Nordic-Baltic region”Moderator: Aistė BalžekienėPanel: Sara Bondesson, Christine Große, Anna Moraczewska, Kati Orru and Mateusz Sosnowski17:40–17:45 Closing of day 117:45–18:35 SRA-EUROPE NORDIC CHAPTER BUSINESS MEETINGMembers and anyone interested19:30 Conference dinnerForréttabarinn. Optional, separate booking. Friday, October 2nd, 202609:00–09:45 KEYNOTE – Matthias KokorschPh.D., University Centre of the Westfjords, IS“From Emergency to Precedent: Grindavík and the Future of Climate Risk Governance in Iceland”09:45–10:10 Coffee10:10–11:25 PLENARY SESSION 3 – “Hazard, community and continuity in remote and island regions”Chair: Paulina Budrytė10:10 Adda Þóreyjardóttir Smáradóttir (ÖRUGG Consulting Engineers, IS) – Children as a risk parameter: psychosocial consequence, rights as constraint, and continuity in recovery assessment10:25 Jóhanna Gísladóttir (Agricultural University of Iceland and University Centre of the Westfjords, IS) – When the community is the system: disaster risk management and climate adaptation in remote settlements in Iceland10:40 Böðvar Tómasson (University of Iceland, IS) – From events to functions: a bottom-up societal continuity for national safety10:55 Björn Karlsson (University of Iceland, IS) – The development of a methodology for risk and rescue capability assessment in the Baltic Sea Region and application to maritime rescue scenarios in the Nordic Arctic11:10 Matt Boyd (Adapt Research & Islands for the Future of Humanity, NZ) – From systemic risk to persisting nodes of complexity: islands as a hedge against global societal collapse11:25–11:55 ROUNDTABLE 2 – “From emergency to precedent: what does Grindavík oblige us to change, and what do other island societies already know?”Moderator: Þórhallur HalldórssonPanel: Matthias Kokorsch and the speakers of Plenary Session 311:55–12:20 Closing discussion, remarks and group photo12:20 End of conference. Light lunch12:50–13:50 POST-CONFERENCE ROUND TABLE (open to all) – “What can small nations do to mitigate national and global risks? Examples from Iceland and New Zealand”Hosted by Matt Boyd and Nick Wilson (NZ) with Icelandic colleagues. Main conference room.Short introductions from New Zealand and Iceland, then open discussion: national risk and vulnerability assessment, anticipatory governance, deliberative approaches to resilience, catastrophic risk, regional cooperation and ideas for research. Open to all participants and invited guests.

Registration and fees

Registrationhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfULM2UqUE4OpEhYkYySPVKBaVDimELTzjZQEu75OFcxo85iQ/viewform?usp=dialogRegistration fee Regular (€365) Payment should be made on this secure link: https://greidslusida.valitor.is/Tengill/v3qfzqSRA-Member (€300) Payment should be made on this secure link: https://greidslusida.valitor.is/Tengill/c2g4asStudent (€150) Students pay through this link: https://greidslusida.valitor.is/Tengill/qx8m4x Payments can also be made through bank transfer:Bank: Landsbankinn hf.Address: Reykjastraeti 6, 101 Reykjavik, IcelandIBAN number: IS94 0137 3871 0001 6001 6920 39SWIFT code: NBIIISREAccount holder: University of IcelandAddress: Saemundargata 2, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland.VAT number: 19133Please include as text with the transfer: "Internal University account no: 124471, SRA Nordic conference October 2026.“

SRA Nordic 2026

Q: Abstract submission

Abstract submission For abstract submission, please use the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSel3cfA2JQ2yDWhBw-gN9DxLGpPKhzM6dwHxH4svjGW9-7X-w/viewform?usp=dialog

Date
Starts October 1st. 2026
Ends October 2nd. 2026

Language
English

Location
Edda - Institute for Icelandic Studies (Arngrímsgata 5, 107-Reykjavik)

Contact
tih@hi.is

We are pleased to welcome you to the 10th SRA-Europe Nordic Chapter conference: “Risk analysis in the Nordic area in a time of transition.”

Starts October 1st. 2026 at 9:00
Ends October 2nd. 2026 at 13:00

Key dates:

Abstract submission: August 1st 2026 (notifications on abstract acceptancy by August 15)
Registration deadline:
- September 12th 2026 for presenters,
- all others September 24, 2026

The conference provides an interdisciplinary forum for the presentation and discussion of current research in risk science, including risk perception, communication, assessment, governance, management, and policy, with particular emphasis on contemporary challenges facing the Nordic region.

The Nordic and Baltic regions are currently experiencing profound geopolitical realignments from both anticipated and unforeseen directions. These developments unfold alongside already observable climate impacts and broader societal transformations. More broadly, the global landscape is characterised by shifting security architectures, accelerating climate change, and rapid technological advances. How can risk science and risk analysis contribute to understanding, anticipating, and managing these complex and interrelated challenges?

The conference seeks to provide a dynamic and inclusive forum for scholarly exchange and professional dialogue. By convening early-career, established, and leading experts in risk research and practice, we aim to reinforce the community engaged in addressing the evolving challenges confronting the Nordic, Baltic and Arctic regions, while promoting rigorous debate, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the formation of new research partnerships.

More information will follow…..

Katherine McComas, professor, Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

When the Earth Moves: Risk Perception and the Politics of Geothermal Acceptance

Matthias Kokorsch, Ph.D. University Centre of the Westfjords

From Emergency to Precedent: Grindavík and the Future of Climate Risk Governance in Iceland

To view the full program as a PDF, click here to download.

Risk analysis in the Nordic area in a time of transition

10th SRA-Europe Nordic Chapter Conference
Edda – Institute for Icelandic Studies, Reykjavík

Tuesday, October 1st. 2026

08:30–09:00 Registration and coffee on arrival
09:00–09:10 Welcome and opening

09:10–09:20 SRA EUROPE – Tom Jansen
RIVM, NL
A short introduction to SRA Europe and how to get involved

09:20–10:05 KEYNOTE – Katherine McComas
Professor, Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, US
“When the Earth Moves: Risk Perception and the Politics of Geothermal Acceptance”

10:05–10:30 Coffee

10:30–11:15 PLENARY SESSION 1 – “Whose acceptance? Publics, policy and the energy transition”
Chair: Gisela Böhm

10:30 Frederic Bouder (University of Stavanger, NO) – Risk acceptance and tolerance of wind power: comparing Nordic and non-Nordic experiences
10:45 Gisela Böhm (University of Bergen, NO) – Aligning public perceptions and national policy: a mental models approach to energy transition pathways in the Netherlands and Norway
11:00 Aistė Balžekienė (Kaunas University of Technology, LT) – Uncertainties and risks in the green transition: the role of civil society

11:15–12:10 ROUNDTABLE 1 – “Whose acceptance, whose transition? Energy, geothermal and public trust in the Nordic region”
Moderator: Þórhallur Halldórsson
Panel: Katherine McComas, Frederic Bouder, Gisela Böhm and Aistė Balžekienė

12:10–13:20 Lunch

13:20–14:35 Parallel sessions

A1 – Sectoral systems under pressure: energy, maritime, markets and food
Chair: Gisela Böhm

13:20 Kari Mäki (Tampere University, FI) – Cross-sectoral energy system resilience
13:35 Mojtaba Barzehkar (Aalto University, FI) – Wintertime maritime traffic and offshore wind farm interactions, Northern Baltic
13:50 Dominykas Linkevičius & Laima Okunevičiūtė Neverauskienė (Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, LT) – Emerging real estate investment risks under the green and digital transition
14:05 Paulina Budrytė (Kaunas University of Technology, LT) – Monitoring local digital currencies and managing emerging risks
14:20 Maija Nikkanen (University of Helsinki, FI) – Collaborative risk governance in the dairy sector: trust and tension

B1 – Vulnerability-informed preparedness capacity
Chair: Kati Orru

13:20 Kati Orru (University of Tartu, EE) – Disaster preparedness capacity analysis: multi-hazard scenarios
13:35 Sten Hansson (University of Tartu, EE) – Disaster preparedness education for children: a comparative framework
13:50 Ida Joao-Hussar (University of Tartu, EE) – Vulnerability assessment for people with physical disabilities
14:05 Ahmed Atia Rezk (University of Tartu, EE) – Adoption of innovation in disaster risk management systems in Europe
14:20 Session discussion (15 min)

14:35–14:55 Coffee

14:55–16:00 Parallel sessions

A2 – Perception, culture and communication
Chair: Frederic Bouder

14:55 Linda Kvarnlöf (Mid Sweden University, SE) – Safe places? Rural imaginaries in risk biographies
15:10 Sigurður Emil Pálsson (University of Iceland, IS) – From sagas to cyberspace: a practitioner’s view of Icelandic resilience
15:25 Benjamin Scheibehenne (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, DE) – Risk as range
15:40 Michael Stieber (Harz University of Applied Sciences, DE) – Managing the expectation gap: psychosocial risk in ICE environments
15:55 Session discussion (5 min)

B2 – Catastrophic risk, foresight and decision under uncertainty
Chair: Tom Jansen

14:55 H. Orri Stefánsson (Stockholm University, SE) – Risk management under severe uncertainty
15:10 Mateusz Sosnowski (KTH Stockholm and Södertörn Fire and Rescue Service, SE) – Sufficient and satisfactory? A sufficientarian framework for civil protection
15:25 Nick Wilson (University of Otago, NZ) – Volcanic winter and famine: Tambora 1815 and statistical associations 1–1900 CE
15:45 Ingeliis Siimsen (University of Tartu, EE) – Strategic foresight in disaster risk management: practices across Europe

16:00–16:30 Coffee

16:30–17:15 PLENARY SESSION 2 – “Security, defence and democratic resilience in the Nordic-Baltic region”
Chair: Aistė Balžekienė

16:30 Sara Bondesson (Lund University, SE) – Can protecting democratic values put them at risk? Security, risk and democratic values in Swedish total defence planning
16:45 Christine Große (Luleå University of Technology, SE) – Lost in transition? The (re-)construction of comprehensive defence in Sweden
17:00 Anna Moraczewska (Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, PL) – Strategic islands as risk observatories: can Greenland and Gotland anticipate future systemic risks?

17:15–17:40 DISCUSSION – “Whose security, whose resilience? Total defence, civic mobilisation and democratic values in the Nordic-Baltic region”
Moderator: Aistė Balžekienė
Panel: Sara Bondesson, Christine Große, Anna Moraczewska, Kati Orru and Mateusz Sosnowski

17:40–17:45 Closing of day 1

17:45–18:35 SRA-EUROPE NORDIC CHAPTER BUSINESS MEETING
Members and anyone interested

19:30 Conference dinner
Forréttabarinn. Optional, separate booking.

Friday, October 2nd, 2026

09:00–09:45 KEYNOTE – Matthias Kokorsch
Ph.D., University Centre of the Westfjords, IS
“From Emergency to Precedent: Grindavík and the Future of Climate Risk Governance in Iceland”

09:45–10:10 Coffee

10:10–11:25 PLENARY SESSION 3 – “Hazard, community and continuity in remote and island regions”
Chair: Paulina Budrytė

10:10 Adda Þóreyjardóttir Smáradóttir (ÖRUGG Consulting Engineers, IS) – Children as a risk parameter: psychosocial consequence, rights as constraint, and continuity in recovery assessment
10:25 Jóhanna Gísladóttir (Agricultural University of Iceland and University Centre of the Westfjords, IS) – When the community is the system: disaster risk management and climate adaptation in remote settlements in Iceland
10:40 Böðvar Tómasson (University of Iceland, IS) – From events to functions: a bottom-up societal continuity for national safety
10:55 Björn Karlsson (University of Iceland, IS) – The development of a methodology for risk and rescue capability assessment in the Baltic Sea Region and application to maritime rescue scenarios in the Nordic Arctic
11:10 Matt Boyd (Adapt Research & Islands for the Future of Humanity, NZ) – From systemic risk to persisting nodes of complexity: islands as a hedge against global societal collapse

11:25–11:55 ROUNDTABLE 2 – “From emergency to precedent: what does Grindavík oblige us to change, and what do other island societies already know?”
Moderator: Þórhallur Halldórsson
Panel: Matthias Kokorsch and the speakers of Plenary Session 3

11:55–12:20 Closing discussion, remarks and group photo

12:20 End of conference. Light lunch

12:50–13:50 POST-CONFERENCE ROUND TABLE (open to all) – “What can small nations do to mitigate national and global risks? Examples from Iceland and New Zealand”

Hosted by Matt Boyd and Nick Wilson (NZ) with Icelandic colleagues. Main conference room.

Short introductions from New Zealand and Iceland, then open discussion: national risk and vulnerability assessment, anticipatory governance, deliberative approaches to resilience, catastrophic risk, regional cooperation and ideas for research. Open to all participants and invited guests.

Registration

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfULM2UqUE4OpEhYkYySPVKBaVDimELTzjZQEu75OFcxo85iQ/viewform?usp=dialog

Registration fee

Regular (€365) Payment should be made on this secure link: https://greidslusida.valitor.is/Tengill/v3qfzq
SRA-Member (€300) Payment should be made on this secure link: https://greidslusida.valitor.is/Tengill/c2g4as
Student (€150) Students pay through this link: https://greidslusida.valitor.is/Tengill/qx8m4x

Payments can also be made through bank transfer:

Bank: Landsbankinn hf.
Address: Reykjastraeti 6, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
IBAN number: IS94 0137 3871 0001 6001 6920 39
SWIFT code: NBIIISRE
Account holder: University of Iceland
Address: Saemundargata 2, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland.
VAT number: 19133

Please include as text with the transfer: "Internal University account no: 124471, SRA Nordic conference October 2026.“

Abstract submission

For abstract submission, please use the following link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSel3cfA2JQ2yDWhBw-gN9DxLGpPKhzM6dwHxH4svjGW9-7X-w/viewform?usp=dialog

We have not reserved a room block. Delegates are asked to book independently.

The venue, Edda – Institute for Icelandic Studies (Arngrímsgata 5, 107 Reykjavík), is about 1 km from the city center (the Parliament building at Austurvöllur), a ten-minute walk. There is a wide choice of hotels and guesthouses across a range of prices within 2.5 km of the venue, and the usual booking sites cover them well.

If you would like a tip or two on where to stay, email tih@hi.is, and we will gladly help.

The conference dinner takes place on the evening of October 1st. It is booked separately from conference registration. Details of time, place and price will be sent to all registered delegates and posted here shortly.