IHRR host Open House & Networking Event

On a sunny afternoon in May, the Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience (IHRR) at Durham University hosted its much-anticipated Open House and Networking Event at the Calman Learning Centre. With a bright, panoramic view of the iconic Durham skyline from CLC 407, the event brought together researchers, students, and staff for an inspiring afternoon of dialogue, discovery, and connection.

Designed as an informal and interactive session, the event was well attended and created a lively atmosphere filled with curiosity and collaboration. Attendees had the chance to meet and network with the IHRR Core Team, Postdoctoral Research Associates, students, Fellows, and colleagues from across disciplines with shared interests in hazard, risk, and resilience.

The programme featured a variety of engaging activities, including poster presentations that showcased cutting-edge research, and hands-on interactive demonstrations exploring different hazard-related phenomena. One of the highlights of the afternoon was the Virtual Reality (VR) experience—ten headsets allowed visitors to immerse themselves in simulations that brought risk and resilience themes to life in vivid detail.

Adding a creative dimension, the event also featured a curated selection of video and photographic submissions from past Exploring Risk through Visual Arts initiatives. These pieces offered unique perspectives on understanding risk and resilience through artistic and visual storytelling.

The event served not only as a platform to highlight IHRR’s diverse and impactful work but also as an open invitation for wider collaboration. It encouraged attendees to reflect on how their own research and interests might intersect with the Institute’s mission to address global challenges through interdisciplinary approaches to hazard and risk.

Whether deeply embedded in hazard-related work or simply curious to learn more, all were welcomed with enthusiasm. The IHRR team extends their thanks to everyone who joined the event and looks forward to continuing the conversation around resilience and risk in future events.

Photo credit: Dobson, J 2025