Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience

Inspiring Future Leaders: IHRR Welcomes Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School for Immersive Learning Experience

20 May 2026

[05/26] The Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience (IHRR) at Durham University was delighted to welcome a group of A-Level Business and Economics students from Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School for an engaging and immersive outreach visit.

As part of the day’s activities, students took part in two interactive virtual reality (VR) sessions using Meta Quest 3 headsets. Through these guided experiences, students were transported to a range of global locations, including Durham, Nairobi, India, and Nepal. These immersive environments provided a powerful backdrop for exploring key concepts in hazard, risk, and resilience.

During the sessions, IHRR colleagues led discussions on how hazards, vulnerability, and exposure intersect with real-world challenges—particularly in relation to global supply chains and business decision-making. By linking geographical and environmental risk to economic systems, the sessions encouraged students to think critically about the complex factors that shape business resilience in an uncertain world.

The group was highly engaged throughout, bringing thoughtful insights and questions to the discussions and demonstrating a strong interest in the interdisciplinary challenges at the heart of hazard and risk research.

Following their morning with IHRR, the students were invited to lunch at the High Table at Durham Castle, offering a memorable experience of collegiate life at Durham. They then continued their visit at Durham University Business School, where they took part in a series of afternoon lectures, including sessions on marketing, buying and merchandising, and a panel discussion featuring inspiring female academics who shared their career journeys and experiences.

The visit formed part of a wider programme across Durham University, giving students a rich and varied insight into university study and future pathways. As shared by Jo Clapham, Head of Computing and Business at Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School, the day was both thought-provoking and inspiring, with plans already underway for a return visit next year.

The IHRR is proud to contribute to outreach activities that inspire the next generation of students, helping them to connect academic learning with global challenges and future career opportunities. We very much enjoyed hosting such a thoughtful and enthusiastic group and look forward to welcoming Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School again in the future.