[05/26] On Friday 22 May 2026, researchers from across the North East gathered at Durham University’s Confluence Building to mark the launch of the NEARER network, a new collaborative initiative focused on advancing research on environmental risks.
The event brought together about 50 colleagues from Durham University, Newcastle University and Northumbria University, hosted by the Institute of Hazard, Risk & Resilience, highlighting the strength of regional partnerships in addressing complex global challenges. The morning opened with three overview presentations, one from each university, highlighting their respective research capacity.
A lively poster session and “idea wall” followed, showcasing a wide range of interdisciplinary projects. Topics spanned from climate risk assessment and flood management to environmental modelling, landslide prediction and the resilience of infrastructure and communities. The session provided a platform for early-stage ideas and fostered conversations around future collaboration.
The programme continued with a series of short talks, offering rapid-fire insights into current research. Presentations covered a broad spectrum of themes, including cascading hazards in mountainous regions, extreme heat and health outcomes, coastal resilience, pandemic preparedness and the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations. This diversity reflected the network’s commitment to addressing interconnected risks across environmental, social and economic systems.
The event concluded with a plenary discussion, where participants discussed the draft mission statement and objectives, what participants would like to get out of the NEARER network, and the future direction of the NEARER network. The discussions emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and regional partnerships in strengthening resilience to emerging risks.
The NEARER launch represents an important step in building a cohesive research community across the North East, creating new opportunities to share expertise, develop joint projects and respond to the pressing challenges of hazard and risk in a rapidly changing world.
Photo credit: Malamud, B 2026
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