Training scientists to reduce the impact of natural hazards has been the main focus of the CERG-C (Certificat de spécialisation en évaluation et management des Risques Géologiques et risques liés au climat/Specialization certificate for the assessment and management of geological and climate related risk) since its inception in 1988. We take a multidisciplinary approach to the assessment and management of risk from natural hazards, merging ideas from disciplines such as the physical and social sciences, engineering, and economics.

La Fossa, Vulcano, Italy, CERG 2009

Over the last 20 years the CERG-C has trained participants from 65 countries around the world in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) and in association with the United Nations University (UNU), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) and the Swiss Seismological Service (SED). It has also cooperated in research projects around the world.

The essence of our work at the CERG-C is to educate its participants on how to incorporate risk science into everyday reality in an attempt to reduce losses to an acceptable level. Another crucial component of our program is training participants on how to communicate effectively with government agencies, media, public and private sectors before, during and after natural hazard events.

In recent years there has been a significant increase in the impact of major natural disasters worldwide, due in large part to population growth in urban areas and the increasing complexity of the built or constructed environment. The devastation left behind is a stark reminder of the importance of a comprehensive program for risk reduction.

CERG in a nutshell:

• 5 modules: risk management, hazards related to floods and climate change, seismic hazards, landslide hazards, volcanic hazards
• Schedule: 7 weeks of lectures (including field work), 2 weeks of exams, 4 weeks of research (including potential internships) for the compilation of the final Memoir
• Teaching team: 22 international experts in the field of geological risk