CNDS/EGU Summer School 2026
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Natural Hazards in the Anthropocene - Managing natural hazards in a troubled world, 24-28 August 2026
About
This international one-week course gathers PhD students in Earth-, Engineering- and Social sciences for an introduction to the dynamics and impacts of natural hazards (e.g., floods, droughts, wildfires and earthquakes) as well as disaster risk management and social vulnerability under the umbrella of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). Framed by the theme Managing natural hazards in a troubled world, the course underscores the importance of maintaining focus on disaster management amid shifting policy priorities, while also exploring potential synergies across related areas of societal resilience. Through lectures, seminars, and group assignments, the course will explore DRR through the disaster management cycle (mitigation, preparation, response and recovery), looking at the interplay between natural hazards and societal impacts and responses.
Important dates:
- Application opens: 2026-04-20
- Application closes: 2026-05-17
- Acceptance letters: 2026-06-04
- Course starts: 2026-08-24
Course structure
The summer school integrates research themes studied within CNDS and aims to enhance a deeper understanding of society’s ability to prepare for and cope with natural hazard risks. By engaging lecturers and students from different disciplines, the course provides a venue for lively exchanges and discussions amongst participants and experts. The summer school provides a unique international forum to explore the diverse dynamics of DRR, and it is a great opportunity for early career scientists to expand their network and engage in interdisciplinary dialogues and exchanges.
Confirmed lecturers
Marleen de Ruiter
Assistant Professor, VU Amsterdam
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Marleen's research focuses on consecutive disasters and assessing the impacts of adaptation measures on Disaster Risk Reduction.
Micha Werner
Associate professor, IHE Delft
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Micha's research focuses on flood and drought risk management, including forecast verification and dealing with uncertainties, as well as how uncertainties are presented and communicated.
Margareta Wahlström
Swedish diplomat and social scientist
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Margareta Wahlström is an expert in disaster risk reduction and humanitarian affairs, formerly serving as UN Special Representative at the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and as President of the Swedish Red Cross.
Fredrik Bynander
Deputy Director General, Government offices of Sweden
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Fredrik’s expertise is in policy, crisis management, collaborative management, and crisis coordination.
Steffi Burchardt
CNDS Director, Professor, Uppsala University
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Steffi's research focuses on volcanoes – how magma chambers forms and what it takes to trigger an eruption.
Charles Parker
Professor, Uppsala University, CNDS
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Charles’ research focuses on climate change politics, leadership and crisis management.
Jenni Koivisto
Senior lecturer, Karlstad University, CNDS
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Jenni’s research focuses on the management of climate change and natural hazards in the society, including questions related to collaboration, power, learning and how new ideas can be turned into action.
Giuliano Di Baldassarre
Professor, Uppsala University, CNDS
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Giuliano's research focuses on the complex interplay between social, technical and physical processes, in particular on how these can generate risks, crises or disasters.
Sara Lindersson
Postdoc, Uppsala University, CNDS
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Sara’s research focuses on quantitative and international studies at the intersection of disaster research, social vulnerability and data science.
Venue
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The summer school will take place during 24-28 of August, at the Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. Founded in 1477, Uppsala University is the oldest university in Sweden.
Uppsala is located 71 km north of the capital Stockholm. It offers both picturesque countryside and the vibrancy of a big city. You can experience both history and modern living during a visit to Uppsala.
How to get here: Uppsala is easily reached by train in just 30 minutes from Stockholm and 18 minutes from Arlanda Airport.
How to apply
This course is designed for PhD students, and participation is free. Moreover, the European Geosciences Union (EGU) is sponsoring 10 travel grants to facilitate the attendance of early career researchers.
Your application should include a 2-page CV, a 1-page summary of your current research focus, as well as your objectives and motivation for attending the course. Don’t forget to indicate if you would also like to apply for the travel grant provided by EGU.
Apply using this link: CNDS Summer School application form (will open April 20)
Application system will close May 17 (23:59 CEST). Accepted and granted applicants will be notified by 4 June 2026.
Contact
Johanna Mård (CNDS Summer School Coordinator), Email:johanna.maard@geo.uu.se
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