Skip to main content
main content, press tab to continue

15 years of Science for Resilience

The Willis Research Network (WRN) was created in 2006 and celebrates its 15-year anniversary this year. Our 2021 WRN conference (18-20th May) looked back at 15 years of partnership with public science, and achievements along the way to develop practical, applied research that delivers innovative insights on risk and resilience. It also looked ahead at the challenges we still face. This page collates the conference plenary sessions, designed for a broad, not-necessarily technical audience, yet interested in how science is helping risk and resilience decision-making.

This page also provides a wide selection of further material: interviews, blogs, “tech-talks” and seminars on demand, for further insights into research projects.


Day 1: Weather, Climate and Flooding

Weather and flood related risks drive significant economic and insured natural catastrophe losses, posing considerable challenges across global insurance portfolios and large complex organisations, especially in the context of a changing climate. Since 2006, WRN partners have advanced understanding of these challenges and supported the development of practical solutions.

Session 1: The impact of Willis Research Network

Live session recording
  • Welcome and keynote address – reflecting on the impact of WRN on the industry
    This video focuses on the introduction to the conference and it is followed by James Vickers reflecting on the impact of WRN on the industry. Professor Dame Julia Slingo and Dr. Greg Holland also elaborate on climate change and the challenges ahead and the session is finished following a panel session moderated by Rowan Douglas.
Watch more

Session 2: Flood risks under the spotlight

Live session recording
Panel session podcast

In 2019, the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority challenged the insurance industry to stress test their portfolios for the impact of climate change. This regulatory push has been reinforced by investor pressures and a societal push within the market and put the flood risk in particular under the spotlight where academic insights provided the competitive edge. In 2021, the quest is still on, and the industry is leaning increasingly on academia for credible answers.

Moderator

Nalan Senol Cabi
Nalan Senol Cabi

Head of Flood Risks Research
Willis Research Network


Panellists

Prof. Chris Kilsby
Prof. Chris Kilsby

Professor of Hydrology and Climate Change
Newcastle University


Dr. Shie-Yui Liong
Dr. Shie-Yui Liong

Consultant to Tropical Marine Science Institute of
National University of Singapore


Richard Sanders
Richard Sanders

Executive Director
Willis Re


Dr. Timothy Fewtrell
Dr. Timothy Fewtrell

Regional Director
Willis Re


Dr. Jeff Czajkowski
Dr. Jeff Czajkowski

Director
National Association of Insurance Commissioners


Video Player is loading.
Rising levels of flood risk (audio only)
Current Time 0:00
Duration 26:08
Loaded: 0.64%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 26:08
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • en (Main), selected
    Flood risks under the spotlight
    Watch more
    • WRN Spotlight: Nalan Senol Cabi
      Nalan Senol Cabi is the Head of Flood Risks Research at Willis Research Network.
    • WRN Spotlight: Bessie Schwarz
      Bessie Schwarz is the CEO and Co-founder of Cloud to Street.
    • WRN Spotlight: Gabriele Villarini
      Gabriele Villarini reflects back on his time as a WRN Fellow at Princeton University and his interactions across the network providing an interdisciplinary approach to understanding risk.
    • WRN Spotlight: Paul Bates
      Professor Paul Bates, Professor of Hydrology at the University of Bristol and founder of Fathom discusses his position as a founding member of the Willis Research Network looking at applied flood research for the insurance industry.
    • WRN Spotlight: Chris Kilsby
      Professor Chris Kilsby from Newcastle University provides his views on the decade of work completed with the Willis Research Network looking at flood analysis and modelling.
    • WRN Spotlight: Yui Liong
      Shie-Yui Liong looks back on his time at WRN Partners the Tropical Marine Institute at the National University of Singapore.
    • WRN Spotlight: Tim Fewtrell
      Tim Fewtrell provides his thoughts on the evolution of the Willis Research Network.
    • Indonesia Flood Model
      Richard Sanders, Executive Director, Willis Re

    Session 3: Weather and climate risk research: From  insight to impact

    Live session recording
    Panel session podcast

    An overview of WRN's weather and climate research over the last 15 years, with a panel discussion including the academic speakers and representatives from Willis Towers Watson, who answered questions from the audience relating to research and current business applications.

    Moderator

    Geoffrey Saville
    Geoffrey Saville

    Head of Weather and Climate Risks Research
    Willis Research Network


    Panellists

    Dr. James Done
    Dr. James Done

    National Center for Atmospheric Research


    Prof. Dr Michael Kunz
    Prof. Dr Michael Kunz

    Karslruhe Institute of Technology


    Dr. Tina Thomson
    Dr. Tina Thomson

    Head of Catastrophe Analytics EMEA West-South
    Willis Towers Watson


    Video Player is loading.
    Modelling weather risk in a changing climate (audio only)
    Current Time 0:00
    Duration 24:15
    Loaded: 0.69%
    Stream Type LIVE
    Remaining Time 24:15
     
    1x
      • Chapters
      • descriptions off, selected
      • en (Main), selected
      Weather and climate risk research: From  insight to impact
      Watch more
      • Willis Research Network Spotlights with James Done
        This video focuses on understanding high impact weather and the physical processes behind catastrophic weather events.
      • WRN Spotlight: Understanding weather events and climates by analyzing the extent, severity and origins of hailstorms and thunderstorms
        Dr. Heinz Jürgen Punge talks weather events and climates, focusing on thunderstorms and hail research. This is done by looking at satellite data and radar data to analyse the extent, the severity and the origins of hailstorm.
      • Willis Re EMEA Hail models - use cases and additional offering for our clients
        Willis Re discuss hail model developments across the EMEA region, and their application to business needs.
      • WRN Spotlight: Jeff Czajkowski
        An interview with former WRN fellow Jeff Czajkowski from his time working with the Willis Research Network.
      • WRN Spotlight: Chiara Lepore
        Chiara Lepore discusses her work at Columbia University which focusses on severe weather modelling across North America.
      • WRN Spotlight: Ben Youngman
        Dr. Ben Youngman talks about his research with the WRN and how it can be applied to industry needs.

      Day 2: Earth and Secondary Perils

      The 10-year anniversary of Tohoku reminds us that earthquakes have unpredictable and devastating consequences and require in depth understanding of the science and physics behind them. It was also a reminder that so-called secondary perils need more focus alongside traditional risks.

      Session 1: Less modelled perils: Future directions

      Live session recording
      Panel session podcast

      Our panel session on Day 2 focused on volcanic, tsunami, and other secondary peril research and why they are lagging behind more established hazard modelling and what we need to do in order to improve our understanding of such risks.

      Moderator

      James Vickers
      James Vickers

      Chairman of Willis Re International


      Panellists

      Prof. Imamura
      Prof. Imamura

      IRIDeS
      Tohoku University, Japan


      Prof. Anawat Suppasri
      Prof. Anawat Suppasri

      IRIDeS
      Tohoku University, Japan


      Dr. Alejandro Martí
      Dr. Alejandro Martí

      CEO Mitiga Solutions
      Barcelona, Spain


      Prof. Tiziana Rossetto
      Prof. Tiziana Rossetto

      EPICentre
      University College London


      Dr. Graham Felce
      Dr. Graham Felce

      Divisional Director, Catastrophe Analytics Asia Pacific
      Willis Re International


      Andrew Hall
      Andrew Hall

      Global Client Relationship Director
      Willis Towers Watson


      Video Player is loading.
      Panel Session: The Perils of Unmodelled (audio only)
      Current Time 0:00
      Duration 51:42
      Loaded: 0.32%
      Stream Type LIVE
      Remaining Time 51:42
       
      1x
        • Chapters
        • descriptions off, selected
        • en (Main), selected
        Less modelled perils: Future directions
        Watch more
        • Bridging the gap between Science and Academia
          Max Arizzi discusses strategic considerations on motivations of working with academia for developing a stronger view of risk.
        • The Portuguese risk landscape
          The Association of Portuguese Insurers (APS) provide their views on the current risk landscape and challenges of catastrophe risk to the Portuguese Re/insurance market.
        • Japan Tsunami Model
          Graham Felce introduces the tsunami model built with WRN input, and Koji Yamamoto discusses how the model has been used to support decision-making through case studies.

        Session 2: Standard for global modelling with local impact

        Live session recording
        Panel session podcast

        For the second panel session of the day we outlined the global public-private modelling initiatives and their application across different stakeholder communities, their benefits, and the requirements for developing, curating and sustaining global systems and tools, and in particular how these can be applied to support global, regional, and local risk assessment and risk reduction strategies.

        Moderator

        Matt Foote
        Matt Foote

        Director, Climate and Resilience Hub
        Willis Towers Watson


        Panellists

        John Schneider
        John Schneider

        Global Earthquake Model Foundation


        Prof. Paul Bates
        Prof. Paul Bates

        Cabot Institute for the Environment
        University of Bristol


        Dr. Emma Raven
        Dr. Emma Raven

        Principal Analyst
        JBA Risk Management


        Video Player is loading.
        Panel session: Global Risk models (audio only)
        Current Time 0:00
        Duration 24:45
        Loaded: 0.67%
        Stream Type LIVE
        Remaining Time 24:45
         
        1x
          • Chapters
          • descriptions off, selected
          • en (Main), selected
          Standard for global modelling with local impact
          Watch more

          Session 3: Seismic Risk: Aftershocks and Megashocks

          Live session recording
          Panel session podcast

          Listen to an in-depth discussion on the role research can play in helping understand Seismic risk, including case study examples of applied work and the potential impacts to significantly improve the accuracy and range of projected losses for future large earthquake events.

          Moderator

          Prasad Gunturi
          Prasad Gunturi

          Executive Vice President
          Willis Re


          Panellists

          Dr. Ross Stein
          Dr. Ross Stein

          CEO, Temblor


          Prof. Kim Olsen
          Prof. Kim Olsen

          Department of Geological Sciences
          San Diego State University


          Dr. Myrto Papaspiliou
          Dr. Myrto Papaspiliou

          Lead Earthquake Specialist
          Willis Re


          Video Player is loading.
          Panel session: The future direction of earthquake research (audio only)
          Current Time 0:00
          Duration 38:25
          Loaded: 0.43%
          Stream Type LIVE
          Remaining Time 38:25
           
          1x
            • Chapters
            • descriptions off, selected
            • en (Main), selected
            Seismic Risk: Aftershocks and Megashocks
            Watch more

            Day 3: Emerging Risks, Future of Technology and Societal Resilience

            The past year has shown the nature of risk is changing dramatically. New insights are needed as risk is recognised as increasingly interconnected and people and technology-driven, with discussions around “digital-first” and societal resilience taking centre stage.

            Session 1: Emerging Risks

            Live session recording

            In preparation for the 2021 Willis Research Network conference, the Emerging Risks hub ran a survey looking to gain insight into the emerging risks on the agenda of clients, colleagues and industry across key themes. Lucy Stanbrough, Head of Emerging Risks for the Willis Research Network, introduces how outputs from this survey are being used to populate rich narrative scenarios that draw together and highlight the interconnections between drivers and risks. These scenarios formed the basis of discussion between panel members representing key perspectives to highlight risks, opportunities, and how science can be used to support awareness and understanding.

            Moderator

            Lucy Stanbrough
            Lucy Stanbrough

            Head of Emerging Risks Research,
            Willis Research Network


            Panellists

            John M. Bremen
            John M. Bremen

            Managing Director, Human Capital & Benefits, and Global Head of
            Thought Leadership and Innovation, Willis Towers Watson


            Karen Larbey
            Karen Larbey

            Global Head of Industry, Aerospace,
            Willis Towers Watson


            Harjeet Dhillon
            Harjeet Dhillon

            Executive Director, Willis Re


            Amalia Khachatryan
            Amalia Khachatryan

            Deputy Director & Head of Scenarios and
            Policy Planning, Oxford Analytica


            Dr Nina Seega
            Dr Nina Seega

            Research Director for Sustainable Finance at the Cambridge
            Institute for Sustainability Leadership


            Watch more
            • Pandemics under the microscope: using science for resilience
              On October 8th 2020 the Willis Research Network hosted a webinar with our partner, Metabiota, to discuss how they use science to help business and countries build resilience.
            • Emerging risks with Willis Re ERM and Willis Research Network
              Lucy Stanbrough joins Dave Ingram and Daniil Shalmiyev for the final ERM Webinar of 2020 on Emerging Risks.
            • Willis Research Network Spotlight series: Elisabeth Braw
              Elisabeth Braw directs the Modern Deterrence project at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a Willis Research Network Partner. In this video she discusses how the project’s research applies to the industry and modern society.
            • Impact of Pandemic in Life Programmes
              Inti Gomez, Head of Actuaries, Willis Re Latin America & Caribbean, and Miguel Araujo, London Reinsurance Broking & CAT Analytics Lead for Iberia, Willis Re

            Session 2: The Digital Future

            Live session recording
            Panel session podcast

            The next generation of technology will have profound implications for the way we work. The panel discussion brought together a number of perspectives on what the Digital Future means for technology.

            Moderator

            Fredrik Motzfeldt
            Fredrik Motzfeldt

            GB Regional Industry Leader for Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT)
            Willis Towers Watson


            Panellists

            Stuart Calam
            Stuart Calam

            Programme Director of Willis Research Network
            Head of Technology Risks Research


            Heather Connery
            Heather Connery

            Corporate Risk and Broking (GB) Chief of Staff
            Willis Towers Watson


            Prof. Peter Kawalek
            Prof. Peter Kawalek

            Professor of Information Management, Director of the Centre for Information Management
            Loughborough University


            Mark Galgano
            Mark Galgano

            Digital Advisor
            Microsoft


            Jenn Kelly
            Jenn Kelly

            Senior Director, Embark & Embark for Total Rewards
            Willis Towers Watson


            Video Player is loading.
            The Digital Future (audio only)
            Current Time 0:00
            Duration 39:11
            Loaded: 0.42%
            Stream Type LIVE
            Remaining Time 39:11
             
            1x
              • Chapters
              • descriptions off, selected
              • en (Main), selected
              The Digital Future
              Watch more
              • Cyber attacks: from crime to nation-state tool of aggression
                The nature of our relationship with technology is increasingly complex and challenging and this evolution permeates across the risk landscape. Elisabeth Braw from the RUSI (Royal United Services Institute) Modern Deterrence Programme gives insight into the changing nature of cyber-attacks and what this means for business today.
              • Toward AI 2.0: Transfer Learning
                Taken from the TECHNGI & WRN Artificial Intelligence and Next Generation Insurance Services conference, David Lopez lecturer in Digital Economy at Exeter University provides perspectives on transfer learning as a cornerstone for implementing Artificial Intelligence.
              • Artificial Intelligence and Business Models
                Professor Chris Holland provides insight on the use of Artificial Intelligence in business models.
              • Panel session on Cyber Risk Management
                A panel session from the 2019 WRN Conference featuring Andrew Hall (Willis Towers Watson), Matt Palmer (Willis Towers Watson), Elisabeth Braw (RUSI - Modern Deterrence programme), Prof. Andrew Martin (University of Oxford - Cyber Security Centre) and Pete Cooper (Pavisade) providing a tour d’horizon of the top cyber risks and trends, reflecting on how organisations are currently managing those risks.
              • Willis Research Network Spotlight series: Alistair Milne
                Alistair Milne is a professor of financial economics at Loughborough University. He was previously at Cass Business School and also held positions at the Bank of England, the University of Surrey, London Business School, HM Treasury and the national statistics office of Malawi.
              • Quarterly InsurTech Briefing Q1 2021
                This briefing explores the InsurTech’s InsurTech initiatives and thought leaders focused on the future of product and service.
              • The Game of insurance - Tradeoffs in loss prevention and insurance
                Have you wondered how loss prevention affects your insurance costs? Brooks Kaiser will give insights to her empirical research on the understanding of the game of property insurance in the Danish market.

              Session 3: Science for Resilience

              Live session recording

              COVID-19 made it clear that we must be prepared to expect the unexpected and change mindsets from ‘just in time’ to ‘just in case’. Our closing keynote address will be given by Lord Toby Harris, chairman of the National Preparedness Commission, who will share his thoughts on how stress tests and preparedness must be core to national and business strategy.

              Panel session podcast

              Our panel moderated by Hélène Galy, WRN Director, explored how the conversation is shifting from risk (and passive resilience) to active resilience (with its growth mindset), leading to a more positive evaluation of the business case for investment in resilience.

              Moderator

              Helene Galy
              Helene Galy

              Willis Research Network


              Panellists

              Lord Toby Harris
              Lord Toby Harris

              Chair of the National Preparedness Commission


              Patricia Mackenzie
              Patricia Mackenzie

              Head of ERM
              Willis Towers Watson


              Tim Hodgson
              Tim Hodgson

              Co-head of the Thinking Ahead Institute
              Willis Towers Watson


              Professor Jim Hall
              Professor Jim Hall

              Director of Research in the School of Geography and the Environment


              Simon Ruffle
              Simon Ruffle

              Director of Research & Innovation
              Cambridge Centre for Risk Studies


              Video Player is loading.
              Panel Session: The shift from Risk to Resilience (audio only)
              Current Time 0:00
              Duration 51:22
              Loaded: 0.32%
              Stream Type LIVE
              Remaining Time 51:22
               
              1x
                • Chapters
                • descriptions off, selected
                • en (Main), selected
                Science for Resilience
                Watch more
                • Automated Regulatory Compliance
                  Prof. Alistair Milne, Professor of Financial Economics at Loughborough University discusses automated regulatory compliance and how lessons from RegTech in banking can be applied to the insurance industry.
                • Panel session on Geopolitical Risks and Trends
                  Neal Croft (Willis Towers Watson), Sir Richard Shirreff (Strategia Worldwide), Paul Davison (Willis Towers Watson: Financial Solutions) and Amalia Khachatryan (Oxford Analytica) discuss top Geopolitical risks and trends, risk mitigation strategies and how better insights can turn risk into opportunity from our 2019 WRN Conference.
                • From Battlefield to Boardroom: Insights into geopolitical drivers of risk and opportunities
                  Sir Richard Shirreff, NATO’s former Deputy Supreme Commander Europe, surveys the Geopolitical landscape and explores opportunities which boardrooms should consider in order to manage risk effectively.

                Visit the Willis Research Network page for more information.


                Contact us