Interdisciplinarity in practice: reflections from early-career researchers developing a risk-informed decision support environment for Tomorrow's cities

The concept of disaster risk is cross-disciplinary by nature and reducing disaster risk has become of interest for various disciplines. Yet, moving from a collection of multiple disciplinary perspectives to integrated interdisciplinary disaster risk approaches remains a fundamental challenge. This paper reflects on the experience of a group of early-career researchers spanning physical scientists, engineers and social scientists from different organisations across the global North and global South who came together to lead the refinement, operationalisation and testing of a risk-informed decision support environment for Tomorrow's Cities (TCDSE). Drawing on the notions of subjects and boundary objects, members of the group reflect on their individual and collective journey of transgressing disciplinary boundaries across three case studies between June–December 2021: operationalisation process of the TCDSE; development of a virtual urban testbed as a demonstration case for the implementation of the TCDSE; and consolidation of frequently asked questions about the TCDSE for communication purposes. The paper argues that (1) the production of boundary objects in interdisciplinary research nurtures relations of reciprocal recognition and the emergence of interdisciplinary subjects; (2) the intrinsic characteristics of boundary objects define the norms of engagement between disciplinary subjects and constrain the expression of interdisciplinary contradictions; and (3) affects and operations of power explain the contingent settlement of interdisciplinary disagreements and the emergence of new knowledge. Activating the interdisciplinary capacities of early-career researchers across disciplines and geographies is a fundamental step towards transforming siloed research practices to reduce disaster risk

Cybershake NZ v19.5: New Zealand simulation-based probabilistic seismic hazard analysis

This poster presents the computational workflow and results of the May 2019 version (v19.5) of probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) in New Zealand (NZ) based on physics-based ground motion simulations (‘Cybershake NZ’). This version includes several notable advancements resulting from an improved velocity model (NZVM2.03) which now includes nine sedimentary basins across NZ (vs. 1 in v18.6), a NZ-wide Vs30 model, and revisions to the hybrid broadband ground motion simulation method of Graves and Pitarka (2010, 2015, 2016) based on simulation validation in Lee et al. (2019) which results in changes to the high-frequency path duration parametrization and removal of empirical site amplification in the low-frequency calculation

Cybershake NZ v19.5: New Zealand simulation-based probabilistic seismic hazard analysis

This paper presents a concise summary of the computational workflow and results of the May 2019 version (v19.5) of probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) in New Zealand based on physics based ground motion simulations (‘Cybershake NZ’). This version includes several notable advancements resulting from an improved velocity model (NZVM2.03) which now includes nine sedimentary basins across NZ (vs. one in v18.6), a NZ-wide Vs30 model, and revisions to the hybrid broadband ground motion simulation method of Graves and Pitarka (2016) based on simulation validation in Lee et al. (2020) which results in changes to the high-frequency path duration parametrization and removal of empirical site amplification in the low-frequency calculation. Advances planned for the next (2020) version are also summarised

Cybershake NZ v20.8: New Zealand simulation-based probabilistic seismic hazard analysis

Introduction: This poster presents the computational workflow and results of the August 2020 version (v20.8) of probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) in New Zealand (NZ) based on physics-based ground motion simulations (‘Cybershake NZ’). This version includes several notable advancements resulting from an improved NZ-wide Vs30 model, and revisions to the hybrid broadband ground motion simulation method of Graves and Pitarka (2010, 2015, 2016) based on simulation validation in Lee et al. (2019) which results in changes to the high-frequency method and the empirical site amplification factors around the transition frequency

Innovations in earthquake risk reduction for resilience: Recent advances and challenges

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (SFDRR) highlights the importance of scientific research, supporting the ‘availability and application of science and technology to decision making’ in disaster risk reduction (DRR). Science and technology can play a crucial role in the world's ability to reduce casualties, physical damage, and interruption to critical infrastructure due to natural hazards and their complex interactions. The SFDRR encourages better access to technological innovations combined with increased DRR investments in developing cost-effective approaches and tackling global challenges. To this aim, it is essential to link multi- and interdisciplinary research and technological innovations with policy and engineering/DRR practice. To share knowledge and promote discussion on recent advances, challenges, and future directions on ‘Innovations in Earthquake Risk Reduction for Resilience’, a group of experts from academia and industry met in London, UK, in July 2019. The workshop focused on both cutting-edge ‘soft’ (e.g., novel modelling methods/frameworks, early warning systems, disaster financing and parametric insurance) and ‘hard’ (e.g., novel structural systems/devices for new structures and retrofitting of existing structures, sensors) risk-reduction strategies for the enhancement of structural and infrastructural earthquake safety and resilience. The workshop highlighted emerging trends and lessons from recent earthquake events and pinpointed critical issues for future research and policy interventions. This paper summarises some of the key aspects identified and discussed during the workshop to inform other researchers worldwide and extend the conversation to a broader audience, with the ultimate aim of driving change in how seismic risk is quantified and mitigated