The RIMMA2025 conference, held for the first time in Switzerland at the University of Bern from January 27th to 31st, 2025, brought together around 230 participants from 30 countries. Co-organized by leading experts from the University of Bern, ETH Zurich, and the Swiss Federal Government, the conference focused on the integrated management of natural hazards and risks, with a particular emphasis on real-time data, effective warnings, and visualization. Experts in meteorology, disaster management, cartography, and risk communication gathered to discuss key topics like user-centered information management, the economic impacts of natural hazards, and the role of advanced technologies like AI in early warning systems. The diverse range of contributions, from global challenges to local solutions, provided a rich environment for lively discussions and knowledge sharing.
The event also featured inspiring keynote lectures, including ICA President Georg Gartner’s talk on the relevance of cartography in natural hazards, and workshops on topics such as disaster management with GeoAI. Participants enjoyed interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and exciting excursions, including a visit to the high-altitude research station at Jungfrau Joch. The event received positive feedback for successfully bridging various disciplines and fostering collaboration between sectors that typically work in silos. The proceedings of RIMMA2025 will be published soon, with selected contributions appearing in a special issue of the International Journal of Cartography. The full report on the successful conference can be found here.
(Image source: ©Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research (OCCR))