The summer of 2026 marks the fifth anniversary of the flood disaster in western Germany, and a conference entitled “Five Years After the 2021 Flood – Changing Research Perspectives” will be held in Remagen on July 2-3, 2026. Five years after the 2021 flood disaster, German-speaking disaster researchers are taking stock: What has been learned from scientific analysis – and where do questions remain unanswered? Which regions and topics have been well researched, and which have been neglected? And how can the ecological, social, and institutional changes triggered by the flood be recorded and shaped in a sustainable manner – especially in times of multiple crises?
The conference offers space for exchange, networking, and reflection. The aim is to highlight gaps in research, develop common perspectives, and strategically advance disaster research. In addition, five years after the flood, the reconstruction and rebuilding efforts will be scientifically assessed and insights that can be transferred to other regions will be gained. A publication of the results is planned.
The call for contributions specifically seeks contributions on the following topics:
- Taking stock – research successes, blind spots, and long-term studies
- Reconstruction and transformation – “Build Back Better & Greener”?
- Multi-crises: Research in the age of overlapping disasters
Further information on submissions (deadline: January 31, 2026) can be found here.
(Image source: AI-generated)