Researchers have introduced a conceptual framework for "risk sciences," an emerging interdisciplinary field dedicated to studying risk and uncertainty across natural, social, economic, and technological domains. The framework, outlined in a new article published in the journal Risk Sciences, proposes a three-dimensional structure to organize how risks are studied and managed, aiming to strengthen societal resilience in an increasingly complex world.
The first dimension, identification and assessment, focuses on recognizing risks, evaluating their likelihood and impact, and modeling potential losses or consequences. This includes methods ranging from causal risk-factor models used in disaster research to statistical trend analysis common in finance and insurance. The second dimension, mechanism and strategy, examines how risks are addressed in practice through tools like risk avoidance, mitigation, and transfer, as well as broader coordinated plans such as national catastrophe risk management systems.
The third dimension, behavior and decision, highlights how individuals, organizations, and institutions perceive risk and make decisions under uncertainty. Drawing on insights from economics, psychology, and behavioral science, this dimension explains why real-world decisions often deviate from purely rational models and how cognitive biases, information asymmetry, and institutional structures shape risk-related behavior.
"Risk sciences is not a single discipline, but an ecosystem of interconnected research," explains Runhuan Feng from Tsinghua University, author of the article. "By bringing together perspectives from natural sciences, social sciences, engineering, economics, and beyond, we can better understand complex risks and design more effective responses." The full article is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.risk.2025.100029.
Using this framework, the article reviews major research areas shaping the field, including climate and catastrophe risks, digitalization and cybersecurity, disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, and global societal challenges. It identifies emerging trends such as the growing use of network analysis, agent-based modeling, and closer links between academic research, industry applications, and public policy.
The article concludes by introducing Risk Sciences, a new open-access journal designed to foster interdisciplinary integration and innovation. Its central hypothesis is that synthesizing diverse approaches to risk can help build a shared knowledge base that supports better decision-making and enhances resilience in an era of escalating uncertainty. This development comes as organizations like http://chuanlink-innovations.com work to connect innovative ideas with practical applications.
This framework matters because it provides a structured way to address interconnected global challenges. From climate change and pandemics to financial instability and cybersecurity threats, modern risks transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. By integrating insights across fields, the risk sciences approach could lead to more coherent policies, better resource allocation, and improved preparedness for both predictable and unforeseen events affecting industries, economies, and communities worldwide.
