On October 20, the satellite symposium "Science, Data and Partnership for Disaster Risk Reduction", one of the key meetings of the Midterm Members' Meeting of the 2026 International Science Council (ISC) and the Beijing Science Dialogue, will be held at Beijing Normal University (BNU). The meeting is co-hosted by the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk Programme (IRDR) and BNU, and organized by the IRDR International Programme Office and the International Cooperation Laboratory, with support from a number of international institutions, including the ISC, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the Committee on Data of the International Science Council (CODATA). The one-day meeting will bring together more than 100 scientists, policymakers, and practitioners from international organizations such as ISC, UNDRR, the World Bank (WBG), and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), as well as leading research institutions and universities around the world, for in-depth discussions on frontier issues in disaster risk science.

The satellite symposia are aligned with the theme of the 2026 ISC Midterm Members' Meeting, "Science in a Complex World—Science for a Better Future," and aim to deepen the integration of scientific knowledge, data governance, and partnerships in the field of disaster risk reduction, while advancing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

Highlight 1: Four Themes Spanning the Full Chain of Disaster Risk Science

The satellite symposia feature four thematic discussions, covering the entire chain of disaster risk science, from economic analysis to data technology, and from climate change to systemic risks — reflecting the latest trend in international disaster risk research: a shift from single-hazard and single-sector approaches toward multi-hazard, multi-scale, and multi-system integrated governance.

Highlight 2: Major Deliverables to Translate Science into Policy Tools

The meeting will release a number of major deliverables, reflecting latest progress in translating scientific findings into policy tools, including the beta version of the IRDR Research Agent, the IRDR Policy Brief Systematizing Vulnerability, and disaster risk reduction recommendations for the Beijing Declaration.

Highlight 3: Experts Convening for Interdisciplinary, Cross-Regional Dialogue

The meeting brings together nearly 100 experts from more than ten countries and international organizations, spanning the natural sciences, the social sciences, data science, engineering, and public policy. Drawing on diverse disciplinary perspectives and regional experience, they will engage in in-depth dialogue on theoretical frontiers, methodological innovation, and policy practice in disaster risk science.

Highlight 4: Aligned with the Theme, Serving the Global Science-Policy Agenda

The satellite symposia is a key component of the 2026 ISC Midterm Members‘ Meeting and the Beijing Science Dialogue. It is closely aligned with the meeting's theme, "Science in a Complex World-Science for a Better Future," advancing science as a global public good and deepening the interplay between science, society, and trust.

Highlight 5: Study Visits Showcasing China's Disaster Risk Reduction Practices

During the meeting, the organizers will arrange visits to relevant research facilities at BNU. These visits will showcase BNU's interdisciplinary research strengths and platform development, offer international guests a window into China's disaster risk reduction technology and education practices, and foster exchange and collaboration between Chinese and international scientists.