UCL Risk & Disaster Reduction at New Scientist Live

Inspiring careers in STEM

Professor Joanna Faure Walker, Head of Department for UCL Risk & Disaster Reduction (RDR), joined the 'Your future… protecting our environment' panel, part of the 'Your Future in STEM' programme. Hosted by New Scientist editor Catherine de Lange, the discussion invited students to consider how they can play their part in preserving the planet for future generations.

Alongside Professor Joanna Faure Walker, the panel featured Dr Ami Sawran (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) and Stephen Evans (Harper Adams University). Together, they explored career paths ranging from disaster risk reduction to animal welfare and sustainable farming, encouraging pupils to imagine their own futures in STEM.

Seismic secrets

Later in the day, Professor Walker delivered a talk on the Our Planet Stage: 'Seismic secrets: how to forecast earthquakes.' She revealed how landscapes hold vital clues about past seismic events and how scientists use these to assess where earthquakes might strike next. From simple field measurements to advanced risk models, the session highlighted how interdisciplinary research helps reduce disaster risk and protect lives.

Meeting tomorrow's changemakers

Alongside the talks, UCL RDR staff and students ran a series of hands‑on activities at the department’s stand. They gave curious visitors the chance to explore disaster preparedness and resilience in action:

• VR city planning experience: PhD student Umut Lagap guided visitors through Cities: VR. This five‑minute immersive simulation shows how energy, water, transport, and health systems interconnect in urban life and how disasters can disrupt them.
• Build a go‑bag: Visitors faced a scenario of a major London storm. They had to choose five essential items from a table of 20, justifying their decisions and comparing them with staff and student choices.
• Disaster preparedness snakes and ladders: A flood‑themed board game run by Dr Dan Haines, giving players a playful but thought‑provoking look at the challenges of resilience.
• Profiles and posters: Displays showcased alumni career pathways, staff research, and an interactive alumni flow chart quiz on tablet.
• WASH and shelter corner: Real‑world equipment including Oxfam hand‑washing stations, solar lighting, stoves, blankets, and a tent‑like shelter. Professor Mohammad Shamsudduha also demonstrated water salinity testing.

These activities gave pupils a chance to step into the shoes of disaster risk professionals, sparking conversations about resilience, preparedness, and the role of science in protecting communities.

Showcasing UCL RDR’s impact

New Scientist Live was an opportunity to showcase UCL RDR’s world‑leading research and teaching to thousands of young people, teachers, and families. It reflects our mission: to educate the changemakers of the future and to share research that addresses some of the most pressing global challenges.