CONVERGE-ing in Real-Time Surrounding Disaster Events

Thursday, July 17, 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. MDT
Location: Ponderosa

Facilitator

Recent overwhelming interest in initiating research activities in Los Angeles surrounding the 2025 wildfires has offered a reminder of the need for established coordination, networks, and norms in place as hazard and disaster researchers initiate work with impacted communities. Many in the hazard and disaster communities have been deeply engaged and informed by the CONVERGE model of research collaboration. So much so that a growing number of researchers and practitioners have worked to create integrated networks and collaborations, in response to major disaster events emerging in our own communities. Exploring the experiences of these groups provides an opportunity to learn the opportunities, difficulties, and lessons learned from trying to establish these networks to guide research activities as they unfold in real-time. Speakers in this session will include individuals who have previously or are currently engaging in the process of building CONVERGE-style networks surrounding disaster events, as part of an effort to share lessons learned in creating pathways for more integrated, collaborative, and equity-driven research responses in impacted communities.